The Start2Farm site and program are a project of the National Agricultural Library in partnership with the American Farm Bureau Federation. Start2Farm is funded through a USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Beginning Farming and Ranching Development Program grant and was developed to assist people new to farming or ranching and those who have less than 10 years experience.
Start2Farm has two primary mandates:
The first is to develop a Curriculum and Training Clearinghouse for new and beginning farmers. This clearinghouse database is available through Start2Farm.gov and features information and resources for training and assistance programs available throughout the country, including those produced through the NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. The Start2Farm clearinghouse will serve as a one-stop reference for anyone looking for programs and resources to start farming and to be successful in their first years as a farmer or rancher.
The second is to organize a national Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Conference. The conference provides an opportunity for farmers to meet and learn from experts and to network with other farmers from around the country. The first Beginning Farmer and Rancher Conference was held in Orlando, FL on February 6 and 7, 2011 in conjunction with the Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher annual meeting.
Learn more – HERE
