USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Webinar to be held March 4

Understanding the many resources available to beginning farmers can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Minnesota will host a public webinar with the University of Minnesota Extension on March 4, 2021. The 45-minute presentation includes speakers from Minnesota FSA, Risk Management Agency (crop insurance), Rural Development, and Natural Resources Conservation Service on the programs and services available to beginning farmers. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of each agency and the resources they can provide. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions of the USDA staff on the call.

Webinar for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Thursday, March 4, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (CST) Register for the March 4th webinar at z.umn.edu/BeginningFarmerMeeting

Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to participate in this meeting should contact Daniel Mahoney at (651) 602-7710, or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339, and daniel.mahoney@usda.gov by March 2, 2021.

This webinar is being offered as part of USDA’s Beginning Farmer Rancher Program. Beginning Farmers and Ranchers interested in learning more about what USDA has to offer can visit farmers.gov/newfarmers. At the forefront of USDA’s mission is the support provided to farmers to help them start and continue farming. Customers can also work directly with their local USDA Service Center to identify resources and apply for USDA programs. To find your local service center visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator.

All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including those that restrict in-person visits or require appointments. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Our program delivery staff will continue to work with our producers by phone, email and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.