I reached out to the USDA a few weeks ago about their conservation stewardship program. I found out about it through my lender, Farm Credit East (they send us free grant round-up emails... amazing!!).
I never thought the USDA would respond, much less send a team here to go over options for my property with me.
People are sleeping on this branch of the government. There is money being left on the table! I am conducting my own experiment here to report back on it to you all. Let's see what happens! Regardless, I appreciate the free professional advice and planning I am going to receive. I find that neat!
Never farmed a day in your life but want a farming loan? Same!
I wrote about my experience getting one here: https://open.substack.com/pub/houseofgreen/p/the-farm-credit-system-how-i-got?r=1nk5ec&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web.