In the world of agriculture, the USDA plays a crucial role in supporting farmers and ranchers across the United States. One significant initiative by the USDA is the identification and recognition of Historically Underserved (HUFR) Farmers and Ranchers, who have faced historical disadvantages or discrimination in federal policies and programs. In this blog post, we will delve into the four groups defined by the USDA as Historically Underserved – Beginning, Socially Disadvantaged, Veterans, and Limited Resource – and explore the specific criteria that determine eligibility. Additionally, we'll highlight the importance of understanding the nuanced differences in eligibility criteria between NRCS, FSA, and RMA, especially for veterans seeking support.

The term "Historically Underserved Farmers" encompasses four distinct groups, each facing unique challenges in the agricultural landscape. These groups include Beginning Farmers, Socially Disadvantaged farmers, Veterans, and Limited Resource farmers. Understanding the specific criteria for each group is essential for farmers and ranchers seeking USDA support.

Recognizing the need for inclusivity and equitable access to services, the USDA has implemented special provisions, including incentives, waivers, and priorities for producers who meet the HU criteria. This support extends to financial assistance for conservation practices, dedicated conservation funding, loan allocations, and access to advance payments for conservation practice implementation.

While veterans form a vital part of the Historically Underserved category, it's crucial to note that the eligibility criteria may differ between USDA agencies. For the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA), “veterans must be individuals who have served in the armed forces, including a reserve component, were released from service under conditions other than dishonorable, and qualify as BFR.” Additionally, veterans must have either obtained veteran status during the last 10 years (for NRCS and FSA) or within the last five years for the Risk Management Agency (RMA). This emphasizes the need for veterans to understand the specific criteria for each agency to ensure they qualify for the intended benefits.

In conclusion, navigating the USDA's definition of Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers requires a comprehensive understanding of the criteria for each group. For veterans, it's essential to be aware of the differences in eligibility criteria between NRCS, FSA, and RMA to access the specific incentives and support available.

Your local FSA office can help determine eligibility and is available to all farmers. By staying informed, farmers and ranchers can leverage USDA programs to overcome historical disadvantages and build a sustainable future in agriculture.

For more information on go to: 

https://www.farmers.gov/sites/default/files/2022-07/farmersgov-historically-underserved-factsheet-07-20-2022.pdf

Thinking of starting an egg-laying business in Indiana? In addition to creating a thriving and sustainable operation, there are specific regulations and guidelines to navigate. In this blog post, we'll delve into the key steps and crucial details.

For those looking to establish an egg-laying business in Indiana, it's essential to understand the nuances of the state's regulations. Notably, Indiana offers an exemption for selling eggs directly from the location where they are produced. This exemption allows sales provided consumers pick up the eggs from the same location where the chickens are located, offering a streamlined approach for small-scale producers.

Navigating the vibrant farmers' market scene in Indiana requires adherence to specific regulations. Farmers intending to sell eggs at farmers' markets need to obtain a permit, which costs $20 and is issued annually from July 1 to June 30. Understanding the permit application process and complying with these requirements is crucial for ensuring a legal and successful presence at farmers' markets.

When bringing your farm-raised eggs to market, proper labeling is paramount. Indiana provides guidelines for labeling egg cartons, encompassing important information such as safe handling instructions, packer identification, packaging date, expiration dates, and grade and size specifications. It's important to note that if you are a packer with more than 3000 layers, additional labeling requirements may apply to meet USDA and FDA regulations.

It’s also a great idea to consult with your farm insurance agent and ask about liability coverage for selling your eggs to the public. Extra coverage may also be required to have an on-site farm store or roadside stand. Be sure to check with local and municipal zoning requirements for on-site businesses before getting started.

For more detailed information and resources, including USDA and FDA labeling regulations, farmers can refer to the Indiana State Egg Board's website: https://ag.purdue.edu/department/ansc/iseb/index.html

Calling all Indiana dairy farmers! As the calendar turned past to February 28, 2024, an essential opportunity is now knocking at your barn doors. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching the 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, and for Indiana, with more than 800 dairy farms housing over 174,000 dairy cows, this initiative holds special significance. With an average of 140 cows per farm, and over 97 percent of dairy farms in Indiana family-owned, the DMC program becomes a crucial lifeline for the state's dairy community.

The USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) has recognized the unique landscape of Indiana's dairy industry. Eligible dairy operations in the state now have the opportunity to make a one-time adjustment to their established production history, aligning with the needs of family-owned farms. This adjustment, which combines supplemental production history with DMC production history, is a tailored measure to provide flexibility and support for Indiana dairy operations. To find your local USDA FSA office go to: https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator

For Indiana dairy farmers signing up for the 2024 DMC coverage, payments may kick in as early as March 4, 2024. This quick initiation ensures that Hoosier producers can promptly benefit from the program, especially for payments triggered in January 2024. The program's goal is to offer timely financial support to Indiana's dairy farms, fostering stability and resilience.

For more information on this program go to:

https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/dairy-margin-coverage-program/index 

Embarking on a farming journey after military service can be both exciting and challenging. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is here to offer support, specifically for those who served in the Armed Forces and are diving into agriculture. Let's break down who exactly is considered a "Veteran Farmer" (VFR) according to the USDA, and explore how eligibility criteria may differ across USDA agencies.

Meet Peter - A Not-Quite Veteran Farmer:

Meet Pete, a seasoned veteran who completed his active duty back in 1999. While Peter has a rich history of military service, he falls just outside the USDA's criteria for a Veteran Farmer. The USDA defines VFRs as individuals who engaged in farming for no more than 10 years and obtained veteran status within the most recent 10-year period.

Eligibility Criteria Across USDA Agencies:

Here's where it gets interesting. The USDA, through agencies like the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA), has specific criteria for determining who qualifies as a Veteran Farmer, and these criteria can differ.

• NRCS and FSA Criteria: An individual qualifies as a VFR if they have served in the armed forces, were released under conditions other than dishonorable, and either qualifies as a beginning farmer or rancher (BFR) or first obtained veteran status during the last 10 years.

• Risk Management Agency (RMA) Criteria: Similarly, for crop insurance purposes, an individual qualifies as a VFR if they have served in the armed forces, were released under conditions other than dishonorable, and first obtained veteran status during the last 5 years.

  Ownership in Legal Entities:

  The USDA also acknowledges legal entities or operations where at least 50 percent ownership is held by VFR individuals. For FSA Farm Loan Programs, the majority of the entity must be owned by VFR individuals, with an exception for married couples, where just one of the spouses must be a VFR.

For newcomers in the farming world, understanding the USDA's definition of a Veteran Farmer is key to accessing the right support. While someone like Pete might not qualify as a VFR for certain programs, there are still various resources available to help him on his farming journey. As the agricultural community continues to evolve, the USDA remains committed to assisting all veterans transitioning into this rewarding field, tailoring support through different agencies to cater to their unique needs.

Follow the link below get your free copy of Historically Underserved Farmer Guide from USDA:

https://www.farmers.gov/sites/default/files/2022-07/farmersgov-historically- underserved-factsheet-07-20-2022.pdf

https://youtu.be/ieuUBUrgiD8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJNVXChoiOA

Above is the link to learn more about business planning for veterans in Ag. Starting a business can be stressful, but we hope this webinar can cure a few headaches. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Katie or Joe.