In part one of this series, we asked the question: Are you a farmer or a gardener? No matter how you see yourself, there’s one tool that can unlock opportunities and resources for anyone serious about growing food: a farm number. 

What Is a Farm Number? 

A farm number is an identification number issued by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), a branch of the USDA. Think of it as your farm’s “ID card.” With it, you can access USDA programs like financial assistance, conservation initiatives, and disaster relief. 

Every farmer has a local FSA office they can work with. These offices are the entry point to programs like: 

● Farm ownership and operating loans 

● Conservation programs for soil and water health 

● Disaster Assistance Programs, which provide relief after events like floods, droughts, or wildfires 

Having a farm number is the first step in unlocking those opportunities. What Counts as a “Farm”? 

You might be wondering—do I even qualify? 

According to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, a farm is a piece of land that: 

● Produces or could produce $1,000 or more of agricultural products in a given year, 

● Includes both owned and rented land, and 

● May involve crops, livestock, or other agricultural production. 

That means you don’t need hundreds of acres or a full herd of cattle to qualify. Even smaller operations—if they produce or are capable of producing at least $1,000 in ag products—may be eligible for a farm number. 

Our Farm’s Experience with the FSA 

I come from very government-wary people—folks who’ve been consistently disenfranchised and historically underserved. That mistrust of government agencies like the FSA is justified. They’ve often promised support to farmers while delivering barriers, frustration, and sometimes what felt like intentional roadblocks to success. 

And yet, out of necessity, my family has had our farm number for generations. Over the years, we’ve worked with our local FSA office on contracts, loans, and aid. There have been times when their programs provided critical help that kept our farm afloat. And there have also been times when navigating their system was so frustrating and disheartening that we questioned whether it was worth the fight. 

The reality is, farming is already tough. Paperwork, deadlines, and red tape shouldn’t make it harder. But my family has learned how to navigate those processes, use the agency’s resources, and make them work for us—not against us. 

Where Ballew Farms Comes In 

At Ballew Farms, we see ourselves as a bridge. We know the hurdles because we’ve lived them. That’s why we walk with farmers through: 

● Getting a farm number for the first time 

● Applying for aid or loans 

● Completing funding contracts and reporting 

● Even attending FSA meetings alongside you, if you’d like backup 

We want to save you any time, stress, or confusion—and make sure you walk away with the support you deserve. 

Do You Need a Farm Number? 

Not sure if you qualify? Unsure if you need one? That’s exactly what we’re here for. 

Schedule a meeting with Ballew Farms today. We’ll help you figure out if you qualify, walk you through the application, and even support you with programs like FSA’s current disaster relief funding. 

You don’t have to fight through the red tape alone—we’ve been there, and we’re here to walk alongside you.