Veterans: Are you returning home to the family farm or ranch, or starting your own after military service?
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Transitioning to a new civilian career can be a big adjustment. USDA has resources to help. Learn how our programs can serve you, connect to USDA staff for support, and discover how other veterans have used USDA programs for their operations.
USDA Program Eligibility for Military Veteran Producers
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) includes program provisions that address the unique circumstances and concerns of underserved producers that include socially disadvantaged, beginning, limited resource, and veteran farmers and ranchers.
USDA defines a military veteran farmer or rancher as a producer who served in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, including the reserve components. All individual members of a legal entity or a joint operation must independently meet the veteran definition.
You can qualify for special provisions if you were released from service under conditions other than dishonorable and the qualifications below, by agency:
- Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – you must have operated a farm or ranch for less than 10 years or have first obtained status as a veteran during the most recent 10-year period.
- Risk Management Agency (RMA) – you must have first obtained veteran status during the most recent five-year period.
If you do not meet the USDA definition of a veteran, you may still qualify for special provisions as an underserved producer. Review the Guide to USDA Resources for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers for more information
Programs and Services
Because every agricultural operation is different, USDA offers a wide variety of programs and services including loans, conservation assistance, disaster recovery, and risk management options. Farmers.gov provides a wealth of information for farmers and ranchers interested in working with USDA.
To learn more or to apply for a program, Farm Service Agency or Natural Resources Conservation Service program, contact your local USDA Service Center.
Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the Risk Management Agency’s Agent Locator. If you have difficulty finding an agent, contact your RMA Regional Office.
If you inherited land without a clear title or documented legal ownership, learn more about how USDA can help Heirs’ Property Landowners establish a farm number to gain access to a variety of programs and services.
Special Provisions
While all USDA programs are available to all producers, there are specific incentives, priorities, and set asides for producers who have previously served in the Armed Forces. These provisions include:
Loans and Grants
- Microloans made to Veteran farmers do not count toward the total number of years that a farmer can receive assistance through FSA’s direct loan program.
- When there is limited loan funding, approved applications will be funded according to the date the application was received. If two or more applications are received on the same date, USDA will give preference to a veteran’s application. When applying for a direct loan, there is a requirement for three years of farm management. Loan applicants may substitute one of those three years if they have leadership or management experience while serving in any branch of the military.
- Direct Farm Ownership Down Payment Loan is a special type of Direct Farm Ownership loan program that partially finances the purchase of a family size farm or ranch.
- Value-Added Producer Grants – Beginning farmer and rancher veterans receive priority in the ranking process.
Protection and Recovery
- Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP) – reimbursement up to 90% of cost of losses.
- Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program – waived administrative fee and eligible for 50% premium reduction on buy up coverage.
- Agriculture Risk and Price Loss Coverage programs – eligible for payments on farms having 10 acres or less base acres.
- Dairy Margin Coverage – waive $100 annual administrative fee.
- Crop Insurance – Veteran producers should ask their crop insurance agent if they qualify for additional benefits provided to veterans.
Conservation
- For Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), State Offices can give ranking priority to applications.
- Veterans are included in 5% of EQIP and CSP funds set aside for beginning farmer or rancher and socially disadvantaged producers. The separate ranking pool increases the odds of selection for funding and veterans may receive funding priority.
- Veterans may be eligible for increased financial assistance rates for implementing conservation practices and plans.
- Veterans are eligible for Advance Payment under EQIP – provides at least 50% of the contracted payment for each conservation practice up front, before practice is implemented, to purchase materials or contract services.
Working with Us
Service Centers
Your first step should be to contact your local USDA Service Center and make an appointment. During your call, ask what documents are needed to help to make the most of your appointment.
Learn More About Visiting Your Local USDA Service Center
Coordinators
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinators are USDA team members in each state who can help you understand the USDA process and find the right assistance as you are starting out. Reach out to your state’s coordinator for one-on-one technical assistance and guidance. They can also connect you with organizations that specifically serve veteran farmers and ranchers.
View Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinators
Outreach
In addition to USDA team members at local Service Centers and crop insurance agents, USDA has outreach specialists who are well versed in programs and services administered by FSA and NRCS.
Find Outreach Coordinators at FSA
Find Outreach Coordinators at NRCS
Get Involved
USDA encourages farmers to participate in leadership opportunities including County Office Committees and Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which help with delivery of Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service programs, research and promotion programs, and federal advisory committees.
Get Involved With Your Agricultural Community
You might also find the following interesting:
“Fridays on the Farm: From Veteran to Beginning Farmer”
