There are countless resources available to assist farmers and ranchers, whether you’re an experienced producer or planning to go into farming down the road. Below are some of the more popular resources that you may find useful, but if you need help finding a resource to support you, let us get you with someone in your area who might be able to assist. Use the Contact page to send us a message.
Farming is rewarding, but it also comes with many challenges. We encourage new and aspiring farmers to become familiar with the resources and support available to them, and we recommend planning out their path to farming. Here are resources to help you get started.
Farmers.gov – How to Start a Farm: Beginning Farmers & Ranchers. Step-by-step guide on how to start your farm. How to Start a Farm: Beginning Farmers & Ranchers.
Texas Farm Bureau – Small Farm & Ranch Resources. Resources for a wide range of topics pertinent to starting a farm in Texas. Texas Farm Bureau Resources.
NCAT ATTRA – Farm Start-up Resources & Training. Collection of articles, videos, resources, and training for new farmers. Farm Start-Up Resources & Training
Articles, resources, and training for new farmers.
Cornell Small Farms Program – Plan Your Farm. Free, self-paced online course for planning your farm. Ideal for aspiring farmers. Cornell Small Farms Program – Plan Your Farm
Having a business plan for your farm is a wise practice that prompts you to think through important variables for running a successful farm. A business plan is often needed for grant requests and loan applications. These resources focus on creating farm business plans and budgets.
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) – Building a Sustainable Business. Step-by-step guide on how to build a business plan for your farm. Includes worksheets, examples, and additional resources. Free to download, or you can order a print copy. Guide – Building a Sustainable Business
AgPlan. This free online tool guides you through creating each section of a business plan for your farm and includes examples. AgPlan – Farm Business Plan Creation Tool
SCORE – USDA: Mentoring and Resources. Offering one-on-one coaching and mentoring for farmers from a business perspective. SCORE – USDA: Mentoring
Ag Marketing Resource Center: Business Development Resources. Collection of resources focused on business and financial management concepts, business planning, and budgets. Worksheets and explanations for important topics. AgMRC Business Development
Farm Budgets. Budgeting is important for successful farming. When getting started it’s helpful to begin with examples of budgets as a starting point. These resources provide examples of farm budgets for many enterprises from across the country.
Support. The Small Producer Initiative (SPI) provides Financial Education opportunities to include a Grant & Loan Mentor Program and Financial Mentorship with Good Roots.
Searching for Property. If planning to purchase property, For finding available land, we recommend using multiple search platforms. Some smaller or owner-listed properties may appear on one site but not another. Here are some popular sites.
Just because land is available does not mean it will meet your farm goals. Infrastructure, utilities, soil types, easements, restrictions, and access to markets are all important variables to consider. Here are some resources to help evaluate the land.
Land for Good – How to Find, Assess & Secure Farmland. Some information in this guide is specific to other regions, but there are many useful checklists and advice on finding appropriate land applicable to any location. Guide – How to Find, Assess, and Secure Farmland
Farm Credit – 10-Step Checklist for Buying Rural Land. Timeless advice on considerations before buying rural land.
Checklist for Buying Rural Property
NRCS Web Soil Survey (WSS). WSS can help you understand the type of soils on a property and its potential for production. If not familiar with WSS, here’s a tutorial video on how to use it. Web Soil Survey
USGS – The National Map. Several tools for understanding topography and hydrography features on a defined area. The National Map
Texas State Law Library – Easements. Overview of easements and associated laws in Texas and instructions on how to find out if there are easements on a property you’re considering buying. Law Library - Easements
Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB). Loans specifically for veterans to purchase land in Texas, normally at better rates than other lenders. They also auction land with some special auctions for veterans to bid. Texas VLB
Texas A&M AgriLife – Owning Your Piece of Texas. Overview of key laws than Texas landowners need to know.
Texas A&M AgriLife – Ranchers’ Agricultural Leasing Handbook. Overview of how to create fair and safe lease agreements for all parties involved. Leasing Handbook
USDA Statistics – Texas Cash Rent Estimates. Estimates for cost to rent farmland by county, broken out by pasture, irrigated cropland, and non-irrigated cropland. Texas Cash Rent Estimates by County
County Appraisal Districts. Be sure to check for the associated county appraisal district (CAD) website where you should be able to find interactive maps for viewing information on a property.
Understanding and creating the right business structure helps farms manage risk, protect personal assets, and clarify legal and tax responsibilities. A proper structure also supports access to financing, grants, and partnerships by showing the farm is organized and credible. Over time, it makes growth, succession, and decision-making more efficient and sustainable.
Farm Commons’ Business Structure Resources. Offers detailed guides and checklists on different farm business entities and how to choose among them. Farm Business Structure Basics
SARE’s Farmers’ Guide to Business Structures. A comprehensive handbook (including sample operating agreements) on LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and more. SARE Guide to Business Structures
USDA’s Farmers.gov Business Planning & Structure Info. USDA resources for beginning farmers on planning your operation and legal structure options. How to Start a Farm – Build Your Business
National Farmers Union Farm Business Toolbox. A business health resource with sections on business formation and structure basics. Farm Business Toolbox
Texas A&M Ag Law Blog. Collection of posts on topics of business structure for farms in Texas. Ag Law Blog
Texas Secretary of State – Entity Formation FAQs. List of FAQs and instructions for forming business entities in Texas. Texas Entity Formation FAQs
Loans are often necessary for farm businesses to cover high upfront costs such as land, equipment, livestock, and infrastructure. Understanding loan options and processes helps farmers choose financing that matches their cash flow, reduces risk, and avoids costly mistakes. Being informed also improves approval chances and supports long-term financial stability.
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Programs. FSA offers a variety of loan options for purchasing land, equipment, and operating expenses. Rates are competitive with traditional lenders. Notable FSA loan programs include:
FSA offers several other types of loan programs such as Emergency Loans, Youth Loans, Storage Facility Loans, and others. Visit the FSA Farm Loan Program site to see all the options, or use their Loan Assistance Tool to explore what options might be best for you. Contact your local FSA office to discuss applications and eligibility. Use the USDA Service Center Locator to find your local FSA office. For more in-depth explanation of FSA loan programs, visit this FSA Education Hub on FarmRaise’s website.
Traditional Lending Options. You might find using a traditional lending organization like banks or credit unions to be simpler than USDA loans or more competitive. Look for lending organizations that have experience with agriculture operations and associated expenses. Notable options include:
Non-Traditional Lending Options. There are many organizations that provide loans to farmers for niche or specific operations. Here are just a few.
Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Programs. TDA offers programs to assist with lessening the burden of farm-related loans
Support. The Small Producer Initiative (SPI) provides Financial Education opportunities to include a Grant & Loan Mentor Program and Financial Mentorship with Good Roots.
Accessing grant funding is a great way to acquire necessary resources to begin, improve, or expand farm operations. For new and aspiring farmers, be aware that grants for purchasing land are rare and not known to exist in Texas (there are a handful of options in other states but have limited funds and are typically designed as cost-sharing programs).
Tips for Strong Grant Applications. Grants are competitive, and it’s wise to learn how to submit strong applications to improve your chances of receiving funding. Check out our article on tips for strong grant applications, which is written in the context of the FVC Fellowship Fund but the concepts are applicable to any grant you pursue. Grant Application Tips
Here are some grants and financial support programs that farmer veterans in Texas might be eligible for. Note: Special thanks to the Texas Center for Local Food in sharing their list of grant programs with us.
American Farmland Trust - Brighter Future Fund (BFF).
Grants for projects that promote farm resilience and innovation. Target audience is historically underserved producers, which includes veterans. Typically, a short application window in the summer. Brighter Future Fund
Capital Farm Credit – GROW Your AgriRoots Contest. $10,000 for emerging producers who demonstrate leadership, financial responsibility, and community involvement. AgriRoots Contest
Community Alliance with Family Farmers – Small Farm Innovation Challenge. Grants for tech-based innovations that will help small-scale agriculture compete, survive and thrive. Small Farm Innovation Challenge
Dauntless Veteran Foundation (DVF) Agriculture Grant Program. For veterans and their dependents seeking financial support and are, or aspiring to be, farmers, value-added producers, or pupils in agriculture. DVF Ag Grant Program
Farmer Veteran Coalition Fellowship Fund. Up to $5,000 for veterans to purchase equipment and implement projects. Applications open in January and are due in mid-February. Fellowship Fund
Food Animal Concern Trust (FACT) Fund-a-Farmer Grant. Small grants to improve welfare of livestock. Their website provides resources for submitting competitive applications. Typically, the application window is in late fall or winter. Fund-A-Farmer Grant
GO TEXAN Marketing Enhancement Grant Assistance (MEGA) Programs. Funding for GO TEXAN partners to assist with marketing and promotion of certified Texas agricultural products. MEGA Info
Hello Alice Small Business Grants. Small business grants and resources. Hello Alice Grants
Livestock Conservancy Microgrant Program. Supports farm-related operations for specific livestock breeds. Live Stock Conservancy Grants
NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Contracts to producers for improving conservation practices on their land. CSP in Texas
NRCS Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). Cost-sharing program that provides funds to implement conservation projects such as cross-fencing, livestock water access, cover cropping, pasture improvement, and more. EQIP in Texas
Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) Farmer-Led Trials Program. Technical assistance and funding for organic farmers to conduct on-farm research. Farmer-Led Trials Program
Small Business Administration (SBA) – Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR). Provides small businesses with funding to help with innovation. SBIR Info
Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) Producer Grants. Enables farmers and ranchers to test a sustainable agriculture idea using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, or other techniques. SARE Producer Grants
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Grants for Heavy-Duty Vehicles & Equipment. Provides funding to upgrade or replace diesel vehicles and equipment in certain areas of Texas. TCEQ Grants
Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Grant Programs. TDA offers a variety of grant programs that assist farmers in production, specialty crops and organic production, health & nutrition, economic development, and relief programs. View the extensive list on the TDA Grant website. Notable TDA grants include:
Texas Food & Wine Alliance – Culinary Grant Program. Applicable to farmers and others in culinary industry, for projects that show innovation and give back to communities. Culinary Grant Program
Texas Women’s University – Texas Rural Woman Grant. Encourages and enables rural woman-owned, small businesses to undertake new and innovative projects. Rural Woman Grant
Texas Women’s University – StartHER Grant. Supports women-owned startups in driving early-stage growth. StartHER Grant
Texas Women’s University – Veteran Woman Grant. This grant program is aimed specifically at helping veterans and is open to women entrepreneurs throughout Texas. Veteran Woman Grant
The Fruit Guys Community Fund. Grants up to $5,000 for farms smaller than 250 acres. Projects that promote sustainable practices and community impact are prioritized. Fruit Guys Community Fund
USDA Ag Marketing Service (AMS) Grants. Several grant programs for a variety of farm product marketing initiatives. AMS Grants
USDA Rural Development (RD) – Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Grants and loans for farmers and small businesses to invest in renewable energy systems and improvements. REAP Info
USDA Rural Development (RD) Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program. Helps ag producers enter value-added activities to generate new products and expand marketing opportunities. VAPG Info
Support. The Small Producer Initiative (SPI) provides Financial Education opportunities to include a Grant & Loan Mentor Program and Financial Mentorship with Good Roots.
When selling farm products, especially food, directly to consumers, understanding and complying with applicable regulations and certifications is critical. Below are some common areas farmers and ranchers need to be familiar with, but this is not an exhaustive list. Check with your local Extension office to verify you are accounting for all necessary rules with your enterprises.
Texas Cottage Food Law. Understanding requirements for selling food made in home kitchens directly to consumers. Cottage Food Law Info
Texas Organic Certification. Overview of organic certification in Texas. Organic Certification
Texas Farmer’s Market Rules. Regulations for selling at farmers markets. Farmers Markets Rules
Texas Inspections and Exemption for Meat Safety. Overview of meat safety rules in Texas, to include rules for on-farm processing of poultry and rabbits. Meat Safety
Texas A&M – Legal & Economic Considerations for Direct Beef Sales in Texas. Overview of requirements for processing, storing, labeling, and selling beef direct to consumer in Texas. Where’s the Beef?
Understanding how to sell your products and set profitable prices to reach the right customers is important in successful farming. These resources can help you understand how to reach customers, build relationships, and adapt to changing markets.
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Administers programs that create opportunities for U.S. food producers, and AMS provides services to ensure the quality and availability of food. USDA AMS
Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC). Provides critical information needed to build successful value-added enterprises. Marketing insight on many farm enterprises. AgMRC
Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing Resources. Collection of resources and articles to help Texas producers understand and implement marketing strategies. AgriLife Marketing Resources
Texas A&M AgriLife – Master Marketer Program. Marketing education course focused on marketing techniques, plans, analysis, and other marketing topics for farmers. Master Marketer Program
Texas Center for Local Food (TCLF). Helps farmers develop successful farm businesses to feed Texas communities. Online marketing training and resources provided. Texas Center for Local Food
Branding. Branding programs can help farmers and ranchers promote their products to consumers and businesses. Popular options for Texas’ farmer veterans include:
New farmers should understand how farm taxes work so they can make informed decisions that affect cash flow, profitability, and long-term sustainability. Knowing the basics helps them keep better records, plan for tax liabilities, and communicate effectively with an accountant or tax preparer. Even when hiring a professional, informed farmers are better equipped to spot issues, ask the right questions, and avoid costly mistakes. Additionally, new farmers need to understand tax exemptions for farm operations and agriculture valuations for their property.
Rural Tax Education – Small Farm Tax Guide. Tax guide for owners and operators of small and medium sized farms. Tax Guide
USDA – Introduction to Ag Taxes. Slideshow with overview of understanding farm-related taxes. Intro to Ag Taxes
NCAT ATTRA – Farmer Income Tax Tips. Short overview of pertinent tax related topics for farmers learning about taxes. Farmer Income Tax Tips
Texas A&M AgriLife – Agriculture Taxes in Texas. Overview of farm related tax issues and resources in Texas. Agriculture Taxes in Texas
IRS Publication 225 – Farmer’s Tax Guide. Explains how federal tax laws apply to farming. IRS Publication 225 – Farmer’s Tax Guide
Texas Comptroller – Ag & Timber Exemptions. Farmers, ranchers, and timber producers can claim exemptions from same taxes when purchasing certain items exclusively to produce ag or timber products. Texas Ag & Timber Exemptions
Texas Comptroller – Manual for Appraisal of Agricultural Land. Land in Texas can receive a special appraisal that values the property on its agricultural productivity instead of its higher market value, significantly lowering property taxes. This manual explains the statewide rules, but requirements are different from county to county. Talk with the county tax appraiser to learn about requirements for your county. Appraisal of Agricultural Land
As with any business, it’s important for farmers and ranchers to identify and understand risks associated with their operations, and how to manage that risk.
USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) – Risk Management. Overview of types of risks in agriculture, risk management strategies, government programs to manage risk, and insurance. ERS Risk Management
USDA Risk Management Agency. Broad lists of resources to help with farm risks to include insurance, loss adjustment, and disaster assistance. Risk Management Agency
Ag Risk & Farm Management Library. Extensive collection of articles and resources that address agriculture risk and risk management from across the country. Ag Risk Library
NCAT ATTRA – Risk Management. Collection of educational articles and videos on risk management topics to include safety, insurance, and responding to natural disasters. NCAT ATTRA – Risk Management
Managing soil health is imperative for nearly all farmers, whether growing crops or raising livestock. Here are resources to help you assess and manage the health of your soils.
Texas A&M AgriLife – Testing Your Soil: How to Collect and Send Samples. Step-by-step instructions on how to properly collect and submit soil samples. How to Collect and Send Samples
Texas A&M AgriLife – Forage Resources: Selection, Establishment, Management. Resources for managing forages for different applications. Forage Resources
NCAT ATTRA – Grazing Planning Manual and Workbook. Overview of how to create a grazing management plan that prioritizes soil health. Grazing Planning Manual and Workbook
Small Producers Initiative (SPI) – Soil Testing and Resources. SPI at Texas State University offers soil testing and provides resources on how to interpret and understand the results of a soil test. SPI Soil Testing
NRCS Web Soil Survey (WSS). WSS can help you understand the type of soils on a property and its potential for production. If not familiar with WSS, here’s a tutorial video on how to use it. Web Soil Survey
There are many organizations that provide support or technical assistance (TA) to farmers. Below are just some widely recognizable organizations that farmer veterans in Texas might find helpful for support or TA. We recommend always starting with local assistance first to see what nearby expertise and resources are available to you. Local assistance would typically consist of your Extension office (Texas A&M AgriLife or Prairie View A&M) and USDA Service Centers (Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service – FSA and NRCS).
Review these other organizations to see which might be helpful to you. Keep in mind there are many industry organizations and associations that might be specific to what you produce, and there are too many of those to list here.
There are many training opportunities to help you learn new skills and brush up on topics. Most are free to attend or are very low cost, and in some cases you can receive a stipend to participate. Here are some helpful training & education opportunities.
American Farmland Trust’s Texas Grazing Network (TGN). One-on-one mentorship for cattle producers of any experience level to help adopt regenerative grazing practices on their operation. Includes participation stipends. (Statewide availability) Texas Grazing Network
Cornell Small Farms Program – Plan Your Farm. Free, self-paced online course to help you develop your farm plans. (Online) Plan Your Farm
Council for Healthy Food Systems. Educational events for small-scale farmers and local food producers on topics of building farm businesses on sustainable agriculture. (Various locations around the state) CHFS Events
Farmshare Austin – Pathway to Farming. Multiple programs to provide a training pathway for beginning farmers to a career in farming. (Austin area) Farmshare Austin
Farmers Assisting Returning Military (F.A.R.M.). Internships and workshops on a variety of topics, mainly aimed at helping veterans learn how to farm. (Dallas area) FARM Events
Hope Farms – From Warrior to Farmers. 12-week programs for veterans to learn how to farm. (Houston area). Warriors to Farmers
H.O.P.E. for Small Farms Sustainability. Whole farm business support to farmers and ranchers with the focus on regenerative agricultural practices. (Rio Grande Valley) Small Farms Sustainability
NCAT ATTRA – Armed to Farm. Weeklong training that features farm tours and hand-on activities. (Various locations across the country, check website for upcoming events) Armed to Farm
NCAT ATTRA – Beginning Farmer Tutorials. Free six-part online course to equip you with management skills necessary to operate a successful sustainable farm business. (Online) Beginning Farmer Tutorials
NCAT ATTRA – Internship Hub. Free internships that connect farmers and ranchers with people interested in gaining hands-on farming experience. (Various locations) Internship Hub
NCAT ATTRA – Training Hub. Free online tutorials covering a wide variety of agriculture topics and ATTRA’s events calendar featuring workshops. Training Hub
Small Producers Initiative (SPI) Events. Workshops and online training for topics on regenerative practices, bookkeeping, beekeeping, and basics of farming. (Across the state) SPI Events
Small Producers Initiative – Financial Education. The Small Producer Initiative (SPI) provides Financial Education opportunities to include a Grant & Loan Mentor Program and Financial Mentorship with Good Roots.
Texas A&M AgriLife – Battleground to Breaking Ground. 44-week, 4-phase training program for veterans on how to start or expand their farm business through workshops and online coursework. (College Station and online) Battleground to Breaking Ground
Texas A&M AgriLife – Events. Various AgriLife events and workshops on a wide variety of topics. (Various across the state) AgriLife Events
Texas A&M AgriLife – Master Marketer Program. Marketing education course focused on marketing techniques, plans, analysis, and other marketing topics for farmers. Master Marketer Program
Texas A&M Ranch Management University. Intensive 4-day event for new or inexperienced ranchers and landowners on fundamentals of soil health, forage establishment, pasture management, and basic livestock management. (College Station) Ranch Management University
Texas Center for Local Food Education and Discovery. Free and low-cost online courses dealing with marketing, selling, and funding your farm products. (Online) TCLF Education
Texas Small Farmers & Ranchers CBO – Soil to Profit Producer Training. Education initiative designed for Black farmers with goal to provide participants with foundational tools and knowledge for their farms. Soil to Profit
USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). Provides mentorship to producers seeking assistance in transitioning their operation to become organic certified. TOPP
When it comes to farming, doing it alone does not typically result in success. Having a community you can turn to for help and to learn from is important for growing as a farmer. While there are online communities like FVC Texas’ member discussion page on Facebook, we encourage face-to-face connection when possible. A great way to do that is through conferences and trade shows where farmers and ranchers with similar backgrounds and goals gather. Here are some held in Texas to consider visiting.
Beef Cattle Short Course. Education on beef industry topics. Held each August in College Station. BCSC Info
Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo. Large ranching event with presentations from industry leaders in agriculture and cattle production. Held in March or April in Ft Worth. Cattle Raisers Expo
Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems (SFFFS) Conference. Topics relevant to small farmers, new and beginning farmers, and organic or regenerative systems. Held each August in San Marcos. SFFFS Info
Texas Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association (TOFGA) Conference. In-depth workshops and learning sessions with social and networking opportunities. Location changes each year. TOFGA Conference
Texas Sheep & Goat Expo. Learn from experts in the sheep and goat industries and network with producers from all over the country. Held each August in San Angelo. Sheep & Goat Expo
Farmer Veteran Coalition Stakeholders Conference. While it does change locations from state to state each year, it’s good to be aware of this large conference that brings farmer veterans together from all over the country. Typically held in October. FVC Conference
Farmer Veteran Coalition of Texas
Texas, United States
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