What the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Does
The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) is a grant program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that funds training, education, and planning services for people starting farms or ranches. The money goes to organizations — universities, nonprofits, and agricultural groups — not directly to individual farmers. Those organizations then use the grants to offer courses, workshops, mentoring, and business planning help to beginning farmers in their region.
The program does not give money to farmers themselves. Instead, it pays for the educational services and support that help new farmers learn how to start and run their operations. If you are starting a farm or ranch, you would look for a local organization that has received BFRDP funding and then take part in their programs, usually at no cost to you.
Key Takeaways
- BFRDP grants go to organizations like universities and nonprofits, which then offer free or low-cost training and mentoring to beginning farmers in their area.
- The program covers topics like business planning, financial management, crop production, livestock management, and marketing strategies for new agricultural operations.
- To find programs near you, search the USDA BFRDP website or contact your state's agricultural extension office, which often receives and runs these grants.
- Beginning farmers are typically defined as those who have operated a farm for ten years or less and own less than fifty percent of the land they farm.
- Programs vary by region and funding year, so availability and topics change — checking directly with your local agricultural extension or USDA office gives you current options.
Who Runs BFRDP Programs and Where to Find Them
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. NIFA awards grants to organizations in each state, and those organizations deliver the actual training and support. Common grant recipients include university extension offices, agricultural nonprofits, farm bureaus, and community colleges.
Your state's agricultural extension office is usually the fastest place to start. Extension offices are connected to land-grant universities and often run BFRDP-funded programs themselves. You can find your state extension office through the USDA NIFA website or by searching "[your state] agricultural extension." Many extension offices maintain lists of all BFRDP programs operating in their state and can tell you which ones match your type of farming or ranching.
The USDA also maintains a searchable database of BFRDP-funded projects on the NIFA website. You can filter by state and see which organizations received grants, what topics they cover, and how to contact them. This database updates as new grants are awarded each year.
What Topics and Training BFRDP Programs Cover
BFRDP-funded programs teach practical skills for starting and running a farm or ranch. Common topics include business planning and financial management, farm accounting and record-keeping, crop production techniques, livestock management and health, marketing and direct sales, soil health and sustainable practices, and water management and irrigation.
Programs also often include one-on-one mentoring, where experienced farmers or agricultural advisors work with beginning farmers to develop a business plan, troubleshoot problems, or plan for the next growing season. Some programs pair new farmers with established farmers in their area for hands-on learning.
The specific topics offered depend on which organization received the grant and what region you are in. A program in a grain-producing state will focus on crops, while a program in a ranching region will emphasize livestock. When you contact a program, ask what topics they cover in the current year, since offerings can shift based on funding and participant needs.
How Beginning Farmers Are Defined
The USDA defines a beginning farmer or rancher as someone who has operated a farm or ranch for ten years or less. Additionally, the person must own less than fifty percent of the land they farm or ranch — this means you can be a beginning farmer even if you rent or lease most of your land.
Some programs may have additional requirements or slightly different definitions, so when you contact a program, confirm that you meet their specific criteria. Generally, if you have been farming for a decade or less and do not own the majority of your land, you will be considered a beginning farmer for BFRDP purposes.
What BFRDP Programs Usually Cost
Most BFRDP-funded training and workshops are free or very low-cost to participants. Because the grant money pays for the program, organizations can offer courses, mentoring, and planning services without charging farmers. Some programs may ask for a small registration fee to cover materials or meals, but this is typically minimal.
One-on-one mentoring and business planning information are also usually free when provided through a BFRDP-funded program. If a program does charge a fee, they will tell you upfront. If cost is a barrier, mention it when you contact the program — many have scholarships or can waive fees for farmers facing financial hardship.
How to Connect With a BFRDP Program Near You
Start by contacting your state's agricultural extension office. Tell them you are a beginning farmer or rancher and ask what BFRDP programs are currently running in your area. Extension staff can describe the programs, explain what they cover, and help you register.
You can also search the USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program database directly. Visit the NIFA website, find the BFRDP project search tool, and filter by your state. The database shows each funded project, the organization running it, and contact information. Reach out to the organizations that match your farming type or interests.
If you cannot find a program in your when ready area, check neighboring states or ask your extension office about online or regional programs. Some BFRDP-funded organizations offer virtual training or workshops that serve farmers across multiple states.
What Happens After You Connect With a Program
Once you contact a BFRDP program, staff will ask about your farming operation, your experience level, and what you want to learn. They will then recommend courses, workshops, or mentoring that fit your needs. Many programs ask you to attend an orientation or initial meeting to understand how they work and what to expect.
From there, you can enroll in specific workshops, join a cohort of beginning farmers that meets regularly, or start one-on-one mentoring sessions. Programs typically run throughout the year, with some workshops offered seasonally (for example, spring planting workshops or fall harvest planning). You can usually join at any point during the year, though some cohort-based programs have set start dates.
If you are working on a business plan, the program may assign you a mentor or business advisor who meets with you regularly to develop your plan, review your finances, and help you think through decisions. This process usually takes several months and is tailored to your specific farm or ranch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to own my land to participate in a BFRDP program?
No. The USDA definition of a beginning farmer includes people who rent or lease their land, as long as they own less than fifty percent of it. Many beginning farmers participate in BFRDP programs while leasing land from a landlord or operating on a sharecropping arrangement.
Can I participate if I have been farming for more than ten years?
The standard BFRDP definition limits participation to farmers with ten years or less of experience. However, some programs may have slightly different rules, and some organizations offer related training for more experienced farmers. Contact your local program to ask whether they have options for your situation.
Are BFRDP programs only for crop farmers, or do they cover livestock and ranching too?
BFRDP programs cover both crops and livestock. The topics offered depend on the region and the organization running the program. A program in a ranching state will focus on cattle, sheep, or other livestock, while a program in an agricultural region may emphasize crops. Search the NIFA database or contact your extension office to find programs that match your type of farming.
What if there is no BFRDP program in my state?
Every state receives BFRDP funding, but the number of programs and their locations vary. If you cannot find a program in your when ready area, check neighboring states or ask your extension office about online or regional options. Some organizations offer virtual training that serves farmers across multiple states.
Can I get a BFRDP grant directly as a farmer?
No. BFRDP grants go to organizations like universities, nonprofits, and agricultural groups. Those organizations then use the money to offer free or low-cost training and support to beginning farmers. If you are a beginning farmer, you participate in programs funded by these grants, but you do not receive the grant money yourself.