Young, Beginning and Small (YBS) Farmers

AgFirst recognizes that Young, Beginning and Small (YBS) farmers are vitally important to the future of agriculture, and we are committed to partnering with our Associations to ensure they have tools to thrive. We run a comprehensive website geared specifically to YBS farmers, offering access to a range of resources, training and financing. We also offer educational programs and support a variety of partners that help these farmers flourish.

Comprehensive Resources for the YBS Farmer

Our commitment to this essential segment resulted in the 2024 launch of AgBizInfo – the most comprehensive source of education and business resources for young, beginning and small farmers and ranchers in the United States. We operate AgBizInfo with the help of our District Associations and other partners to give YBS farmers tools and information to start and sustain a farming operation. The site also connects them with local Farm Credit lenders for financing and business support.

Whether a producer is just starting in the ag business or is an established small farmer, AgBizInfo provides information to grow. The site features articles, videos, podcasts, infographics and tools to help visitors make sense of the farming business and connect and learn as part of a community.

All site resources are produced and curated through the collaboration of participating Farm Credit lenders and other partners who share a passion for helping farmers thrive.

From resources to financing to educational opportunities, AgFirst understands how important it is to help YBS farmers realize their dreams.

Colonial Farm Credit customer Chelsea Bickley and others share how support from AgFirst-affiliated Associations has helped them as YBS farmers.

Educational Programs and Additional Support

AgFirst offers a robust formal educational program and provides donations and in-person support to a range of programs that help YBS farmers excel.

Education

AgFirst knows the vital role education plays in helping YBS farmers plan for a successful future. To reach these producers, we've partnered with industry professionals to develop and vet a range of course offerings. These professionals have decades of experience and include professors, lenders and consultants. Through hands-on courses, students have the opportunity to get real business results!

All agricultural producers can take courses online through AgFirst's Farm Credit University (FCU), which has been educating farmers for two decades. FCU offers several programs designed to help Young, Beginning, Small and Minority farmers and ranchers start and grow their business. They can learn to set goals, prepare basic financial statements and develop business plans. Farm transition planning is also available to guide farm families through transferring ownership and management responsibilities to the next generation.

We also work with our partner Associations to make educational courses available to farmers in their lending areas. This gives students the benefit of personal guidance from local loan officers as they go through the programs as well as peer groups to share ideas and build a professional network.

Donations

AgFirst also believes it is important to support organizations designed to give YBS farmers vital resources. A sampling of the initiatives AgFirst supports:

• Programs for socially disadvantaged and limited resource beginning farmers run by the Center for Heirs Property Preservation.
• The South Carolina Governor's School for Agriculture, a specialized residential high school that trains the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
• Project Victory Gardens’ Farmer Bootcamp Program, an immersive two-day program that teaches beginner veteran farmers the ins and outs of running a successful agricultural operation.
• Farmer Veteran Coalition of SC’s Agribusiness Outreach Fair, an event offered to veterans, active-duty service members and their families eager to learn more about agriculture and forge meaningful connections with other attendees and subject matter experts.

AgFirst is continually looking for ways to expand our investment in YBS farmers – the future of American agriculture.