Help for Beginning Farmers

If you’ve decided to try your hand in the farming business, we’d like to be the first to congratulate you on your decision.  Whether you seek to do this full time or part time, for a living or for fun, farming is one of the most rewarding experiences there is.

It’s also a lot of hard work.  It’s important to understand the commitment it takes to nurture even one plant from seed to fruit, let alone a hundred plants or a hundred acres.  So Progressive Farm Credit has compiled a few tips and resources here to help you get off on the right foot toward success in your life as a farmer:

1. Talk to other farmers – Get the whole story and learn what to expect by simply talking to other farmers.  Resources like our Farmers’ Forum can put you in touch with an entire network of successful farmers who have seen the ups and down of the business first hand.
   
   
   
2. Know the Politics of Farming – If this is your first foray into farming, utilize every available resource.  It’s important to understand that there are a lot of political activities in play at all times that affect the life and work of the American farmer.  Gain an understanding of the past legislation that has shaped our lives and stay on top of current changes to be your best.  If you have questions, stay on top of state policy by contacting the Missouri Department of Agriculture with questions. 
   
   
   
3. Understand your trade – Visit the University of Missouri Extension Services.  Research the history of farming in this area and gain an understanding of the land you plan to work and the crops you plan to grow.  The first seed a new farmer should plant is the seed of knowledge.
   
   
   
4. Learn about farm finance- When it comes to success on the farm, it’s important to understand the financial side of the business.  Progressive Farm Credit offers a unique program called the Young, Beginning and Small (YBS) Farmer Program.  The YBS is designed to offer financing opportunities to inexperienced or small farmers who would otherwise not qualify.  To learn more, visit with the experts at your local Progressive Farm Credit office.

These tips will get you off on the right foot as a farmer here in Southeast Missouri.  We all want to see you succeed and reach your goals as a farmer.  If Progressive Farm Credit can be of service in that endeavor, remember we’re just a click or a call away.