Everything you need to get started with FSA

This page offers an introduction to Farm Service Agency (FSA), detailing how to get started and the benefits of participating in FSA programs. You'll find essential information to help you navigate FSA resources and support your agricultural operations.

Who is this for?

The information that follows is intended to guide farmers, ranchers, and agriculture business operators through the process of getting established with FSA in order to become eligible to apply to FSA programs.

However, even if you are already established with FSA, you may find some helpful resources that you have not yet encountered, so we encourage you to keep reading!

What does FSA offer?

FSA offers a variety of programs that provide financial and functional support to US famers and ranchers, which are categorized under two main branches: Farm Programs and Farm Loan Programs.

Farm Programs encompass a range of services and initiatives designed to support farmers and ranchers. These programs are aimed at helping producers manage risk, improve their operations, and maintain their livelihoods.

Farm Loan Programs provide financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who may have difficulty obtaining loans from commercial lenders. The program includes several types of loans.

Where do I start?

We'll start with forms and processes that are required for everyone in order to get established with FSA, then we'll move on to some items that are only applicable to certain farmers and programs.

Though some forms can be filled on your own, your local FSA office is always there to help! If you would like to contact your local FSA before you get started, or any time through the process, you can do so using the link below:

Required Steps to Get Started with FSA:

1. Fill out FSA's Customer Data Worksheet

The purpose of this form is simply to collect basic contact and demographic information about you, the producer. Once you have filled out the form, bring it to your local USDA Service Center and FSA will establish your customer record based on the completed AD-2047.

2. Establish a Farm Record and Obtain a Farm Number

This is required to participate in USDA programs. FSA will need verification of your association with the land in your farming operation.

Learn More
3. Farm Operating Plan

Every farming operation must provide information regarding the operation’s structure and contributions of capital, equipment, land, labor, and management.  The most efficient way to provide this information is to schedule an appointment with your local USDA Service Center, where staff will assist you in completing the appropriate form.

Learn More

Forms required for receiving specific program benefits & payments:

Socially Disadvantaged, Limited Resource, Beginning, and Veteran Farmers or Rancher Certification

This form is used to certify that an individual, legal entity, or joint operation is a member of one or more of the specific producer groups listed on the form.

Learn More
Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification

This form is used for the evaluation & certification of your land’s highly erodible soils and wetlands, a conservation compliance eligibility requirement for FSA programs and loans, most NRCS programs, and Federal Crop Insurance premium subsidy administered by RMA.

Learn More
Average Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

The 2018 Farm Bill requires the implementation of an average AGI limitation for payment eligibility, ($900,000). This limitation provision applies to most programs administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS).

Learn More
Payment Enrollment Form for FSA

USDA payments are generally directly deposited with your bank. This form will allow you to set up or change your direct deposit information for USDA payments.

Learn More

Additional Resources

Setting Yourself Up For Success

Gov Delivery Alerts

Sign up for email and text message alerts to stay up-to-date with the latest news from FSA.

Cooperative Extension

These organizations can help farmers by providing useful information, hands-on advice, and connecting them to helpful resources and programs.

Learn More
Create a Farmers.gov Account

Creating a Farmers.gov account will allow you to access additional resources, such as financial tools, conservation tools, and farm records mapping.

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Services

Language Access Resources and Services are available for those who speak languages other than English. These services include translation and interpreter service.  

Learn More

Preparing for Disaster

Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)

NAP provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters.

Learn More
Agriculture Risk (ARC) & Price Loss Coverage (PLC)

The Agriculture Risk (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs provide financial protections to farmers from substantial drops in crop prices or revenues and are vital economic safety nets for most American farms.

Learn More
Glossary of Terms

Use this tool to familiarize yourself with some of the language you may encounter when exploring FSA programs and resources!