Resources for every stage
The Farmer Veteran Coalition of Illinois wants to help you take your next steps in pursuing farming.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
AgrAbility Unlimited of Illinois
Illinois AgrAbility offers education and assistance to eliminate barriers, accommodate limitations, and help you continue farming!
Farmers with Physical Limitations, Migrant Farmers, Aging Farmers
FREE on-site assessment of your farm
Equipment/Worksite Modification and Consultation
Job Task Restructuring
Agricultural Occupation Alternatives
Stress Management Referral
One-on-One Peer Support Network
Safety/Secondary Injury Awareness
Provided in partnership with local educational and community organizations, our “classic” farmer training modules prepare farmers to bring food safely to market, manage their business and create new opportunities for success. Our experienced trainers bring their experience and knowledge to life in these small-group sessions, held close to where farmers work every day.
Farm Commons provides legal workshops, timely resources, and a community for farmers, ranchers, and their service providers. All the legal resources you could need for workers, business structures, land matters, food safety, sales & contracts, value-added, insurance and so much more.
Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance
The Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) is a broad-based public private alliance consisting of industry, academic and government stakeholders whose mission is to develop curricula, and training and outreach programs to support compliance with the prevention-oriented standards of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Training Courses
Networking
The Land Connection - Central IL
Training farmers in resilient, restorative farming techniques; informing the public about the sources of our food and why that matters; and working to protect and enhance farmland so that we, and generations to come, will have clean air and water, fertile soil, and healthy, delicious food.
Farm Food Safety Assistance
Field Days
Workshops
New Farmer U (year 3-6)
Produce Safety Alliance (English y español)
Providing fundamental, science-based, on-farm food safety knowledge to fresh fruit and vegetable farmers, packers, regulatory personnel, and others interested in the safety of fresh produce.
FSMA focused
Grower Training
Food Safety Plan Writing
United State Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Services
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) administers programs that create domestic and international marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, and specialty crops. AMS also provides the agriculture industry with valuable services to ensure the quality and availability of wholesome food for consumers across the country.
Food Safety audit and accreditation programs (GAP and GHP Certifications)
Commodity Procurement Program
Cotton and Tobacco Program
Dairy Program
Fair Trade Practices Program
Federal Grain Inspection Service
Livestock and Poultry Program
Market News
National Organic Program
Science and Technology Program
Specialty Crops Program
Transportation and Marketing Program
University of Illinois Extension
Linking local communities to the University, to develop programs, tools, and knowledge. Research is aligned to needs and translates research into action plans. Agricultural topics include:
Production
Pest Management
Small Farm Production resources
Livestock
Crops
Pests and Diseases
Research and Analysis
Agricultural Economics
Sustainability
Certifications
Local Foods and Small Farms
Energy and environmental stewardship
Forestry
Angelic Organics Learning Center - Northern IL
Connecting aspiring, beginning, and experienced Stateline area farmers to regional education, resources, and networks in equitable, sustainable, and regenerative farming practices.
Business Planning
Farmer-to-farmer training & networking
Field day, workshops, and virtual events
On-the-job training
FINANCING
Advocating for health care, clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and community development
Farm Policy
Financing & Funding
Financial Coaching
United Stated Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency
Beginning Farmers & Ranchers Loans
Microloans
Ownership loans
Operator loans
Comprehensive FSA Loans Guide
Farm Aid Resource Guide for Farm Financing
One-on-one assistance
Hotline
Online Farmer Resource Network
Through Ag Invest the treasury partner with approved financial institutions provided qualified farmers and agricultural professionals below market rate loans to start, expand, or add value to their farm operations.
Annual loans
Long term loans
Comprehensive information about finding financial help for starting your farm business.
Federal programs
State programs
Grants
Farm credit cooperatives
Commercial lenders
Real estate loans
Operating loans
Livestock loans
Crop Insurance
FreshRoots program (Young & Beginning Farmers)
AgDirect program
TRAINING AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE
Armed to Farm National Center for Appropriate Technology
Training for Military Veterans. Learn more about current opportunities, technical assistance, and online tutorials.
Farm Credit Business Plan Template
A business plan template, balance sheet, and cash flow worksheet from Farm Credit Illinois helps beginning and current farmers budget, manage risk, and consider opportunities. Scroll to Application Requirements to access links to each template.
This newly revised book presents the complex subject of farm financial management in a straightforward and readable style, with numerous tips and examples from working farms. The book offers examples from a diversity of farms, from dairy to diversified vegetable, to orchards and pastured poultry.
The Land Connection Online Courses
Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education Program
A wealth of information in the Learning Center Tab including educational brochures on topics ranging from vegetable production to livestock and everything in between. Grants for Funding are also available.