Navigating the complex world of agricultural programs can be overwhelming, especially for those just starting their farming journey. In this enlightening conversation with James Cruz, County Executive Director for Clay County FSA with over 31 years of experience, we unpack the valuable resources available through the Farm Service Agency that many producers overlook.

The Farm Service Agency operates in nearly every county nationwide, making it uniquely positioned to deliver critical support programs directly to agricultural producers. For beginning farmers, FSA offers specialized financing that dramatically reduces barriers to entry. Through the Beginning Farmer Down Payment Program, newcomers can purchase farmland with just 5% down, while FSA contributes 45% and a commercial lender covers the remaining 50% – all at interest rates significantly below market. This program is available to those who have farmed less than 10 years and don't own more than 30% of the average county farm size.

Perhaps most surprising is the innovative Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Transition Incentives initiative. When landowners with expiring CRP contracts lease their land to beginning farmers for five years, they receive two additional years of CRP payments – creating a powerful financial incentive to support the next generation of producers while easing the transition of conservation land back into production.

The conversation also explores disaster assistance programs that provide essential safety nets. From the Administrator's Physical Loss Declaration that offers low-interest emergency loans for storm-damaged facilities to the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program compensating for weather-related crop losses, FSA stands ready to help producers recover from setbacks. Additional financial tools like the Marketing Assistance Loan program (providing $3.87/bushel for wheat at 5% interest) and the Farm Storage Facility Loan program (financing bins, dryers, and handling equipment at rates as low as 3.75%) round out FSA's comprehensive support system.

Ready to leverage these programs for your operation? Contact your local FSA office today and register for their GovDelivery communication system to stay informed about opportunities that could transform your agricultural business.

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The wealth that's been created in farming and the transfer that's coming is unprecedented, yet many farm families still put off crucial estate planning conversations. In this insightful discussion with senior wealth consultant Galen McGregor, we unpack the essential components of effective farm legacy planning and why it matters at every age – not just for the elderly.

Farm families face unique challenges when transitioning assets between generations. From deciding who gets which parcel of land to managing the delicate balance between fair and equal distribution among heirs, these decisions require thoughtful consideration. As Galen explains, "Once you have worked with one family, you've just worked with one family," because each situation demands customized solutions that honor both financial realities and family dynamics.

We explore the five core components every comprehensive estate plan should include: a last will and testament, financial power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, living will, and potentially a revocable trust. Surprisingly, everyone needs the first four components by age 18 – something many farm families overlook until it's too late. The conversation also highlights practical strategies for asset protection, including structuring operations with separate LLCs for crops, machinery, and land to limit liability exposure.

Perhaps most compelling is Galen's emphasis on the non-financial aspects of legacy planning. Her recommendation to create a "letter of wishes" – a personal explanation of your estate decisions – can prevent misunderstandings and preserve family relationships after you're gone. As she puts it, "Sometimes it's not just money, but how do you want them to operate every day and treat others?" This perspective transforms estate planning from a purely financial exercise into a meaningful expression of your values and hopes for future generations.

Whether you're just starting your farming career or contemplating retirement, this conversation offers practical guidance for protecting what matters most – your land, your legacy, and your family's future. Take the first step today by writing down your three or four most important wishes for your farm's future.

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The vibrant green landscape stretching across North Dakota this summer tells a remarkable story of agricultural transformation. What began as a potentially devastating drought has evolved into one of the most verdant growing seasons in recent memory, with implications reaching far beyond this year's harvest.

Jim Sabe and Daryl Lies take listeners on a journey across the state's diverse growing regions, from the unexpectedly lush Badlands to the thriving croplands of the north. "I've never seen the state this green besides probably 2013 or 14," Sabe remarks, highlighting how timely rainfall has dramatically altered production outlooks. The transformation is particularly striking in traditionally arid areas south of Bowman extending into South Dakota, where ranchers are harvesting second cuttings of hay – a rare occurrence that speaks to the exceptional moisture patterns.

This abundance brings both opportunity and challenge. While crops appear poised for excellent yields, with corn standing six to seven feet tall and canola fields described as "so thick you could roll across without touching ground," the persistent rainfall threatens harvest logistics. Some alfalfa has already been lost to excessive moisture, and concerns mount about field conditions as harvest season approaches. Meanwhile, commodity prices remain stubbornly low, creating a situation where bushel count becomes critical for profitability despite visually impressive fields.

The conversation extends beyond immediate growing conditions to examine shifting global agricultural markets. Drawing from his recent meetings with trade representatives in Washington DC, Ease offers valuable perspective on how China's declining population contrasts with India's growth, potentially requiring American producers to adapt their crop selections in coming years. "American agriculture being dependent on row crops in 10 years might not be the thing," he notes, suggesting pulse crops and protein production may offer better opportunities as global consumption patterns evolve.

Subscribe to hear more insights on agricultural markets, land values, and production trends from the experts who work directly with farmers and ranchers across the Northern Plains. Whether you're actively farming or simply interested in the forces shaping rural America, these conversations provide valuable perspective you won't find anywhere else.

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