Farm Program

Farmer in tractor below flag
For more than 30 years, and in partnership with organizations nationwide, USDA's 2501 Program has helped reach underserved farmers and ranchers.

USDA Announces $22 Million to Support Underserved and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers

June 7, 2024
With USDA's 2501 Program funding, organizations conduct education, training, farming demos, and ag conferences to help underserved and veteran producers operate successful farms.

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Desktop computer and cell phone with FarmRaise app on screen

USDA Partners with FarmRaise on Financial Tools and Resources for Agricultural Producers

June 7, 2024
A newly launched online tool assists livestock producers who suffered losses from severe weather, providing guidance on required loss documentation and a portal to submit their information to FSA county offices.

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Man holding flag in front of barn

USDA to Host Beginning Farming and Ranching Webinar Series for Service Members, Veterans

April 16, 2024
This webinar series will provide service members, veterans and military spouses with critical USDA Beginning Farming and Ranching Program information that will better position attendees to enter ag careers.  

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Solar panels in front of corn field
Numerous Nebraska businesses have received assistance from USDA's Rural Energy for America Program so far this year to establish clean energy facilities and increase domestic fertilizer production. Learn more about these initiatives below.

USDA Invests $124 Million in Clean Energy and Fertilizer Projects

April 11, 2024
Three Nebraska businesses are among the award recipients of USDA's renewable energy program, which helps fund projects that will lower energy costs, generate new income and create jobs for the ag industry.

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Woman holds pen above bar chart on paper
The April 16 Data Users' Meeting will include USDA updates followed by an open forum session with questions and comments.

USDA to Host Data Users’ Meeting to Gather Public Input on Statistical Programs

April 11, 2024
Free to the public with a virtual attendance option, the Data Users' Meeting is held to share recent and pending statistical program changes with the public and to solicit input on programs important to agriculture. 

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Wind turbine on farm
To learn more about USDA programs geared toward helping farmers add renewable energy to their operations, view this webinar series.

New Initiative to Help Farmers Reduce Costs with Underutilized Renewable Technologies

March 15, 2024
The new initiative will provide funds for hundreds of farmers to deploy smaller-scale wind projects, small-scale hydropower, geothermal, biomass-based and other clean energy.

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Tractor spraying fertilizer
USDA’s REAP and FPEP programs were devised to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of clean energy, modernize equipment, adopt new technologies, build production plants and more.

USDA Invests $207 Million in Clean Energy and Domestic Fertilizer Projects

February 15, 2024
One of the program fund recipients is a Nebraska-based business that plans to construct a fully automated fertilizer facility.

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Man touching wheat while walking through field
As part of the new collaboration, the CDFA-NASDA program will help rural communities understand the myriad of financing programs available to invest in socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and develop long-term access to capital programs and strategies.

New Program Aims to Help Socially Disadvantaged Ag Producers Access Capital

February 14, 2024
The program will assist underserved farmers and ranchers with finding affordable funding sources to start and grow their business.

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