Starting Gate: A Program for Young & Beginning Farmers

Starting Gate Overview

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The Starting Gate program is a complimentary initiative sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) designed to empower and develop the future of agriculture by providing young and beginning farmers with personalized coaching in agricultural finance.

Participants work with FCSAmerica professionals to build skills in budgeting, financial planning, and risk management, creating a strong foundation for their business goals. The program fosters a confident, knowledgeable community of producers ready to shape the future of agriculture.

Starting Gate Program Details

As a participant in the Starting Gate program, you’ll have access to:

1:1 coaching sessions with your Starting Gate team, helping you build a solid financial foundation and equipping you with the skills to succeed.
Customized financial planning based on your specific needs, opportunities and risks. The result is a tailored, viable and sustainable plan for achieving your goals. 
Education-focused workshops and events to deepen your knowledge and forge meaningful relationships with peers and industry professionals.
Access to economic, sustainability and agricultural news from our team of analysts and outside experts dedicated to keeping you informed and ahead of the curve. 
Annual financial review meetings to take stock of your progress, identify areas of improvement for the coming year and work with your Starting Gate team on the next steps to meeting your long-term goals.

Business and Financial Skills Development

Our education-focused classes and workshops equip producers with essential business and financial skills, enhancing their knowledge and building the confidence needed to succeed as business owners.

Balance Sheet

Create, update, and interpret balance sheets and cash flow projections to assess and understand the financial health of your business.

Cash Flow

Break down and analyze the components of your cash flow statement to understand its impact on your business’s financial health and decision-making.

Family Living

Analyze your spending patterns to manage and optimize your family’s living expenses for better financial control.

Transition Planning

Prepare for a successful transition of an operation through succession planning or changes in ownership.

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Business Planning

Develop comprehensive business plans that guide your growth and success.

Program Eligibility and Duration

Eligibility Requirements

Producers who participate in the program are highly engaged in utilizing the Starting Gate resources and are eager to grow their business. To be eligible for the Starting Gate program, you must fit one of the following criteria:

35 years of age or younger
10 years or less of farming experience

Program Duration

Customers typically participate in the program for 2 to 4 years, though the duration can vary based on each producer's needs.

Upon completion of the program, participants will transition to a Farm Credit Services of America officer who will provide ongoing support and guidance that's tailored to each producer's objectives.

Two people looking at a piece of paper with an advisor

"
It's hard to be an expert in everything. Having a dedicated officer whose sole focus is to be an expert in finances and give guidance has made a huge difference in my operation.
" —
Katie B., Starting Gate Participant