This week USDA officials announced $ 2.5 million in grants are available for beginning farmer education. The Ag Department is partnering with non-profit groups and public higher education institutions. Minnesota Land Stewardship Project’s Paul Sobacinski says this is a great way to provide opportunities for beginning farmers and ranchers to get into the business.

He says there are many areas for beginning producers to take advantage of and be successful.

Sobacinski says changes are occurring in agriculture that may help those just starting to farm and ranch and beginning producers need to adapt to that.

USDA will conduct four evaluation periods to review grant applications with the first deadline being November 20 of this year.