Nebraska's economy was founded by farmers and ranchers. NebraskaBeginningFarmer.org provides easy access to a number of entities which offer financial resources to individuals interested in agricultural production. These resources assist those desiring to pursue agricultural opportunities as well as those desiring to maintain/improve their viability in the industry. Click on the links below to learn more about these programs.

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Financing Programs
	Nebraska Department of Agriculture Recognizing the importance the agricultural industry continues to play in the state, the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program brings together the shared strengths and resources of existing and beginning farmers. The Program offers a refundable tax credit to existing farmer/livestock producers who agree to rent to beginning farmers. Click here for more information.
	Nebraska Investment Finance Authority The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority provides Nebraskans a broad range of financial resources, including its Beginning Farmer/Rancher Program for purchase of agricultural land, equipment/machinery, or breeding livestock. Working with banks, private seller-lenders or private investor lenders, the Program facilitates loans of up to $250,000 for land and depreciable property to be used in agricultural production for "first-time farmers" who have a net worth not in excess of $500,000. Also, read about the success of the Governor's Agricultural Excellence Awards sponsored by NIFA. Click here for more information.
	Nebraska Department of Revenue The Nebraska Advantage Rural Development Act, administered by the Nebraska Department of Revenue, will provide, beginning in 2007, a refundable tax credit against sales and use taxes or income tax liability for taxpayers engaged in livestock production who invests in at least $50,000 for livestock modernization or expansion. The amount of the tax credit for livestock production will be 10% of the investment, not to exceed $30,000. Click here for more information.
	United States Department of Agricultural - Farm Services Administration The USDA-Farm Services Administration (FSA) is a customer-driven agency dedicated to achieving a sound future for American agriculture. FSA offers direct and guaranteed farm ownership and operating loans to farmers and ranchers who are unable to obtain private, commercial credit. FSA loans can be used to purchase land, livestock, equipment, feed, seed and supplies. FSA loans may also be used to construct buildings or make farm improvements. FSA additionally offers a beginning farmer down payment loan for the purchase of a farm or ranch. Click here for more information.
	Farm Credit Services of America Farm Credit Services is a network of independently owned and operated credit and financial institutions that serve farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses of every size and income range. Farm Credit Services offers a Young and Beginning Program providing financial resources for less established producers (age 35 or younger or less than 10 years experience). Qualifying farmers and ranchers can receive agricultural loans for land purchases, operations, insurance and more business education reimbursements (up to $500/year), youth in agriculture loans (up to $2500/student) and college scholarships ($2,000) are also offered by Farm Credit Services. Click here for more information.
Other Links of Interest
	University of Nebraska - Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) IANR is a provider of educational, research and outreach programs related to food, agriculture and agribusiness systems, natural resources and human resources. IANR is dedicated to providing the highest quality programs that are ecologically sound, economically viable, socially responsible and scientifically appropriate. Click here for more information.
	Center for Rural Affairs The Center for Rural Affairs, a private, non-profit organization, is working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities. Click here for more information. Land Link, a program of the Center for Rural Affairs, helps beginning farmers and ranchers gain access to land, financing, knowledge and skills needed to make a successful start by matching retiring farmers with beginning farmers and others who desire to farm or ranch. IFARM -- Integrated Farm and Resource Management Plan, a comprehensive guide for farm and resource planning created by the Center, provides additional information for the beginning farmer. The planning materials integrate environmental protection, economic and community goals, family and personal goals and addresses marketing, production, financial planning, and assessment.
	University of Nebraska Rural Initiative The University of Nebraska Rural Initiative is a University-wide approach to focus the knowledge, skills, and creativity on the four campuses (Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha and the Medical Center) upon stabilizing and enhancing the economy and quality of life in non-metropolitan Nebraska. Click here for more information.
	Nebraska 4-H Foundation 4-H is one of the largest youth (ages 5-19) organizations in the United States with more than 6.8 million participants. The program partners the cooperative efforts of youth, volunteer leaders, state land-grant universities, state and local governments, 4-H Foundations, and the Cooperative State Research, Educational and Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Click here for more information.
	Nebraska Future Farmers of America The Nebraska FFA Association is a state and national youth organization made up of students (Grades 7-12) from across the state and nation. It contains of over 7,000 members dedicated to agricultural education and youth leadership. Click here for more information.

Contact Nebraska Beginning Farmer