Information for Young, Beginning, or Small Farmers

Colonial Farm Credit has been financing farmers of all types for over 85 years, in good times and in bad times. We were the first (and often only) lender that many of these farmers chose when they first started farming and have continued to use as their operations have become larger and more complex.

Our loan officers understand agriculture and the many difficulties involved in beginning a new farm operation, transferring an existing operation, or expanding into new commodities or territories.

Are you a Young, Beginning or Small Farmer?

  • A Young farmer is one who is 35 years of age of younger.
  • A Beginning farmer is one who has 10 or fewer years farming, ranching or aquatic agriculture experience.
  • A Small farmer is one who generates less than $250,000 in annual gross agricultural or aquatic sales.

If you are, Colonial Farm Credit is ready to help you. Our loan officers will be glad to review your situation and give you expert advice on the financial programs that may work best for you. We work closely with many government and farm organizations, including the FSA Guarantee Program to assist farmers in getting and staying in business.

For additional information, contact your local Colonial Farm Credit office, or call toll-free 1-800-777-8908.

Young Farmer Institute

The Virginia Farm Credit Associations are proud to sponsor an annual Young Farmer Institute. The future growth of the agriculture industry rests in the hands of our young farmers and Farm Credit provides a forum to help young farmers prepare for the future.

Dr. David M. Kohl has been asked to conduct the Young Farmer Institute. Dr. Kohl is currently Professor Emeritus in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech. Dr. Kohl has traveled over 7 million miles throughout his professional career, conducting more than 5,000 workshops and seminars for agricultural groups. He has published four books and over 1,000 articles on financial and business-related topics in journals and other popular publications.

This year's event will be held from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on March 11, 2010 at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, Virginia.

Directions to the Frontier Culture Museum - Staunton, Virginia:

1. From the intersection of I-64 and I-81, proceed North on I-81 to Exit 222 to Route 250 West (right at bottom of ramp). 2. Take a left at the second light into the main drive for the Frontier Culture Museum. 3. Follow drive around to the main parking lot. 4. Go left down the access road that runs behind and to the left of the Main Building. 5. Proceed down the hill to the large barn. Park in the parking lot and go to the upstairs of the barn. 6.

For more information about the Young Farmer Institute, please call 800-919-3276 or your local Farm Credit office.

Additional Resources for Young, Beginning, or Small Farmers

Farmers for the Future - Website sponsored by Agriculture Online with lots of great resources for young, beginning and small farmers.

Young Farmers of Virginia - Information about the Young Farmers of Virginia group and their programs.

Maryland Young Farmers Advisory Board - The Maryland Young Farmers Advisory Board assists young and beginning farmers, and other related businesses in creating and continuing profitable Agriculture throughout the State.

Virginia Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee

Maryland Farm Bureau

USDA - Small Farms Website

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