External Resources

Applications are currently open for the Young, Beginning, and Small (YBS) Farmer Grant Program, sponsored by Horizon Farm Credit. This initiative will award ten $20,000 grants to support emerging agricultural producers with funding for on-farm improvements, innovation, and business growth. If you are an eligible producer looking to invest in your operation’s future, make sure to submit your application by the August 21, 2026 deadline at 4:00 PM.

Applications for the Specialty Crop Multi-State Program are open to participating state departments of agriculture through October 16, 2026. This program supports collaborative, multi-state projects that address regional or national challenges within the specialty crop industry, such as food safety and pest management. Check with your state agency for specific partner submission timelines.

Click below to find your state and view local data, USDA resources, and program deadlines.

Use AgPlan, a tool created by the Center for Farm Financial Management at the University of Minnesota, to create your business plan. Features include business-type templates, a feature-rich type editor, tips and samples, and plan reviewers.

Southern University AgCenter is offering free technical assistance certification programs to farmers and small business owners. Certification programs currently available are Foods & Farm Food Safety, Small Business Development, Master Small Ruminant, and Sustainable Urban Agriculture. 

The Southern Risk Management Education Center (SRMEC) has released a stress mitigation workbook to assist farmers and members of the agricultural community in managing the various stressors associated with farming.