United States Department of Agriculture
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Information For Farmers and Ranchers

Beginning Farmer or Rancher

Definition:

A Beginning Farmer or Rancher means an individual or entity who:

  • Has not operated a farm or ranch, or who has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 consecutive years. This requirement applies to all members of an entity,
  • Will materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm or ranch.
     
    1. In the case of a contract with an individual, individually or with the immediate family, material and substantial participation requires that the individual provide substantial day-to-day labor and management of the farm or ranch, consistent with the practices in the county or State where the farm is located.
    2. In the case of a contract with an entity, all members must materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm or ranch. Material and substantial participation requires that each of the members provide some amount of the management, or labor and management necessary for day-to-day activities, such that if each of the members did not provide these inputs, operation of the farm or ranch would be seriously impaired.

National Program Contact

Adolfo Perez, National Small, Limited Resource, and Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator, 202.720.1853 or e-mail adolfo.perez@usda.gov