PIERRE, S.D. – Taking those first steps towards owning your own ranching or farming operation is a big one.
To help new ranchers and farmers get into the business, the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers (ACBFR) was established in 1992. The committee advises the Secretary of Agriculture to enhance USDA’s goals for new farming and ranching operations. Members of the public are invited to submit nominations for themselves or other qualified experts by October 10, 2023.
“New and beginning farmers and ranchers – whether they come from farm/ranch families or are beginning their careers in agriculture – face unique challenges in accessing the land, credit, and training they need to succeed,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA is committed to helping the beginning rancher or farmer, the young rancher or farmer, access and make use of USDA programs.”
USDA is soliciting nominations to serve on the advisory committee from interested organizations and individuals from among ranching and farming producers, related state and tribal agricultural entities, academic institutions, commercial banking entities, trade associations, and related nonprofit enterprises. An organization may nominate individuals from within or outside its membership. Interested candidates may also nominate themselves
