Find your local resources
Select your county to see verified Cornell Cooperative Extension, USDA Farm Service Agency, and Soil & Water Conservation contacts for your area.
Two starting points
Where you begin depends on where you are. Pick the track that fits, dig into the New York toolkit when you need more detail, and use the county finder above to reach the people who can actually help.
New York toolkit
The details behind the steps above: what federal farm loans actually cover, how to size up a piece of New York land before you sign anything, and the state rules and tax breaks that apply here.
FSA farm loans at a glance
The USDA Farm Service Agency lends directly to farmers and guarantees loans made by banks and Farm Credit East. Beginning farmers and veterans often start here because the terms are built for people who can't get a conventional ag loan yet.
| Loan | Up to | What it pays for | Experience needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microloan | $50,000 | Startup costs, small equipment, livestock, down payments on land. Built for small and first-time operations. | Lightest requirements of any FSA loan. A good first loan that builds the track record for bigger ones. For veterans, microloans don't count against FSA's direct loan time limit. |
| Direct Operating | $400,000 | Livestock, equipment, seed, feed, fuel, and other yearly operating costs. | Some farm experience. FSA can count training, mentoring, and related work - ask your county office what counts for you. |
| Direct Farm Ownership | $600,000 | Buying land or a farm, putting up buildings, soil and water improvements. | Usually 3 of the last 10 years operating a farm, with some alternatives accepted. For veterans, military leadership or management experience can count for one of those years. |
| Guaranteed through your bank or Farm Credit East | $2,236,000 | Larger land purchases and operating lines. FSA backs up to 95% of the loan, so lenders say yes more often. | Set by the lender, not FSA. |
Limits are for fiscal year 2026. Congress is considering higher limits in the pending Farm Bill, so confirm current numbers with your county FSA office (find it with the county finder) or try USDA's Loan Assistance Tool. See also our FSA Toolkit and Farm Credit East branches in NY.
Before you sign: a New York land checklist
Available land isn't always usable land. Work through this list for any parcel you're serious about, whether you're buying or leasing. Your checkmarks are saved in this browser only.
Setting up to farm in New York
Plan the business
A written plan is what lenders and grant reviewers ask for first, and it forces the hard numbers early.
- Get your USDA farm numberYour first step with the federal government. Bring your deed or lease and a completed AD-2047 form to your county USDA Service Center. Most USDA loans, disaster aid, and conservation programs require it.
- Guide to Farming in New York State (PDF)Cornell’s fact sheets on the rules that apply to NY farms: zoning, farm vehicles and DMV, business structure, taxes, labor law, insurance, and licensing.
- Cornell Small Farms - Plan Your FarmFree, self-paced online course from NY's land-grant university.
- NY FarmNetFree, confidential business and personal consulting for any NY farm. They come to you. 1-800-547-3276
- SARE - Building a Sustainable BusinessStep-by-step business plan guide with worksheets.
- Farm Commons - Business Structure BasicsLLC, sole proprietor, partnership: what each means for liability and taxes.
NY tax breaks for farms
New York gives farms real breaks on property and sales tax, but most have to be applied for.
- Agricultural AssessmentFarmland taxed on its farm value, not market value. Apply through your town assessor.
- Form ST-125 - Farmer's Exemption CertificateBuy qualifying farm supplies and equipment without paying NY sales tax.
- Our NYS Tax Incentives RoundupNine state credits and exemptions in one place.
- IRS Publication 225The federal Farmer's Tax Guide.
Selling food legally
Selling direct to customers is how many new NY farms start. Know which products need a license before your first market.
- Home Processor ExemptionSell baked goods and high-acid jams made in your home kitchen, within NY. No fee, but allow up to 16 weeks for approval. Well water must be tested.
- Ag & Markets Licensing & RegistrationArticle 20-C food processing and other state licenses.
- Ag & Markets - Beginning FarmersThe state's starting page for new farm businesses. Questions? Call the New and Beginning Farmers team at (718) 722-2040.
- Our NYS Pesticide Applicator Licensing guide
Your county contacts
Common questions
Do I need to own land to get started?
No. Many New York farmers start on leased land. NY Farmland Finder lists available properties and lets you post a profile so landowners can find you, and its regional navigators can help you work out a lease.
What does it cost to join the Farmer Veteran Coalition?
Nothing. Membership is free for veterans and currently serving members of the military. It makes you eligible for the Fellowship Fund, the Homegrown By Heroes label, member discounts, and FVC NY events. Join FVC.
I'm still on active duty or just separated. Is it too early?
No, it's a good time to start planning. Take a free course like Cornell's Plan Your Farm, visit your county Cornell Cooperative Extension office, and look at training like Armed to Farm while you work through your transition.
Who should I call first?
Your county Cornell Cooperative Extension office. They know the local farms, land, and programs, and can point you to the right FSA and Soil & Water contacts. Use the county finder at the top of the page.
What about ag jobs instead of owning a farm?
Most farm families mix on-farm and off-farm income, and working for an established farm, orchard, dairy, or ag business is one of the best ways to learn before taking on the risk of your own operation. Ag employers also need people for farm management, equipment, precision ag, and technical roles. Look at the New York job board on AgCareers, FVC's national job search, and the on-farm job listings on NY Farmland Finder. Want the credentials first? New York now covers tuition for associate degrees at ag-focused SUNY campuses like Cobleskill and Morrisville through SUNY Reconnect.
Does FVC only support small or organic farms?
No. We support veterans in every part of agriculture: dairy, livestock, row crops, orchards, maple, forestry, and farm jobs as well as farm ownership.
Where can I get help if farming stress is getting to me?
NY FarmNet offers free, confidential personal and family support for New York farmers at 1-800-547-3276. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. FVC National also offers free QPR suicide prevention training for members and their families - email support@farmvetco.org to join a session.
