Across rural America, young and beginning farmers are stepping into an increasingly complex agricultural landscape — one marked by rising capital needs, evolving technology and shifting economic pressures. Farm Credit institutions have long recognized that beginning producers need more than financing to succeed. Community, education, and a trusted partner committed to their long-term success also are important.
Through first-time farm loans, on-demand learning, enriching events and robust peer-networking opportunities, Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) is one of those institutions helping cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders.
In this article:
- Young producer story spotlight: Lucas Amundson
- Networking and farmer education events
- Learn on your schedule with on-demand education
- First-time farm loans open the door to ownership
- A long-term partner in producer success
Young producer story spotlight: Lucas Amundson
Since 2009, FCSAmerica’s Side X Side conference has equipped young and beginning producers with actionable knowledge for improving and growing their operations.
Lucas Amundson, a Minnesota cattle and grain producer, is typical of attendees: open to new ways of thinking about age-old challenges, eager to connect with peers, and committed to getting better at the business side of farming. What stood out most to him was the diversity of operations represented; Side X Side is open to producers from eight states as part of the collaboration between FCSAmerica, AgCountry Farm Credit Services, and Frontier Farm Credit.
FCSAmerica’s Side X Side conference for young and beginning producers
Amundson also appreciated the willingness of attendees to share insights—from marketing strategies to risk management approaches. Hearing how his peers make management decisions expanded his thinking about what’s possible on his own operation. He even reconnected unexpectedly with a former college friend—one of the many benefits of an event that brings together producers from across the region to build lasting relationships.
Stories like Amundson’s highlight a universal truth: when producers connect, the entire agricultural community grows stronger.
Learn more about Lucas Amundson’s experience: Side X Side: Where Beginning Farmers Connect and Learn Together | FCSAmerica
Networking and farmer education events
FCSAmerica hosts workshops, conferences, and other events designed to build both knowledge and community. The Side X Side conference blends practical learning—covering farm finances, marketing, succession planning, and more—with structured networking that encourages producers to share experiences and solutions. Upcoming conference dates across the Midwest provide multiple opportunities for producers to participate.
Learn on your schedule with on‑demand education
To support ongoing development, FCSAmerica offers digital learning opportunities through its Side X Side Digital Series. These online sessions cover topics such as farm financial management, cost of production, employee management, retirement planning, and risk mitigation strategies. The program includes live webinars, as well as a library of recorded content and e‑learning options, allowing producers to pick the topics that matter most to them and to learn when and where it works for them.
First-time farm loans open the door to ownership
Capital can be a significant barrier to starting and growing a farming operation. Each of the 55 Farm Credit Associations covering all 50 states and Puerto Rico has its own unique program to support young and beginning producers. FCSAmerica’s first-time farm loans provide the flexibility many new farmers need to access credit. These financing tools pair competitive terms with relationship-based lending, ensuring producers have guidance as well as capital.
Learn about our first-time farmer loans: First-Time Farmer Loans for Young & Beginning Ag Producers | FCSAmerica
A long-term partner in producer success
FCSAmerica and the entire Farm Credit System are committed to the future of agriculture. Together, we are equipping young and beginning farmers with the tools, insights, and networks of support they need to succeed.
