Farming and Ranching
We maintain a strong safety net for America's farmers, ranchers and growers that includes assistance to struggling industries, disaster assistance, crop insurance, technical assistance, access to credit and help producers implement conservation practices.
Landowner and Producer Kim Renfroe-Johnson monitors the offload of corn coming in from the Renfroe Farms fields where the family utilizes conservation practices developed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA PHOTO BY LANCE CHEUNG
USDA works everyday to strengthen the American agricultural economy. Despite the difficult economic climate of the past years, our efforts - coupled with the 2008 Farm Bill, the Recovery Act, and the hard work and resilience of America's farmers and ranchers - are helping American agriculture lead.
To ensure that America remains the world leader in crop production, we conduct cutting-edge agricultural research. And to build a stronger agricultural economy for future generations, we work to improve both domestic and international markets, to create new income opportunities - like renewable energy - for America's producers, and to grow the next generation of American farmers.
If you're new to farming and want to start a farm, start here. TheNew Farmers website offers a wealth of information and resources on how to start a farm, making a business plan, access to land and capital, risk management, taxes, safety, and more! Or take the shortcut anduse the Discovery Tool where you can answer a few questions to get personalized information.
Critical Resources
Agricultural Education and Outreach
This website provides curated tools and resources aimed at empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Animal Science
Through applied research and developing technology, USDA has made strides in the research of animal diseases, stress and well-being, veterinary biologics, and BSE. This new technology also is aimed at prevention of suffering and death caused by diseases in agriculturally important livestock and poultry.
Financial Resources for Farmers and Ranchers
USDA provides financial support including crop and livestock insurance, grants and loans, and disaster resources for farmers and ranchers.
Organic Farming
The USDA has a wealth of organic data for producers, processors, consumers, and researchers. We provide domestic and international price reporting, economic analyses, census data, and other information on organic production and marketing.
Plants and Crops
Control strategies are continuously being developed by USDA to reduce losses caused by plant diseases, pests, and weeds, which provide an effective system to maintain environmental quality.
Resources for Small and Mid-sized Farmers
Small and midsize producers provide new opportunities for American agriculture across the country. This page provides small and midsize producers valuable resources and program information about access to capital, land management and conservation practices, managing risk, finding local markets, and other educational resources.
