Grants are available for individuals looking to purchase a farm.
Most people find themselves needing some kind of financial assistance to start a farm or ranch. Besides bank loans and private funding, grants remain the most popular way to fund the purchase of a farm or to upgrade a farm. Private foundations and government programs give the most grants to farmers and ranchers. Applications vary in length, but all require paperwork, interviews and sometimes classes or workshops in order to receive a grant. Organic farms, specialty farms, research farms and livestock farms all can use grants to fund their operations.
Organic Farming
To apply for an organic farming grant, the farmer must adhere to certain agricultural guidelines, which focus on using renewable resources, conserving natural resources, cultivating fruit and vegetables grown without pesticides, growing crops fertilized with natural ingredients and producing animal products that have not been subjected to antibiotics or growth hormones. In addition, a government-approved inspector will visit the farm and make sure the farmer uses only organic standards according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Most farmers apply for this type of grant after their farm has already had organic practices in place. The USDA, organic farming foundations, and even 4-H clubs can guide farmers in applying for organic farming grants. Organic farms can have livestock and/or crops on their farm.
Specialty Farming
A relatively new type of farming, specialty farming, has been recognized by the USDA. Grants are now available to fund this type of farm, which is usually on a small amount of acreage and has a limited number of crops. The increased work to cultivate, higher price to grow per capita, or the type of crop grown make this type of farm a specialty farm. Some examples of specialty crops include herbs, shitake mushrooms, hybrid vegetables and vegetables grown only for farmer's market resale. Also, many specialized farms have livestock like hogs, chicken or turkey. Specialty grants obtained from both government and private resources use a standard application process that most other types of farms would use as well.
Research Farming
Research farms can receive funds from grants and/or universities or colleges. Research farms raise livestock, crops and herbs in an effort to find the best farming practices, most cost-effective farming practices and best flavor profiles, and to create hybrid fruits and vegetables. College students and graduate trainees often work on research farms and conduct much of the research.
Animal or Livestock Farms
Some farms raise only large game such as bison, elk, llama or deer. Livestock farmers use pasture land for the game, and at a certain age the game is slaughtered for the meat. Other farms raise chickens, goats and cows for their byproducts such as eggs and milk. These farms must maintain equipment to milk cows or goats and catch eggs. Livestock farms receive funding from USDA grants, private grants and sometimes educational institutions.
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