Which USDA agency handles what?
Think of USDA agencies by the job they do for you. FSA handles farm loans, farm program payments and disaster programs through county offices. NRCS helps with conservation planning and cost-share. RMA oversees federal crop insurance, which you buy through private agents. Rural Development focuses on rural business, housing and community financing. AMS works on marketing, grading and market programs. ERS and NASS produce data and statistics.
Farmers.gov is the department's farmer-facing website, and it is a good place to start when you are unsure which agency to contact.
A good habit is to keep one notebook or folder for all USDA contacts, with names, phone numbers, dates and what was discussed. When you work with several agencies at once, it prevents mix-ups.
- FSA: loans, commodity and disaster programs
- NRCS: conservation planning and financial help
- RMA: crop insurance rules and oversight
- RD: rural business and community programs
- AMS: marketing services and market programs
- ERS and NASS: economic research and statistics
Where do I go for money to run or buy a farm?
FSA's loan pages describe direct and guaranteed operating and ownership loans, along with options aimed at beginning farmers. Commercial lenders may also use FSA guarantees. Rural Development has business financing for rural enterprises that are not always a traditional farm.
Each program has its own eligibility rules and limits, which change. Use the official pages and a loan officer for current terms.
Several agencies share service center space in many counties, and staff often know which colleague handles what. Asking a simple question such as who else should I talk to is often the fastest route to the right program.
Where do I go for conservation help?
NRCS works through local field offices. Its program pages list financial assistance programs such as EQIP and CSP, and it also provides technical help in planning practices on your land. NRCS announces application batching dates in each state, so ask your local office when the next one is.
Many conservation programs require that you first have farm records established with FSA, so a visit to the FSA county office often comes first.
Who handles risk and insurance?
RMA sets the rules for federal crop insurance, but the policies are sold and serviced by private approved insurance providers. Your agent is the person you talk to for coverage choices, deadlines and claims. FSA handles disaster programs that can apply when losses are not covered or are in addition to insurance.
Coordinating the two matters, because some programs require that you carried insurance or similar coverage in order to be eligible.
Where do I find prices, data and market programs?
AMS publishes market news and runs grading, certification and grant programs. Its Local Agriculture Market Program page covers support for local and regional food business. ERS publishes farm income forecasts and research, while NASS runs surveys and the Census of Agriculture.
These are free sources for budgeting and planning. Use them to compare your costs and prices to regional numbers.
How do I avoid running in circles?
Start local. The county FSA office is the usual first stop, and staff can point you to NRCS, Rural Development or other help. Your state extension office is another neutral guide. Bring your farm number if you have one, a list of what you want to do, and basic records.
Keep notes of who you spoke with and when. If something sounds too good to be true, or a caller asks for payment to access a grant, stop and check the agency's official website.
What does each agency need from me to get started?
Most of them need the same basics: identification, a tax identification number, a description of your operation, and proof that you control the land. Having a folder with those items makes every first visit easier.
FSA usually asks for the most records, because its farm record feeds other programs. NRCS will want maps and a description of resource concerns. Your crop insurance agent will want production history. Rural Development will want a business plan and financial statements for a business project.
Call ahead to ask what to bring. Staff are generally glad to tell you, and a short call can save a second trip.
Key takeaways
- Match the agency to the task: money, conservation, insurance, marketing or data.
- Start at your county FSA office and ask for referrals.
- Crop insurance is bought from private agents under RMA rules.
- Use ERS, NASS and AMS data for free planning information.
- Verify any offer that asks for upfront payment.
Sources and official links
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Money & Grants Editorial Team. Educational only, not tax, legal or financial advice. See our editorial policy.