Learning Dashboard

Start your FSA journey with these recommended learning modules tailored to your needs.

Your Learning Modules

Customized to your learning goals.

Livestock, Farm-raised fish, & Honey Bees

ELAP 101

Want to learn about Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish and how to apply? You've come to the right place!

LIP 101

Want to learn about the Livestock Indemnity Program and how to apply? You've come to the right place!

ELAP Farm-raised Fish

Here you can learn about ELAP's Farm-raised Fish assistance and how to apply!

ELAP Honey Bees

Here you can learn about ELAP's Honey Bee assistance and how to apply!

ELAP Livestock

Here you can learn about ELAP Livestock assistance and how to apply!

Disaster Assistance

ELAP Decision Tool

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP) Decision Tool

Livestock Indemnity Program Decision Tool

Thank you for your interest in the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Before you make an appointment with your local USDA service center, use this tool to help you gather the information and documentation needed to apply for the program.

Record-keeping

Crop Insurance

FSA Loans & Grants

How to Sign Up for a Farmers.gov Account

This video introduces the USDA Farm Service Agency's online application for Direct Loans, designed to streamline processes, improve customer service, and expand credit access, featuring a paperless, interactive guided application with electronic signature and document attachment capabilities, initially available for individual producers with plans to expand access in the future.

How to Apply for a Guaranteed Loan

This video explains the FSA Guaranteed Loan process, through which commercial lenders provide loans with a guarantee against loss by the FSA up to 95%, outlining steps from initial lender consultation to FSA review and approval, including the handling of fees, servicing expectations, and recourse in case of non-approval.

How to Apply for a Direct Loan

This video provides a comprehensive guide on how to apply for FSA Direct Loans, detailing the steps from determining eligibility to receiving loan approval, and emphasizes the support available through the Farm Service Agency to help farmers start, expand, or sustain their agricultural operations.

What are Farm Service Agency Loans and How Do I Apply?

This video provides an overview of the Farm Service Agency's loan programs, covering various loan types like Farm Ownership, Operating, and Microloans tailored for different farming needs.

How To Create a Balance Sheet Part 1: Introduction

This video is a guide for farmers on preparing a balance sheet for FSA loan applications, explaining this document's importance, key terms, and where to find necessary information. It also provides advice on valuing assets like livestock or crops, the frequency of updates, and handling situations where liabilities exceed assets, emphasizing accuracy and transparency in the application process.

Preparing for the FSA Online Loan Application

Discover the ease of securing agricultural credit with the USDA Farm Service Agency's online Direct Loan application, streamlining your journey with paperless submissions, electronic signatures, and comprehensive support for crafting your farm's financial plan.

How To Create a Balance Sheet Part 2: Assets

This video is a detailed walkthrough on how to complete the balance sheet section (Part H) of the USDA Farm Service Agency Form FSA 2001 for direct loan assistance, including how to accurately list and value farm assets, such as cash, accounts receivable, crop inventory, growing crops, market livestock, prepaid expenses, machinery, and real estate, emphasizing the importance of accurate recordkeeping and valuation for a successful loan application.

How To Create a Balance Sheet Part 3: Liabilities

This video provides a step-by-step guide on completing the farm liabilities section of the USDA Farm Service Agency Form FSA 2001 for direct loan assistance, covering how to list and calculate farm and personal liabilities, including accounts payable, notes payable, intermediate and long-term debts, and credit card debts, emphasizing the importance of accurate record-keeping and financial management for a successful loan application.

Urban Agriculture

USDA Urban Farming Resources

The USDA offers a variety of resources designed to support urban farmers in every stage of their journey. From grants to technical assistance, these programs can help you get started, expand your farm, and adopt sustainable practices. In this section, you’ll find an overview of the most relevant USDA resources, along with tips on how to access the support you need.

Navigating City Regulations

Starting an urban farm requires more than just finding the right space—you’ll also need to understand and comply with local city regulations. Urban farming can be subject to various zoning laws, permits, and health standards, depending on your city and the type of farming you plan to do. Knowing how to navigate these regulations will ensure that your farm operates legally and can thrive within your community.

Choosing Your Farming Space & Crops

Choosing the right crops for your urban farm is essential for making the most of your available space. This section will guide you through selecting crops that thrive in your environment and offer high yields, while also helping you optimize your space for maximum productivity.

FSA Programs

Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program (FSCSC)

The Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program (FSCSC) provides financial assistance to specialty crop producers for obtaining food safety certifications. This program helps ensure that specialty crops meet food safety standards and supports the agricultural sector in maintaining high-quality products.

Graze-Out Program

The Graze-Out Program provides financial assistance to producers who choose to graze livestock on their acreage planted with wheat, barley, oats, or triticale instead of harvesting the grain. This program supports livestock grazing and offers payments in lieu of traditional loan deficiency payments (LDP).

Sugar Loan Program

The Sugar Loan Program provides sugar producers with interim financing at harvest time to meet cash flow needs without having to sell the commodity when market prices are typically at their lowest. This program supports the orderly marketing of sugar throughout the year and ensures a minimum price floor for producers.

Sugar Storage Facility Loan (SSFL) Program

The Sugar Storage Facility Loan (SSFL) Program provides low-interest loans to sugar producers and processors to construct or purchase storage and handling facilities, equipment, and trucks. This program aims to improve storage, handling efficiency, and product quality.

Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) Program

The Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) Program provides low-interest financing to help producers construct or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities. This program supports the acquisition, construction, and enhancement of storage facilities and equipment to improve on-farm storage capacity and efficiency.

Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP)

The Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program provides financial assistance to organic dairy producers to offset market volatility, transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices. In 2023, ODMAP issued approximately $20 million in payments to organic dairy producers based on 2022 marketing costs.

Ownership Microloan

Ownership Microloans provide small, flexible loans to help beginning, niche, and small family farm operations purchase or improve farmland and buildings. These loans support the acquisition of land, construction or improvement of farm structures, and other capital expenses necessary to establish and sustain agricultural operations. FSA targets a portion of these loan funds to historically underserved farmers and ranchers.

Operating Microloan

Operating Microloans provide small, flexible loans to help beginning, niche, and small family farm operations meet their operational needs. These loans support the purchase of equipment, livestock, feed, seed, supplies, and other essential items to sustain and improve farming operations. FSA targets a portion of these loan funds to historically underserved farmers and ranchers.

Indian Tribal Land Acquisition Loan Program

The Indian Tribal Land Acquisition Loan Program provides loans to federally recognized Indian tribes to help them purchase tribal lands within their reservation boundaries. The program aims to support tribal sovereignty, enhance agricultural production, and strengthen the economic base of tribal communities.

Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL)

Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) provide interim financing to producers of eligible commodities, helping them meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities during low market prices. This program supports farmers by allowing them to store their crops and sell them when market conditions are more favorable.

Reimbursable Transportation Cost Program (RTCP) for Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers

The Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment (RTCP) program provides financial assistance to geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to help offset the high costs of transporting agricultural commodities and inputs. This program aims to support producers in Alaska, Hawaii, and insular areas where transportation costs are significantly higher.

Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP)

Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) provide financial assistance to producers of eligible commodities who agree to forego a Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) loan in return for a payment when market prices are below the established loan rates. This program supports farmers by providing an alternative to taking out a loan, helping to stabilize income when market prices are low.

Dairy Indemnity Payment Program (DIPP)

The Dairy Indemnity Payment Program (DIPP) provides financial compensation to dairy producers who have suffered income losses due to the contamination of milk or the removal of dairy cows because of residues, chemicals, toxic substances, or nuclear radiation or fallout. The program aims to help dairy farmers recover from these unexpected and unavoidable losses.

Youth Loans

Youth Loans provide financial assistance to young people aged 10 to 20 to finance income-producing, agriculture-related projects. These projects must be part of an organized and supervised program, such as 4-H, FFA, or a similar organization, and are aimed at fostering the development of agricultural skills and experience. FSA targets a portion of these loan funds to historically underserved farmers and ranchers.

Farm Ownership Loans

Farm Ownership Loans provide financial assistance to farmers and ranchers for the purchase, improvement, or expansion of farm or ranch operations. These loans are designed to help producers acquire land, construct buildings, make improvements, and promote the long-term viability of their agricultural enterprises. FSA targets a portion of Direct loan funds to historically underserved farmers and ranchers.

Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)

The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to help them restore farmland damaged by natural disasters. The program supports emergency measures to address damage and prevent further deterioration of the land.

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a voluntary program that provides financial incentives to farmers and landowners to implement CRP practices that address high-priority conservation issues. CREP targets specific state, tribal, and nationally significant agricultural and environmental concerns, such as water quality, soil erosion, and wildlife habitat.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides financial compensation to farmers and landowners to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and implement conservation practices. This program aims to improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat.

Certified Mediation Program

The Certified Mediation Program (CMP) provides agricultural producers, their creditors, and other stakeholders with a confidential and neutral platform to resolve disputes. This program helps facilitate mutually agreeable solutions through mediation, promoting better communication and reducing the need for litigation.

Emergency Farm Loans

Emergency Farm Loans provide financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who have suffered losses due to natural disasters. These loans help producers recover from damage and return their operations to normal, ensuring they can continue farming and ranching activities.

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP)

The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides financial assistance to eligible producers who experience losses due to disease, adverse weather, or other conditions not covered by other disaster programs. ELAP helps mitigate the financial impact of these unexpected events on livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish operations.

Livestock Indemnity Program

The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides financial assistance to eligible livestock owners and contract growers who experience livestock death in excess of normal mortality and injured livestock sold at a reduced price due to adverse weather, disease, or attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law.

Livestock Forage Disaster Program

The Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses due to drought or fire on federally managed land. The program aims to help mitigate the economic impact of these natural disasters on livestock operations.

Dairy Margin Coverage Program

The Dairy Margin Coverage Program (DMC) is a voluntary risk management program for dairy producers that provides protection to farmers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. DMC offers catastrophic coverage at no cost to the producer, with options for additional coverage at varying premium rates.

Farmable Wetlands Program

The Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP) provides financial incentives to farmers and landowners to restore farmable wetlands and establish long-term conservation practices. This program aims to improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and reduce soil erosion by restoring wetlands on agricultural lands.

Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP)

The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) provides financial and technical assistance to help owners of non-industrial private forests restore forest health and productivity after natural disasters. This program supports the implementation of conservation practices to rehabilitate damaged forests.

Farm Operating Loans

Farm Operating Loans provide financial assistance to farmers and ranchers for a wide range of operating expenses. These loans support the purchase of livestock, equipment, feed, seed, supplies, and other essential items needed to sustain and improve agricultural operations.

Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Grant Program

The Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Grant Program provides financial assistance to agricultural employers to implement practices that improve labor stability, protect farmworkers, and enhance the overall workforce environment. This program supports efforts to address labor challenges and ensure a safe and fair working environment for farmworkers. FSA targets a portion of Direct loan funds to historically underserved farmers and ranchers.

Tree Assistance Program

The Tree Assistance Program (TAP) provides financial assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate trees, bushes, and vines damaged by natural disasters. TAP aims to help producers recover from significant losses and reestablish their operations.

Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program

The Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters. This program helps to mitigate the financial impact of these adverse events on agricultural operations.

Disaster Set-Aside Program

The Disaster Set-Aside Program (DSA) allows farmers and ranchers who have existing FSA loans and are affected by natural disasters to set aside one annual installment payment, enabling them to recover from the disaster's impact and maintain their farming operations.