From Classroom to Cornfield: How Young Farmers Can Thrive in Year One

Reed Burres

 

Turning Ambition Into Action

You’ve studied the soil. Shadowed local growers. Spent hours watching YouTube farming channels. Now you’re ready to launch your own operation—but where do you begin?

For many young and first-generation farmers, year one is a mix of excitement and overwhelm. The best way to navigate it? With a step-by-step approach to farm setup, risk management, and strategic growth.

This guide walks you through what it takes to make your first year in farming successful, whether you’re growing row crops, specialty produce, or managing a small herd.

Step 1: Set Up Your Farm Legally and Strategically

Before planting your first seed, you need to establish your farm as a business:

Legal Structure

  • Sole proprietorship or LLC? Your choice will affect taxes, liability, and funding access.
  • Register with your Secretary of State if required.

Get a Farm Number

  • Apply for a USDA Farm Number through your local FSA office—this unlocks access to insurance, grants, and conservation programs.

Identify Land Access

  • Will you rent, lease, or buy land?
  • If leasing, have a written agreement that protects both parties.

Step 2: Find the Right Funding and Grants

Farming isn’t cheap—but the good news is there are programs specifically for young and beginning farmers.

Top Options:

  • FSA Direct Farm Ownership or Operating Loans
  • Microloans(great for startup costs)
  • Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP)
  • NRCS Cost-Share Programs for irrigation, fencing, soil improvement

💡 Pro Tip:

Always track expenses and plan your budget before applying. Funders love a clear, professional business plan.

Step 3: Start With the Right Crop or Livestock Mix

Your first season should be strategic, not sprawling.

  • Choose crops suited to your climate, soil, and market demand
  • Consider time-to-harvest, labor intensity, and potential return
  • For livestock, start small and build infrastructure as needed

Beginning Farmer-Friendly Crops:

  • Sweet corn, green beans, tomatoes (for direct market growers)
  • Soybeans, wheat, corn (for larger scale operators)
  • Forage crops (for mixed operations with livestock)

Step 4: Protect Your First Season With Crop Insurance

One hailstorm. One dry spell. One price drop. That's all it takes to derail your first season—unless you have coverage.

Insurance Options for Year One:

  • Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) – standard protection against yield loss or revenue loss
  • Crop-Hail Insurance – extra coverage for storm damage
  • Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) – perfect if you're growing diverse crops or selling direct-to-consumer

Beginning Farmer Benefits:

  • Up to 10% premium discounts
  • Administrative fees waived
  • Higher coverage options without added cost

Don’t wait to enroll—deadlines vary and can sneak up fast.

Step 5: Build Your Farm Support Network

Success in farming doesn’t happen in isolation. Surround yourself with people and programs that want you to succeed.

Plug Into:

  • Extension agents and county ag offices
  • Mentorship programs through FSA, nonprofits, or ag colleges
  • Online communities like Young Farmers Coalition or AgGrad
  • Risk management partners like AgriPeril who specialize in supporting new producers

Step 6: Use Data and Tools From Day One

The best farmers don’t just work hard—they work smart.

Start with:

  • Basic accounting and farm records
  • Crop planning tools
  • Inventory trackers
  • Farm management software  

Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Know Everything—Just Start

The first year of farming is a learning curve—but it’s also your chance to lay a foundation for decades of success. Focus on the essentials: strategic planning, crop insurance, financial literacy, and support networks.

With the right mindset and tools in place, your transition from classroom to cornfield can be smoother, smarter, and more rewarding than you imagined.

Ready to Get Personalized Support?

AgriPeril helps new and young farmers protect their investment and plan for growth. Let’s start your first year with confidence. 📞 515-570-8547