Starting a Farm Enterprise
The Dirt On Starting A Farm
https://www.ndsmallfarms.com/uploads/1/0/2/3/102323304/web_farm_toolkit_single_pages_no_marks.pdf
Above is a document that contains information and resources available for Native American and Veteran beginning farmers and ranchers and agency staff that provide services for underserved communities in North Dakota.
USDA New Farmers Website
https://newfarmers.usda.gov/
The US Department of Agriculture offers resources to new farmers - people who need the tools to get started in the field of agriculture.
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Find One-Stop Shop in Farm Answers
https://nifa.usda.gov/blog/beginning-farmers-and-ranchers-find-one-stop-shop-farm-answers
Guest blog from a web communications coordinator at the University of Minnesota's Center for Farm Financial Management highlights the FarmAnswers.org information clearinghouse for new and beginning farmers and ranchers.
Case Studies from Small Farms
Two Farm partners in the Northwestern Quadrant of North Dakota
Dirthead Microgreens, Fargo, ND
Ostlie's Sunnyside Acres, Carrington, ND
Slavic Heritage Farm, Rugby, ND
North Star Farm, Carpio, ND
Roving Donkey Farm, Bismarck, ND
Community Gardens Fort Yates, NDSU Extension
Online Courses from Cornell University
The title above is a link that will take you to the online course line up from Cornell University. There are many topics to choose from but all will provide you with education needed to begin your enterprise.
Northeast Beginning Farmer Project | Serving new and aspiring farmers
http://www.nebeginningfarmers.org/farmers/beginning/
The Beginning Farmer program through Cornell University's Cornell Small Farms Program offers resources to beginning farmers.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
https://www.nd.gov/ndda/program/specialty-crop-block-grant-program
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture administers the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Specialty crops are defined as "fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture)." To be eligible for a grant, the project(s) must solely enhance the competitiveness of North Dakota grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets.
APUC - Economic Development and Finance - North Dakota State ...
https://www.business.nd.gov/apuc
Agricultural Products Utilization Commission (APUC) creates new wealth and employment opportunities through the development of new and expanded uses of North Dakota's agricultural products through a grant program.
Grants to Grow/Loan Program | About | FARRMS
www.farrms.org/single-post/2017/02/02/Grants-to-GrowLoan-Program
The Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Resource Management and Sustainability (FARRMS) program empowers people to create sustainable rural communities. The Grants to Grow/Loan Program supports individuals through its various initiatives with micro loans and grants.
Microloans - Farm Service Agency - USDA
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/microloans
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency's Microloan Programs focus on the financing needs of small, beginning farmers, niche and non-traditional farm operations, restaurants and grocery stores, or those using hydroponic, aquaponic, organic and vertical growing methods.
Member Vendor Grants - North Dakota Farmers Market and Growers Association
www.ndfarmersmarkets.org
The North Dakota Farmers Market and Growers Association (NDFMGA) offers $300 grants to new vendors and sellers (first or second year of selling at a farmer's market or direct to consumer) of "Dakota Grown" products.
Organic Certification Cost Share Program | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
https://www.nd.gov/ndda/program/organic-certification-cost-share-program
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture administers the USDA Organic Cost Share Reimbursement Program. Organic producers (crops, wild crops, and/or livestock) and/or handlers are eligible for reimbursement of 75 percent of initial or renewal organic certification costs with a maximum of $750 per certification scope.
Programs | NRCS North Dakota - USDA
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/nd/programs
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) North Dakota offers voluntary programs to eligible landowners and agricultural producers to provide financial and technical assistance to help manage natural resources in a sustainable manner.
How EQIP Works in North Dakota - NRCS - USDA
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/nd/programs/financial/eqip/?cid...
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers through contracts up to a maximum term of ten years in length. The assistance is provided to producers who help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns and who help provide opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources on agricultural land.
Local Foods Initiative | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
https://www.nd.gov/ndda/program/local-foods-initiative
Local foods are the foods grown, produced, or processed in in North Dakota and sold directly to the end user. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has driven the local foods movement since August 2008 because local foods directly connect growers and producers with consumers, helping all to understand the community and economy we live in.
Dakota College at Bottineau :: ECH
www.dakotacollege.edu/about/ech/
The Entrepreneurial Center for Horticulture (ECH) at Dakota College at Bottineau exists to assist small to mid-size farmers and gardeners produce organic and specialty vegetables for sale.
North Dakota Small Business Development Centers
http://ndsbdc.org/
North Dakota Small Business Development Centers helps North Dakotans to start, manage and grow their businesses.
Ag Loans - Bank of North Dakota
https://bnd.nd.gov/ag/
The Bank of North Dakota's mission is to promote the development of agriculture, commerce and industry in North Dakota. Most of the Bank of North Dakota's agriculture lending programs are initiated with the local financial institution.
Local Foods — Food and Nutrition - NDSU Agriculture
https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/food/local-foods
The North Dakota State University Extension Service launched the Field to Fork Campaign in 2016 to increase people's knowledge of growing, transporting, processing, and preserving fruits and vegetables safely.
Farm and Ranch Guide – ND CSA Producer Report (2016)
http://www.farmandranchguide.com/news/producer_reports/mosers-will-introduce-our-readers-to-a-different-type-of/article_433f9b9e-0cae-11e6-bb7b-73d8449e1c56.html
Article follows Hannah and Jonathon Moser of Forager Farm as they make their first CSA deliveries.
FARRMS – Foundation for Agriculture and Rural Resource Management and Sustainability (Medina, ND)
www.farrms.org
The mission of the Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Resource Management and Sustainability (FARRMS) is to further the sustainability of thriving farms and rural communities.
MOSES – Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (Spring Valley, WI)
https://mosesorganic.org/
The mission of the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) is to educate, inspire, and empower farmers to thrive in a sustainable, organic system of agriculture.
Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Society
https://www.npsas.org/
The mission of the Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Society is to promote sustainable food systems through education, research, and advocacy.
Farm Breeding Club | Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Society
www.npsas.org/farm-breeding-club/
The Farm Breeding Club of the Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Society brings farmers together to share knowledge and seed stock for seed saving, crop breeding, and fellowship. It gives farmers the information they need in order to participate as partners in public plant breeding and to take on their own breeding projects at home.
Farm Finance Challenge - Farm Marketing Solutions
https://farmmarketingsolutions.com/blog/?category=Farm+Finance+Challenge
Farm Marketing Solutions is a resource for farmers looking to start or build their farm business.
National Young Farmers Coalition
www.youngfarmers.org
The National Young Farmers Coalition represents, mobilizes, and engages young farmers to ensure their success.
Northern Small Farm Alliance - Home | Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/northernsmallfarmalliance/
The Northern Small Farm Alliance (NSFA) is a group of small-scale, sustainable growers in North Dakota and Minnesota committed to working together to support one another in providing its communities with fresh, locally grown foods and to support new and emerging farmers who are committed to sustainable growing practices.
Cass Clay Food Systems Initiative - Home | Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/CassClayFoodPartners/
Community group – promoting local food use/consumption/systems in Cass (ND) and Clay Counties (MN). Network opportunity for new farmer.
Ugly Food of the North
www.fmuglyfood.com/
Community group – arranges activities and events in the Fargo/Moorhead area. Seeks to encourage more use/ less waste of ‘ugly’ foods, such as crooked cucumbers or carrots that typically get wasted. Outreach/network opportunities for startup farmers.
ATTRA | A National Sustainable Agriculture Assistance Program
https://attra.ncat.org/
Lists and resources for production of many alternative agriculture options.
North Central SARE - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
www.northcentralsare.org/
Resources for sustainable farmers, based on farm projects completed with funds from SARE. Grants available for farmers and private/public partnerships.
Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture - Iowa State University
https://www.leopold.iastate.edu/
Resources and trial data for sustainable farm production of multiple crops and growing practices.
Rodale Institute: Organic Pioneers since 1947
http://rodaleinstitute.org/
Resources and trial data for organic farm production of multiple crops.
Homegrown By Heroes - FARMER VETERAN COALITION
www.farmvetco.org/homegrown-by-heroes
An organization and “homegrown by heroes” label to assist military veterans succeed as farmers.
North Dakota Organic Farming
www.ndorganics.nd.gov
North Dakota Organic Board website – relevant information, but not very updated.
USDA Organic - International Certification Services, Inc.
www.ics-intl.com/usda-organic.html
Organic Certification Provider – USDA Accredited Certifier and many other label certification services – including a few international standards for exporting.
OCIA - Providing Excellence in Organic Certification | OCIA Website
www.ocia.org
Organic Certification Provider – USDA Accredited Certifier and many other label certification services – including many international standards for exporting.
Rural Grocery Stores - University of Minnesota Extension
https://www.extension.umn.edu/rsdp/statewide/rural-grocery-stores/
Resources that address selling farm products to grocery stores.
Farm to Market Handbook | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
https://www.nd.gov/ndda/program-info/local-foods-initiative/farm-market-handbook
Overview of rules and regulations for marketing farm products in North Dakota.
ND Farm to School – Good Food in Schools
https://ndfarmtoschool.org
List of Schools interested in buying locally grown food in North Dakota.
Secretary of State | - North Dakota State Government – Business Services
https://sos.nd.gov/business/business-services
Legal requirements and Business Structures in North Dakota.
ND Grape and Wine Association – Quality vines make quality wines
www.ndgwa.org/
The North Dakota Grape & Wine Association and serves commercial and amateur fruit and grape growers and winemakers across North Dakota and nearby states. Its mission is to carry out education, promotion, and extension of the art and science of viticulture and eonology in North Dakota and surrounding areas.
Farm Commons |
https://farmcommons.org/
Legal Counsel & Resources Farm specific
Boot Camps - Innovate ND
https://innovatend.com/what-is-innovate-nd/boot-camps/
The Dirt On Starting A Farm
https://www.ndsmallfarms.com/uploads/1/0/2/3/102323304/web_farm_toolkit_single_pages_no_marks.pdf
Above is a document that contains information and resources available for Native American and Veteran beginning farmers and ranchers and agency staff that provide services for underserved communities in North Dakota.
USDA New Farmers Website
https://newfarmers.usda.gov/
The US Department of Agriculture offers resources to new farmers - people who need the tools to get started in the field of agriculture.
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Find One-Stop Shop in Farm Answers
https://nifa.usda.gov/blog/beginning-farmers-and-ranchers-find-one-stop-shop-farm-answers
Guest blog from a web communications coordinator at the University of Minnesota's Center for Farm Financial Management highlights the FarmAnswers.org information clearinghouse for new and beginning farmers and ranchers.
Case Studies from Small Farms
Two Farm partners in the Northwestern Quadrant of North Dakota
Dirthead Microgreens, Fargo, ND
Ostlie's Sunnyside Acres, Carrington, ND
Slavic Heritage Farm, Rugby, ND
North Star Farm, Carpio, ND
Roving Donkey Farm, Bismarck, ND
Community Gardens Fort Yates, NDSU Extension
Online Courses from Cornell University
The title above is a link that will take you to the online course line up from Cornell University. There are many topics to choose from but all will provide you with education needed to begin your enterprise.
Northeast Beginning Farmer Project | Serving new and aspiring farmers
http://www.nebeginningfarmers.org/farmers/beginning/
The Beginning Farmer program through Cornell University's Cornell Small Farms Program offers resources to beginning farmers.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
https://www.nd.gov/ndda/program/specialty-crop-block-grant-program
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture administers the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Specialty crops are defined as "fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture)." To be eligible for a grant, the project(s) must solely enhance the competitiveness of North Dakota grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets.
APUC - Economic Development and Finance - North Dakota State ...
https://www.business.nd.gov/apuc
Agricultural Products Utilization Commission (APUC) creates new wealth and employment opportunities through the development of new and expanded uses of North Dakota's agricultural products through a grant program.
Grants to Grow/Loan Program | About | FARRMS
www.farrms.org/single-post/2017/02/02/Grants-to-GrowLoan-Program
The Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Resource Management and Sustainability (FARRMS) program empowers people to create sustainable rural communities. The Grants to Grow/Loan Program supports individuals through its various initiatives with micro loans and grants.
Microloans - Farm Service Agency - USDA
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/microloans
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency's Microloan Programs focus on the financing needs of small, beginning farmers, niche and non-traditional farm operations, restaurants and grocery stores, or those using hydroponic, aquaponic, organic and vertical growing methods.
Member Vendor Grants - North Dakota Farmers Market and Growers Association
www.ndfarmersmarkets.org
The North Dakota Farmers Market and Growers Association (NDFMGA) offers $300 grants to new vendors and sellers (first or second year of selling at a farmer's market or direct to consumer) of "Dakota Grown" products.
Organic Certification Cost Share Program | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
https://www.nd.gov/ndda/program/organic-certification-cost-share-program
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture administers the USDA Organic Cost Share Reimbursement Program. Organic producers (crops, wild crops, and/or livestock) and/or handlers are eligible for reimbursement of 75 percent of initial or renewal organic certification costs with a maximum of $750 per certification scope.
Programs | NRCS North Dakota - USDA
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/nd/programs
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) North Dakota offers voluntary programs to eligible landowners and agricultural producers to provide financial and technical assistance to help manage natural resources in a sustainable manner.
How EQIP Works in North Dakota - NRCS - USDA
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/nd/programs/financial/eqip/?cid...
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers through contracts up to a maximum term of ten years in length. The assistance is provided to producers who help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns and who help provide opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources on agricultural land.
Local Foods Initiative | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
https://www.nd.gov/ndda/program/local-foods-initiative
Local foods are the foods grown, produced, or processed in in North Dakota and sold directly to the end user. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has driven the local foods movement since August 2008 because local foods directly connect growers and producers with consumers, helping all to understand the community and economy we live in.
Dakota College at Bottineau :: ECH
www.dakotacollege.edu/about/ech/
The Entrepreneurial Center for Horticulture (ECH) at Dakota College at Bottineau exists to assist small to mid-size farmers and gardeners produce organic and specialty vegetables for sale.
North Dakota Small Business Development Centers
http://ndsbdc.org/
North Dakota Small Business Development Centers helps North Dakotans to start, manage and grow their businesses.
Ag Loans - Bank of North Dakota
https://bnd.nd.gov/ag/
The Bank of North Dakota's mission is to promote the development of agriculture, commerce and industry in North Dakota. Most of the Bank of North Dakota's agriculture lending programs are initiated with the local financial institution.
Local Foods — Food and Nutrition - NDSU Agriculture
https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/food/local-foods
The North Dakota State University Extension Service launched the Field to Fork Campaign in 2016 to increase people's knowledge of growing, transporting, processing, and preserving fruits and vegetables safely.
Farm and Ranch Guide – ND CSA Producer Report (2016)
http://www.farmandranchguide.com/news/producer_reports/mosers-will-introduce-our-readers-to-a-different-type-of/article_433f9b9e-0cae-11e6-bb7b-73d8449e1c56.html
Article follows Hannah and Jonathon Moser of Forager Farm as they make their first CSA deliveries.
FARRMS – Foundation for Agriculture and Rural Resource Management and Sustainability (Medina, ND)
www.farrms.org
The mission of the Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Resource Management and Sustainability (FARRMS) is to further the sustainability of thriving farms and rural communities.
MOSES – Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (Spring Valley, WI)
https://mosesorganic.org/
The mission of the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) is to educate, inspire, and empower farmers to thrive in a sustainable, organic system of agriculture.
Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Society
https://www.npsas.org/
The mission of the Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Society is to promote sustainable food systems through education, research, and advocacy.
Farm Breeding Club | Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Society
www.npsas.org/farm-breeding-club/
The Farm Breeding Club of the Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Society brings farmers together to share knowledge and seed stock for seed saving, crop breeding, and fellowship. It gives farmers the information they need in order to participate as partners in public plant breeding and to take on their own breeding projects at home.
Farm Finance Challenge - Farm Marketing Solutions
https://farmmarketingsolutions.com/blog/?category=Farm+Finance+Challenge
Farm Marketing Solutions is a resource for farmers looking to start or build their farm business.
National Young Farmers Coalition
www.youngfarmers.org
The National Young Farmers Coalition represents, mobilizes, and engages young farmers to ensure their success.
Northern Small Farm Alliance - Home | Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/northernsmallfarmalliance/
The Northern Small Farm Alliance (NSFA) is a group of small-scale, sustainable growers in North Dakota and Minnesota committed to working together to support one another in providing its communities with fresh, locally grown foods and to support new and emerging farmers who are committed to sustainable growing practices.
Cass Clay Food Systems Initiative - Home | Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/CassClayFoodPartners/
Community group – promoting local food use/consumption/systems in Cass (ND) and Clay Counties (MN). Network opportunity for new farmer.
Ugly Food of the North
www.fmuglyfood.com/
Community group – arranges activities and events in the Fargo/Moorhead area. Seeks to encourage more use/ less waste of ‘ugly’ foods, such as crooked cucumbers or carrots that typically get wasted. Outreach/network opportunities for startup farmers.
ATTRA | A National Sustainable Agriculture Assistance Program
https://attra.ncat.org/
Lists and resources for production of many alternative agriculture options.
North Central SARE - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
www.northcentralsare.org/
Resources for sustainable farmers, based on farm projects completed with funds from SARE. Grants available for farmers and private/public partnerships.
Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture - Iowa State University
https://www.leopold.iastate.edu/
Resources and trial data for sustainable farm production of multiple crops and growing practices.
Rodale Institute: Organic Pioneers since 1947
http://rodaleinstitute.org/
Resources and trial data for organic farm production of multiple crops.
Homegrown By Heroes - FARMER VETERAN COALITION
www.farmvetco.org/homegrown-by-heroes
An organization and “homegrown by heroes” label to assist military veterans succeed as farmers.
North Dakota Organic Farming
www.ndorganics.nd.gov
North Dakota Organic Board website – relevant information, but not very updated.
USDA Organic - International Certification Services, Inc.
www.ics-intl.com/usda-organic.html
Organic Certification Provider – USDA Accredited Certifier and many other label certification services – including a few international standards for exporting.
OCIA - Providing Excellence in Organic Certification | OCIA Website
www.ocia.org
Organic Certification Provider – USDA Accredited Certifier and many other label certification services – including many international standards for exporting.
Rural Grocery Stores - University of Minnesota Extension
https://www.extension.umn.edu/rsdp/statewide/rural-grocery-stores/
Resources that address selling farm products to grocery stores.
Farm to Market Handbook | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
https://www.nd.gov/ndda/program-info/local-foods-initiative/farm-market-handbook
Overview of rules and regulations for marketing farm products in North Dakota.
ND Farm to School – Good Food in Schools
https://ndfarmtoschool.org
List of Schools interested in buying locally grown food in North Dakota.
Secretary of State | - North Dakota State Government – Business Services
https://sos.nd.gov/business/business-services
Legal requirements and Business Structures in North Dakota.
ND Grape and Wine Association – Quality vines make quality wines
www.ndgwa.org/
The North Dakota Grape & Wine Association and serves commercial and amateur fruit and grape growers and winemakers across North Dakota and nearby states. Its mission is to carry out education, promotion, and extension of the art and science of viticulture and eonology in North Dakota and surrounding areas.
Farm Commons |
https://farmcommons.org/
Legal Counsel & Resources Farm specific
Boot Camps - Innovate ND
https://innovatend.com/what-is-innovate-nd/boot-camps/