A free resource from working ranchers
Every program you
qualify for.
Plain English.
Walk into your USDA office knowing exactly what to ask for.
Start here
Find your situation
Full walkthroughs with timelines, numbers, and step-by-step preparation, based on where you are.
Starting From Scratch
You've got the land, or you're about to. Here's how to fund the fencing, water, and infrastructure without draining your savings.
Been Ranching for Years
You've never applied for a federal program. You're not alone. Most ranchers haven't, and a mid-size operation is typically eligible for $100K+ in cost-share over 5 years.
Taking Over the Family Ranch
New name on the deed means new paperwork, new deadlines, and beginning farmer advantages that expire. The clock is already running.
After a Disaster
Drought, fire, blizzard, or livestock loss. Here's what to do in the first 48 hours, and which programs cover what.
The programs
Plain-English guides to every major program
No jargon, no legalese, no 47-page PDF. Just what you need to know.
FBA (Farmer Bridge Assistance)
One-time $11B bridge payment on 2025 planted acres for 20 row-crop commodities (corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, sorghum, rice, peanuts, and more). Per-acre rates published. $155K cap per producer.
FSA — Reporting Apr 24ASCF (Specialty Crop Assistance)
One-time $1B bridge payment for specialty crops, sugar, and other commodities not covered by FBA. Covers fruit, vegetables, tree nuts, herbs, nursery, and floriculture.
FSA — Deadline Apr 30SDRP (2023–2024 Crop Losses)
One-time federal program for crop, tree, bush, vine, and hay/forage losses from 2023 and 2024 disasters. Stage 1 pre-filled from crop insurance records. Stage 2 covers shallow, uninsured, and quality losses.
NRCSEQIP
Need fencing, water, or grazing improvements? EQIP can cover up to 75% of the cost for conservation infrastructure, if your application is funded.
NRCSConservation Stewardship
Already doing good conservation work? CSP can provide annual per-acre payments for qualifying stewardship you're already doing, plus incentives for approved enhancements.
NRCS + FSABeginning Farmer Advantages
Started farming or ranching in the last 10 years? You may qualify for higher EQIP rankings, up to 90% cost-share, and dedicated loan pools.
FSADisaster Assistance
Lost livestock or pasture to drought? LIP, ELAP, LFP, and ECP can help cover emergency feed, livestock losses, and infrastructure damage.
FSAFSA Farm Loans
Need capital but the bank said no? FSA offers operating loans, ownership loans, and microloans, often at better terms than commercial lenders.
StrategyProgram Stacking
Qualify for more than one program? Most operations do. Here's how to combine EQIP, CSP, FSA loans, and disaster programs on the same land.
Not sure which programs apply? Take the 2-minute screener →
We run a small cattle ranch in Oregon. We spent years figuring out these programs so you don't have to. Why this is free →
Check which programs fit your operation
Answer a few quick questions, and we'll show you which programs fit your operation.
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