External Resources

Applications for the Local Agriculture Marketing Program are open through June 5, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. These grants support the development and expansion of local food business enterprises and direct producer-to-consumer markets. Applicants should review the specific guidelines for the Farmers Market (FMPP), Local Food (LFPP), and Regional Food System (RFSP) sub-programs to ensure alignment with their project goals.

Applications for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program are being accepted by the USDA through June 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. This program funds projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including research and market development. Interested parties should contact their state’s department of agriculture, as internal state deadlines may vary.

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.

The WASDE and Crop Production briefings can be watched every month beginning at 12:05 pm ET on NASS’ YouTube Channel. The briefings are streamed live just moments after the reports are made public. 

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides loans to agricultural producers to help start or expand their farming operations, purchase equipment and storage structures, or meet cash flow needs. Click below to view this month’s interest rates for loans offered through FSA.

This monthly report contains crop production data for the U.S., including acreage, area harvested, and yield. The report also contains a monthly weather summary, a monthly agricultural summary, and an analysis of precipitation and the degree of departure from the normal precipitation map for the month.

The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report is prepared and released by the World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB). This report is released monthly and provides annual forecasts for supply and use of U.S. and world wheat, rice, coarse grains, oilseeds, and cotton. The report also covers U.S. supply and use of sugar, livestock & meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and dairy products; as well as Mexico’s supply and use of sugar.

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.