Farm resource directory
Credible places to get local answers: Cooperative Extension, USDA offices, soil labs, conservation, equipment, building, livestock, market and finance resources.
A curated directory, not a complete list of every provider. Each record shows where it serves, when we verified it, and its source. Nationwide resources are labeled nationwide. We list no ratings, reviews or paid placements. Suggest a resource
Soil testingMaps, field observations and lab tests answer different questions.
Equipment by crop and taskCategories by job and scale, and when to rent or hire.
Buildings and infrastructureBarns, storage, high tunnels, fencing and water systems.
Crop and enterprise guidesWhat each enterprise needs from the land.153 resources.
Cooperative Extension
Land-grant university Extension services: county offices, beginning-farmer education, production guides and local specialists.
Alabama Cooperative Extension SystemAlabama
The outreach arm of Auburn University and Alabama A&M University. Its county offices are the usual first call for a buyer or new landowner with questions about crops, forages, livestock or farm management.
CTAHR Cooperative Extension (University of Hawaii at Manoa)Hawaii
The Extension arm of the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. It supports farmers and consumers across the islands, and its agents are the contact the soil lab suggests for choosing a test.
Clemson Cooperative Extension ServiceSouth Carolina
South Carolina's land-grant Extension service at Clemson. County offices and its agribusiness and precision agriculture pages are useful for local farm advice.
Colorado State University ExtensionColorado
Colorado's land-grant Extension service. Its agriculture section covers farm and ranch management, and the Colorado Building Farmers program offers business planning classes for new farmers and ranchers.
Cornell Cooperative ExtensionNew York
New York's Extension network, delivered through local offices tied to Cornell University. It includes an agriculture and food systems program area and is the usual first call for local farm questions.
Iowa State University Extension and OutreachIowa
Iowa's land-grant Extension service, with county offices and agronomy and livestock specialists. Its crops, soils and livestock programs publish Iowa-specific production guidance.
K-State Research and ExtensionKansas
Kansas's land-grant Research and Extension network, with offices across the state. It also operates the K-State soil testing lab used by many Kansas farmers.
LSU AgCenterLouisiana
Louisiana's land-grant research and Extension organization. Its parish offices are the local contact for agriculture questions.
MSU Extension (Montana State University)Montana
Montana's land-grant Extension service. It has an Agriculture and Natural Resources program and local offices in counties and on reservations.
Mississippi State University Extension ServiceMississippi
Mississippi's land-grant Extension service. County offices are the local point of contact for agriculture questions.
NC State ExtensionNorth Carolina
North Carolina's land-grant Extension service. County centers are the local contact, and the Growing Small Farms program is a good entry point for new and small-scale growers.
NDSU ExtensionNorth Dakota
North Dakota State University's Extension service, with county offices across the state. Its soil testing page explains sampling and points to labs outside the university for analysis.
Nebraska Extension (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)Nebraska
The land-grant Extension service of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A buyer or farmer can use it to find a local expert and research-based help on crops, livestock and water for Nebraska properties.
New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension ServiceNew Mexico
New Mexico's land-grant Extension service, based at NMSU. Use the county office finder to reach local agents, and see its Farm and Ranch Resource Center for production help.
Ohio State University ExtensionOhio
Ohio's land-grant Extension service, part of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. The Locate an Office page finds the county office for local agriculture and natural resources help.
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OSU Extension)Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University's Extension service. County offices collect soil, water and forage samples and are the local contact for agriculture questions.
Oregon State University Extension ServiceOregon
Oregon's land-grant Extension service. It covers animals and livestock, small farms and crops, and its Find Us page locates the county office.
Penn State ExtensionPennsylvania
Pennsylvania's land-grant Extension service, with articles and county offices covering agriculture, forestry and farm business.
Purdue ExtensionIndiana
Indiana's land-grant Extension service. County offices host agriculture and natural resources educators who can point a buyer toward local soil, crop and livestock help.
Rutgers Cooperative ExtensionNew Jersey
New Jersey's land-grant Extension service at Rutgers. It has county offices and an agriculture and natural resources program that includes commercial agriculture and farm management.
SDSU ExtensionSouth Dakota
South Dakota State University's Extension service. Its agriculture section covers crops, livestock and ag business, and the About page lists regional centers and county offices.
Servicio de Extensión Agrícola, Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto Universitario de MayagüezPuerto Rico
The agricultural Extension service of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, the outreach arm of its College of Agricultural Sciences. The site is in Spanish, with an interactive map of local offices and an agriculture, marketing and natural resources program.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServiceTexas
Texas' land-grant Extension service. County offices and agents are the local source for crop, livestock, range and landowner education.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative ExtensionCalifornia
The University of California's statewide Extension network. Its counties page lists the Cooperative Extension office for each county.
UConn ExtensionConnecticut
The University of Connecticut's Extension service, with offices around the state. It works with the university plant and soil health lab, so it is a practical contact for soil and plant questions.
UF/IFAS ExtensionFlorida
The University of Florida's Extension service. Its Find Your Local Office page leads to the county Extension offices.
UMass ExtensionMassachusetts
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Extension program, part of the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment. It supports farmers and landowners with outreach, an Ask UMass Extension service and soil and plant testing.
URI Cooperative ExtensionRhode Island
The University of Rhode Island's Cooperative Extension. Its food and agriculture programs cover vegetable and fruit production, and the Contact page lists how to reach the Kingston office.
UT Extension (University of Tennessee Extension)Tennessee
Tennessee's land-grant Extension service, with county offices and an Agriculture and Natural Resources program.
University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension ServiceAlaska
Alaska's land-grant Extension service. It publishes growing, gardening and agriculture guidance written for Alaska conditions and staffs district offices around the state, including a Tribal Extension office.
University of Arizona Cooperative ExtensionArizona
Arizona's land-grant Extension service. Its Find an Extension office page and its commercial agriculture topic area are good starting points for a buyer.
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension ServiceArkansas
Arkansas's land-grant Extension service. County agents answer farm, forage, livestock and soil questions, and the service runs the state soil fertility education pages.
University of Delaware Cooperative ExtensionDelaware
Delaware's land-grant Extension service. It has a Beginning Farmer Program, agricultural production programs and a soil testing program that farmers can use.
University of Georgia Cooperative ExtensionGeorgia
Georgia's land-grant Extension service. County offices help with agricultural questions and are also the usual local drop-off point for samples going to the university labs.
University of Idaho ExtensionIdaho
Idaho's land-grant Extension service. It lists county educators and specialists and has a Horticulture and Small Farms program area.
University of Illinois ExtensionIllinois
Illinois's land-grant Extension service. Its office finder and agriculture pages help a buyer reach local educators, and its soil pages explain how to choose a testing lab.
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension ServiceKentucky
Kentucky's land-grant Extension service. Every county has an office, and its agriculture, natural resources and horticulture pages cover crops, forages and livestock.
University of Maine Cooperative ExtensionMaine
Maine's land-grant Extension service, with county offices and an agriculture section. Use it to find the county office nearest a property.
University of Maryland ExtensionMaryland
Maryland's land-grant Extension service. It has an Agriculture and Food Systems program and publishes lists of soil testing labs, since the university no longer runs one.
University of Minnesota ExtensionMinnesota
Minnesota's land-grant Extension service. Its agriculture section covers crop production, livestock and a Small farms page, and local offices can connect buyers with regional educators.
University of Missouri ExtensionMissouri
Missouri's land-grant Extension service. County extension centers take soil samples for the university lab, and the site's locations directory helps find the nearest office.
University of Nevada, Reno ExtensionNevada
Nevada's land-grant Extension service, run through the University of Nevada, Reno. Its farming and ranching section and county offices are a starting point for local advice on growing food and raising livestock.
University of New Hampshire Cooperative ExtensionNew Hampshire
New Hampshire's land-grant Extension service. Its agriculture section includes pages for beginning farmers and a county office list for finding local help.
University of Vermont ExtensionVermont
Vermont's land-grant Extension service. Its New Farmer project connects people to resources for starting and growing a farm business, and its Contact page routes questions on farm, forest and gardening topics.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of ExtensionWisconsin
Wisconsin's Extension service. It has an agriculture section and a county office finder for local farm questions.
University of Wyoming ExtensionWyoming
Wyoming's land-grant Extension service. Its Agriculture and Natural Resources program includes ranch tools and an expert finder, and county offices handle local questions.
University of the District of Columbia College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (UDC CAUSES)District of Columbia
The District's land-grant college, whose land-grant centers focus on urban agriculture, gardening education and nutrition. The Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education runs the Master Gardener program and an urban farm.
Utah State University ExtensionUtah
Utah's land-grant Extension service. Its Agriculture and Natural Resources program and county locations are the starting point for local farm and ranch help in a semi-arid state.
Virginia Cooperative ExtensionVirginia
Virginia's land-grant Extension service, affiliated with Virginia Tech. Its agriculture pages cover topics such as beef cattle and agritourism, and local offices are the contact for soil sampling.
Washington State University ExtensionWashington
Washington's land-grant Extension service. Its Agriculture and Food Systems program and county or tribal pages are the local entry point for farm help.
West Virginia University ExtensionWest Virginia
West Virginia's land-grant Extension service. Its agriculture section and county offices help with soil sampling and local agriculture questions.
USDA offices and programs
USDA Service Centers (FSA and NRCS), beginning farmer coordinators, crop insurance and statistics.
FSA County Office LocatorNationwide
Farm Service Agency tool for choosing a state and county to book an appointment or find contact details for the local FSA office. Useful before asking about farm loans, farm records or program signup.
Farmers.gov: Beginning Farmers and RanchersNationwide
USDA's starting point for people new to farming or ranching, collecting the department's programs and services for beginners in one place. Read it to see which USDA programs to ask about before and after a land purchase.
NIFA Land-Grant University Website DirectoryNationwide
NIFA's directory of land-grant university websites, which is the quickest route to the state Extension service and research stations that cover a property's county. Start here to find local, state-specific growing and soil guidance.
USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher CoordinatorsNationwide
List of state coordinators who help new farmers and ranchers find USDA programs. The page asks you to reach out with details such as the location of your operation, so have a county or parcel in mind.
USDA Local Food DirectoriesNationwide
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service platform that brings its local food directories together under one site. Useful for seeing what direct-market outlets exist near a property.
USDA NASS Agriculture Overview and Statistics by StateNationwide
NASS page that gathers its data tools (Quick Stats, Quick Stats Lite and the Census of Agriculture data query tool) and lets you explore statistics by state and by subject. A good first stop before drilling into county data.
USDA NASS Quick StatsNationwide
Searchable database of USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service data. NASS describes it as customizable by commodity, location and time period. Use it to see what has historically been produced in a county, not what will suit a particular field.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone MapNationwide
Explains how to read the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which is based on average annual extreme minimum winter temperature. It speaks to winter cold for perennial plants only and says nothing about whether a crop suits a field.
USDA RMA Crop Insurance Agent LocatorNationwide
Risk Management Agency's tool for finding a crop insurance agent. Federal crop insurance is sold through agents, so this is the place to start when you want to ask what is insurable for a crop and county.
USDA Service CentersNationwide
Farmers.gov explains what a USDA Service Center is and how to get started there. Service centers are where a buyer or new farmer can reach Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development staff.
Soil and conservation
NRCS soil surveys and conservation planning, conservation districts, drought and water information.
Drought.govNationwide
The U.S. Drought Portal from the National Integrated Drought Information System, with drought outlooks, news and local drought information. Check it for recent dryness in an area you are considering.
NACD Conservation District DirectoryNationwide
National Association of Conservation Districts directory page with a way to find your local conservation district. Districts are local groups that often work with landowners and NRCS on soil, water and conservation questions.
NRCS Conservation Planning and Technical AssistanceNationwide
Describes NRCS conservation technical assistance and the conservation plan it can help a landowner develop, covering soil, water, plants and animals. A good first call for a new owner who wants a farm-wide plan.
NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)Nationwide
NRCS program page for EQIP, which offers technical and financial help for conservation practices on working land. Available practices vary by state, so ask the local NRCS office what applies before counting on it in a purchase.
NRCS Soil Data AccessNationwide
Help page for NRCS Soil Data Access, the web services that let people and software query soil survey data directly. Mainly for analysts and developers who want soil data in bulk rather than through the map viewer.
NRCS State OfficesNationwide
Directory of NRCS state offices, one for each state and territory. Use it to find state-specific conservation program details and the people who run them.
NRCS Web Soil SurveyNationwide
NRCS page about Web Soil Survey, the online tool for looking up mapped soils on an area of interest. Use it to read the soil map units on a parcel before buying, then confirm with an on-site soil test.
Soil and plant testing labs
Public soil, plant tissue and forage testing laboratories. Each lab sets its own tests, sampling instructions and fees.
Auburn University Soil, Forage and Water Testing LaboratoryAlabama
The Auburn lab that tests soil, forage, feed, plant tissue, water and manure samples for Alabama farmers and landowners. Its soil report includes lime and fertilizer recommendations.
Tests listed by the lab: routine soil analysis (pH, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium), forage and feed analysis, plant tissue nutrient analysis, water analysis, poultry litter analysis, manure and compost analysis
Submitting samples: Customers download the form for their test type, and the lab sends soil reports by email and/or regular mail. The lab says its online soil and forage systems are being replaced, so check its page for the current process.
Clemson Agricultural Service LaboratorySouth Carolina
Clemson's lab for soil, plant tissue, feed and forage, animal waste, irrigation water and compost. Soil results come with lime and fertility recommendations, and the Home and Garden Information Center answers questions about reports.
Tests listed by the lab: standard soil test, soil organic matter, soluble salts, extractable sulfate sulfur, soilless mixes, feed and forage, plant tissue, animal waste, irrigation water, compost
Submitting samples: Local clients can drop samples off at the lab; others can ship them, work through the county Extension office, or order a soil sample mailer kit for a single home sample.
Colorado State University Soil, Water and Plant Testing LaboratoryColorado
The CSU lab that analyzes soil, water, plant, feed and forage, manure and compost samples for farmers, homeowners, consultants and agencies.
Tests listed by the lab: soil, water, feed and forage, plant tissue, manure, compost, sludge and growing media
Submitting samples: The lab requires its current sample submittal form to be fully completed; it says it will cancel testing if a completed new form is not received.
Cornell Soil Health LaboratoryNew York
Cornell's lab for the Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health, which looks at biological and physical soil conditions as well as nutrients. It is meant for farmers, gardeners and service providers who want more than a basic nutrient test.
Tests listed by the lab: soil health analysis packages (Basic, Standard, Standard PLUS), NRCS CEMA 216 soil analysis, individual soil analyses, soil heavy metal testing
Submitting samples: Samples are shipped to the lab with a submission form; the lab has separate pages on collection, storage and shipping.
K-State Soil Testing LabKansas
The K-State Research and Extension lab that analyzes soil, plant, forage, grain, lime and water samples. It is a not-for-profit service used by farmers and homeowners.
Tests listed by the lab: soil analysis (commonly pH, phosphorus, potassium, nitrate and organic matter), lime analysis, plant, forage and grain analysis, water analysis, leaf analysis
Submitting samples: Customers download the form for their tests, collect the sample, prepare a shipping label (the lab links to a UPS label tool) and ship it. Online payment is offered.
LSU AgCenter Soil Testing and Plant Analysis LaboratoryLouisiana
The LSU AgCenter lab in Baton Rouge that runs routine soil tests and plant tissue and irrigation water analysis. Its water test is for irrigation quality and does not determine whether water is safe to drink.
Tests listed by the lab: routine soil test, plant tissue analysis, irrigation water quality analysis, potting mix testing
Submitting samples: The lab's FAQ covers mailing and dropping off samples. It also suggests contacting a local extension office with questions.
NCDA&CS Agronomic Services (Soil Testing)North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services runs the state's public soil testing lab, with separate tracks for homeowners, commercial growers and researchers. It is a state agency lab, not part of the university, and works alongside county Extension.
Tests listed by the lab: soil fertility and pH, plant tissue analysis, waste and compost analysis, solution and water testing, soilless media analysis, nematode assay
Submitting samples: Sample submission forms and crop code lists are on the division's site; separate pages cover homeowners (one acre or less) and commercial growers (larger properties).
OSU Soil Health LaboratoryOregon
Oregon State's service and teaching lab for soil health, soil fertility and plant tissue analysis. It accepts samples from researchers, industry and private individuals.
Tests listed by the lab: basic and advanced soil nutrient packages, soil health assessment packages, heavy metal analysis, NRCS CEMA 216 packages, plant tissue, manure and compost, solution testing
Submitting samples: Samples and the soil submission form can be mailed to the lab in Corvallis or left in its drop box during posted hours.
OSU Soil, Water and Forage Analytical LaboratoryOklahoma
The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service's lab for soil, plant, animal waste and water analysis. Samples usually go through a county Extension office, which forwards them to the lab.
Tests listed by the lab: routine soil fertility, secondary nutrients and micronutrients, soil salinity, soil texture, soil organic matter and nitrogen, greenhouse root media, livestock, household and irrigation water, forage quality, animal waste and compost, plant tissue
Submitting samples: Each county Extension office takes samples, does the initial handling and forwards them to the lab.
Penn State Agricultural Analytical Services LaboratoryPennsylvania
Penn State's fee-based lab for soils, water, plants, manure, compost and other agricultural materials. Its soil fertility program is meant for farmers, homeowners and others who want lime and fertilizer recommendations for a crop.
Tests listed by the lab: soil fertility (pH, lime requirement, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium), environmental soil testing, plant tissue analysis, manure testing, compost testing, drinking water testing, corn silage nitrate, greenhouse soilless media
Submitting samples: A test kit is not required; the soil fertility page explains how to submit a sample and add optional tests.
Rutgers Soil Testing LaboratoryNew Jersey
The soil lab of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, with separate sampling instructions for landscape and garden, commercial farm and nursery, turf and other uses. A farm buyer can use it to check fertility and pH on a field before planning crops.
Tests listed by the lab: farm fertility test (nutrients, pH), full farm test (adds organic matter and plant-available nitrogen), pre-sidedress nitrate, soil texture and soluble salts, organic growing media and compost
Submitting samples: Samples go to the lab in New Brunswick with the soil test questionnaire; the instructions page describes how to sample and package them.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Soil, Water and Forage Testing LaboratoryTexas
AgriLife Extension's lab for soil nutrient analysis, plant tissue, forage quality, biosolids and non-drinking water. It has separate forms for larger agronomic and pasture sites and for small urban sites.
Tests listed by the lab: soil nutrient analysis (routine test), salinity and soil texture, elemental plant analysis, forage nutritive analysis, biosolids, non-drinking water
Submitting samples: Samples must include a printed submittal form or sample information entered through the lab's online payment system, and can be mailed or shipped to College Station.
UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis LaboratoryConnecticut
The UConn lab, part of the George Leigh Minor Plant and Soil Health Center, that provides soil and plant nutrient testing with lime and fertilizer recommendations for farms, gardens and landscapes.
Tests listed by the lab: standard nutrient analysis (Modified Morgan), plant tissue nutrient test, soilless media, compost and metals testing
Submitting samples: Samples can be dropped off at the center in Storrs or shipped, with the completed submission form included.
UDC Environmental Quality Testing LaboratoryDistrict of Columbia
A full-service environmental lab run by the Water Resources Research Institute at UDC CAUSES. It analyzes soil for metals, plant nutrients and pH, but it is an environmental lab rather than a crop-fertility service, and pricing is by quote.
Tests listed by the lab: metals and elemental analysis in soil, plant nutrients in soil (phosphate and nitrate), soil pH
Submitting samples: Customers request a quote and agree to the lab's terms; sampling containers and chain-of-custody forms are available, and sample collection and courier service are offered within DC only.
UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing LaboratoryFlorida
The UF/IFAS lab that serves the public with soil fertility, plant tissue, water, compost and container media tests. Separate forms exist for producers, citrus, sod and home gardens.
Tests listed by the lab: standard soil fertility test, citrus producer soil fertility test, phosphorus index test, plant tissue test, irrigation water test, home water test, container media test, compost test, livestock waste test
UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services LaboratoriesGeorgia
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension labs for soil, water, plant tissue, and feed and forage analysis. Georgia clients are encouraged to start with their county Extension office.
Tests listed by the lab: routine soil test (pH, lime requirement, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese), organic matter (loss on ignition), water analysis, plant tissue analysis, feed and forage analysis
Submitting samples: Georgia clients are encouraged to submit through their county Extension office. Samples can also go directly to the lab with a submission form, and a soil test kit with a prepaid mailer is offered.
UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing LaboratoryMassachusetts
The UMass Amherst lab that provides routine soil analysis, plant tissue nutrient tests and soilless media tests, with forms for home grounds, turf and farm use. The center also lists a free soil and plant services application for Massachusetts farmers.
Tests listed by the lab: routine soil analysis, soil organic matter, soluble salts, soil nitrate, particle size analysis, plant tissue nutrient test, saturated media extract test for soilless greenhouse media
Submitting samples: Customers download the order form, follow the sample collection guidelines, and mail or hand deliver the form and sample with payment.
UNH Extension Soil Testing ServiceNew Hampshire
University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension's soil analysis service, with fertilizer and lime recommendations written for the crop being grown. Useful for testing a hayfield, pasture, garden or small commercial planting before and after a purchase.
Tests listed by the lab: standard soil fertility (extractable nutrients, pH, organic matter), hay and pasture field soil test, organic matter, soil texture class, micronutrients, heavy metals, lead screening, compost
Submitting samples: Samples can be mailed or dropped off at the lab in Durham with a submission form for the type of site being tested.
USU Analytical LaboratoriesUtah
Utah State University's lab for soil, animal feed, manure, plant tissue and irrigation or livestock water. Its agriculture soil tests report salinity and texture, which matter on arid and semi-arid ground.
Tests listed by the lab: routine soil test, micronutrient soil test, animal feed, manure and compost, plant tissue, irrigation and livestock water
Submitting samples: Samples go to the lab by mail or parcel service, or by hand delivery in North Logan, with a completed order form and payment.
UT Soil, Plant and Pest CenterTennessee
The University of Tennessee's lab for soil testing, forage analysis and plant and pest diagnostics. A farmer can use it for field soil tests and hay or pasture forage quality.
Tests listed by the lab: soil nutrient test, organic matter, soluble salts, soil texture, pre-sidedress corn nitrate, heavy metals, plant tissue nutrient analysis, forage analysis
Submitting samples: Samples can be submitted through the lab's online customer portal or on a paper submission sheet, and sent or dropped off at the center.
UVM Agricultural and Environmental Testing LabVermont
UVM Extension's lab for soil and manure testing for the public and analytical services for researchers. Garden, field crop and nitrate forms are listed on the lab page.
Tests listed by the lab: routine soil test (pH, nutrients, organic matter, fertilizer and lime recommendations), heavy metals screening, manure analysis, pre-sidedress nitrate test
Submitting samples: Samples are mailed or dropped off with a submission form; sample kits are available at Extension offices around the state.
UW Soil and Forage LabWisconsin
The University of Wisconsin soil and forage analysis lab in Madison. It tests farm and vegetable soils, lawn and garden soils, forage, manure and liming materials.
Tests listed by the lab: farm and vegetable soil test, soil nitrate, food plot and wildlife soil test, plant tissue, forage, manure, lime
University of Arkansas Marianna Soil Test LaboratoryArkansas
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture soil lab in Marianna. It runs routine soil fertility analysis for samples from across Arkansas, with lime and fertilizer guidance.
Tests listed by the lab: routine soil fertility (pH and Mehlich-3 extraction)
Submitting samples: Samples go in the Division of Agriculture soil sample box with a barcode. Boxes are available from county Extension offices, and sample information is entered online by the client or by county office staff. Samples can be dropped at county offices or brought to the lab.
University of Delaware Soil Testing ProgramDelaware
A public service of the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. It tests soil fertility for farmers, homeowners and landscapers, with recommendations suited to the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
Tests listed by the lab: routine soil test (pH, lime requirement, organic matter, Mehlich 3 nutrients), soluble salts, pre-sidedress soil nitrate test for corn, soil lead screening
Submitting samples: Customers buy a University of Delaware soil test kit at a listed location, then follow the kit instructions to submit the sample.
University of Hawaii Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center (soil nutrient testing)Hawaii
The CTAHR service center that tests soil and plant tissue nutrients for Hawaii farms, gardens and lawns, and offers soil health testing aligned with NRCS standards.
Tests listed by the lab: soil fertility test packages (essential, core, comprehensive), plant tissue nutrient analysis
Submitting samples: The center lists set drop-off days and online payment before drop-off, and says samples are shipped on to its labs. Check the page for the current schedule.
University of Idaho Analytical Sciences LaboratoryIdaho
A University of Idaho lab that analyzes soil, plant tissue and water samples, including soil fertility testing. It does not interpret soil results or give recommendations, so Extension is the place for that help.
Tests listed by the lab: soil fertility, soil expanded analysis, plant analysis, water analysis
Submitting samples: Samples are sent with the lab's sample submission form. The lab asks clients to contact it before submitting, and it refers sampling questions to the county Extension educator.
University of Kentucky Regulatory Services Soil Testing LaboratoryKentucky
The University of Kentucky Division of Regulatory Services lab that tests soil, plant tissue, irrigation water, animal waste and soilless media, with lab pages and forms by crop type.
Tests listed by the lab: routine soil test (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, pH, buffer pH), plant tissue analysis, irrigation water testing, animal waste testing, soilless media testing
Submitting samples: The lab's forms page says completed forms for each crop type are submitted to the lab through its KERS Soil Testing system. It also warns that federal rules restrict moving soil from certain quarantined areas.
University of Maine Analytical Lab and Maine Soil Testing ServiceMaine
A University of Maine lab that offers soil tests, plant tissue tests, fertilizer, manure and soil amendment analysis, and water and wastewater testing. It lists a kit request page and sampling videos.
Tests listed by the lab: soil tests, plant tissue test, fertilizers, manures, solid wastes and soil amendments, water and wastewater
University of Minnesota Soil Testing LaboratoryMinnesota
The University of Minnesota lab that tests soil for farm fields, commercial horticulture, lawns and gardens, and greenhouse media, and also offers agricultural liming material tests.
Tests listed by the lab: farm/field and commercial horticulture soil analysis (phosphorus, potassium, pH, organic matter, texture category), nitrate nitrogen, lawn and garden soil tests, greenhouse, florist and nursery tests, agricultural liming materials
Submitting samples: Customers print the request sheet, send samples with payment by mail, or drop them off in person at the lab.
University of Missouri Soil and Plant Testing LaboratoryMissouri
The MU Extension lab for soil, plant, compost, greenhouse media, manure and water analysis. Samples can go to the lab directly or through a county Extension office.
Tests listed by the lab: soil analysis (regular fertility tests), plant analysis, compost analysis, greenhouse media analysis, manure analysis, water analysis
Submitting samples: Samples are sent directly to the lab or dropped at a county Extension office, using the forms for field crops, lawns and gardens, or commercial fruits, vegetables and turf. A low-cost shipping label can be bought.
Virginia Tech Soil Testing LabVirginia
The state soil testing lab affiliated with Virginia Cooperative Extension and Virginia Tech. Local Extension offices provide sample boxes and information sheets, and reports are sent by email.
Tests listed by the lab: routine soil test package (pH, nutrients, estimated CEC), soluble salts, organic matter
Submitting samples: Local Extension offices supply sample boxes and information sheets; the lab emails results and local offices can also provide them.
WVU Soil Testing LaboratoryWest Virginia
The soil lab of West Virginia University's Davis College, working closely with WVU Extension. It produces fertilizer and lime recommendations and is the lab behind the county office soil test forms.
Tests listed by the lab: basic soil analysis (pH, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus saturation), organic matter, electrical conductivity, micronutrient package
Submitting samples: Each sample needs its own submission form, available from county offices or online; optional tests are bought through the WVU Extension online store.
Water testing
Well, drinking water and irrigation water testing resources and certified-laboratory locators.
EPA Private Drinking Water WellsNationwide
EPA guidance for private well owners, who are responsible for the safety of their own household water. Private wells are generally not regulated federally or by most states, so a buyer of a rural property with a well should read this and plan testing.
EPA: Certified Drinking Water Laboratories by StateNationwide
EPA page explaining that people who want their own drinking water tested should use a state-certified laboratory, and linking a document of each state's laboratory certification program. EPA says it cannot test residential water on request.
Seed, plant and feed supply
Seed certification, plant and feed sources and agricultural supply directories.
AOSCA: Association of Official Seed Certifying AgenciesNationwide
Association of official seed certifying agencies. Use it to learn about certified seed and the certification agencies that work with it.
NRCS Plant Materials ProgramNationwide
NRCS program that selects conservation plants and develops planting technology for farms, ranches and forests. A background resource for pasture, buffer and conservation plantings.
USDA PLANTS DatabaseNationwide
USDA's database for looking up plants. Useful for checking plant identity and names when sourcing seed or plants.
Equipment, rental and custom hire
Manufacturer equipment categories and dealer locators, custom-rate surveys for hiring operators, and equipment planning resources.
Iowa State Ag Decision Maker: Estimating Farm Machinery CostsIowa
Iowa State Extension decision tool and publication for estimating farm machinery costs. Useful for comparing owning, renting and custom hire.
Iowa State Ag Decision Maker: Iowa Farm Custom Rate SurveyIowa
Iowa State Extension's survey of custom rates for farm operations, with a link to custom rate data from other states. A reference for judging what custom hire could look like, using current numbers from the source.
K-State AgManager: Custom Rates SurveyKansas
Kansas State University Department of Agricultural Economics page on its custom rates survey. Another reference for custom hire costs and terms.
K-State AgManager: MachineryKansas
Kansas State University's machinery section, collecting papers and tools on machinery economics and custom rates. A technical Extension source for equipment decisions.
USDA NASS Pennsylvania: Machinery Custom RatesPennsylvania
USDA NASS Pennsylvania page for machinery custom rate publications, which Penn State Extension's machinery guidance links to. A state reference for custom work rates in the region.
BCS America: AttachmentsNationwide
BCS's attachment categories for its two-wheel (walk-behind) tractors, including farm and garden, mowing, landscaping, property maintenance and snow removal. A relevant category for small-acreage vegetable and berry work.
BCS America: Find a Rental DealerNationwide
BCS page for finding dealers that rent its two-wheel tractors. Renting is one way to try a category of equipment before buying it.
BCS America: Service InformationNationwide
BCS page with service bulletins and operator manuals for its tractors and attachments. Handy for checking manuals and bulletins when looking at used equipment.
Case IH: TractorsNationwide
Case IH's tractor category, from compact to high-horsepower models, with sister product pages for tillage, planting, hay and other equipment. Use the dealer locator to talk to a local dealer.
John Deere: Agriculture EquipmentNationwide
John Deere's agriculture overview, organized by equipment categories such as cutters and shredders, harvesting, hay and forage, planters and precision ag technology. Use it to see categories, then compare against your own acres and tasks.
Johnny's Selected Seeds: Tools and SuppliesNationwide
Johnny's catalog of tools and supplies, including bed preparation tools and hand tools. A source of small-farm tool categories for vegetable and flower growers.
Kubota USA: TractorsNationwide
Kubota's tractor category page, with links to its dealer finder. The dealer finder lists a Kubota Rentals filter, a possible rent-first route.
Mahindra Tractors USANationwide
Mahindra's tractor lineup, grouped by size from sub-compact up to utility, plus an implements and attachments section on its site. A relevant category for small acreage.
Massey Ferguson North America: ProductsNationwide
Massey Ferguson's product page, organized by type: tractors, hay and forage, application, seeding and tillage, and harvesting. A dealer locator is on the page.
NIOSH Agriculture Worker Safety and HealthNationwide
CDC's NIOSH page on agricultural worker safety and health, including the injury risks of farm work. Read it alongside equipment research, and always follow the operator's manual.
New Holland Agriculture: North AmericaNationwide
New Holland's North American agriculture site, with product lines such as tractors, haytools and spreaders, forage equipment, combines, spraying and seeding. Includes a dealer locator.
Vermeer AgricultureNationwide
Vermeer's agriculture page for hay, silage and forage equipment such as balers, bale processors, bale wrappers, mowers, rakes and tedders. Pair it with your hay volume and tractor compatibility questions.
Buildings and farm infrastructure
Barn and post-frame builders, high tunnels, fencing, irrigation, wells and farm structure planning resources.
Penn State Extension: Farm Equipment and Structures SafetyPennsylvania
Penn State Extension resources on farm structures and farm equipment safety, covering manure storage, silos, tractors, trailers, ponds, ventilation and sprayers. A starting point for questions about the structures on a farm.
University of Minnesota Extension: Soil Health and Nutrient Management in High TunnelsMinnesota
UMN Extension guidance on soil health and nutrients in high tunnels. It notes soils in a tunnel may need testing more often than open field.
FSA Farm Storage Facility Loan ProgramNationwide
FSA program page for loans to build or upgrade storage facilities such as grain bins, hay barns and cold storage, along with certain equipment. Check the page for eligible commodities and current terms.
Irrigation Association: Find a Certified ProfessionalNationwide
Irrigation Association's search for certified irrigation professionals. Use it when a property's irrigation system needs review or design.
NRCS High Tunnel InitiativeNationwide
NRCS page on high tunnels (hoop houses) as a conservation practice available through EQIP. Ask the local NRCS office what is offered in your state before assuming funding.
National Frame Building Association: Find a BuilderNationwide
National Frame Building Association directory of member builders and suppliers, with marks for accredited builders and safety certification. Membership is not a guarantee of work, so check references and local permits.
Wellowner.org: Find a Water Well ContractorNationwide
National Ground Water Association's lookup for water well professionals who are NGWA members. It advises checking your state's requirements and says NGWA does not endorse any company.
Livestock, equine and veterinary
Veterinarian locators, grazing and forage support, animal health programs and feed services.
AAEP Find a VeterinarianNationwide
American Association of Equine Practitioners site with a directory for finding an equine veterinarian, searchable by name and specialty. Useful for horse properties and for lining up care before moving animals.
American Association of Bovine PractitionersNationwide
Professional association of cattle veterinarians. Its member search sits behind a member log-in, so for a local cattle vet, ask neighbors and the county Extension office as well.
American Forage and Grassland CouncilNationwide
National organization that says its aim is the profitable and sustainable use of forage and grasslands, with publications, events and a certification program. Useful for hay and pasture questions.
American Veterinary Medical AssociationNationwide
National association of veterinarians, with education and advocacy pages that include rural veterinary care. An orientation resource, not a local directory.
NRCS Grazing Lands Conservation InitiativeNationwide
NRCS initiative to expand technical help and conservation practices on private grazing land. Ask the local NRCS office what grazing planning help exists in your county.
USDA APHIS: Premises Identification Number (PIN)Nationwide
APHIS page on getting a premises identification number or location identifier, a code tied to one physical location so animal health officials can find animals in an emergency. Read it before moving livestock.
Agronomy and crop advisors
Certified crop advisers, technical service providers and conservation planners.
Certified Crop Adviser: Find a ProfessionalNationwide
American Society of Agronomy's Certified Crop Adviser program, with a search for finding certified agronomy professionals near you. Good for field-specific questions on soils, nutrients and crop plans.
NRCS Technical Service ProvidersNationwide
NRCS explains that producers can choose certified Technical Service Providers to help develop conservation plans and design practices. A registry of providers is available at the linked USDA technical service provider site.
Markets, co-ops and processing
Local food directories, food hubs, cooperatives and processing resources.
FSIS Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection DirectoryNationwide
Food Safety and Inspection Service directory of inspected meat, poultry and egg product establishments. Use it to find federally inspected processors near a livestock property, then ask each about scheduling and services.
USDA National Farmers Market DirectoryNationwide
USDA search for farmers markets. Handy for seeing what markets operate near a property and what a direct-sales route might involve.
USDA Rural Development Cooperative ProgramsNationwide
USDA Rural Development page on its cooperative programs, which supports farmer-owned and rural cooperatives. Read it if a co-op is part of the marketing or supply plan.
Farm finance and insurance
Official farm loan, lending and crop insurance information. Program terms change; always read the official page.
FSA Farm Ownership LoansNationwide
Farm Service Agency page on loans for buying, developing or improving farm property, including direct, guaranteed and down payment options. Terms and limits change, so confirm current details with the local FSA office.
FSA Guaranteed Farm LoansNationwide
FSA page on loans made by commercial lenders and backed by an FSA guarantee, including a link to information on the land contract guarantee. Read it if seller financing or a bank loan is on the table.
FSA Operating MicroloanNationwide
FSA page on smaller operating loans aimed at beginning farmers, small family operations and niche or non-traditional farms. The page says they can cover items such as livestock, equipment, feed and seed. Eligibility and limits change.
Farm Credit System Lender LocatorNationwide
Farm Credit Administration's page on the Farm Credit System, with a lender locator for finding Farm Credit institutions. Use it to find the lender that serves a given area.
Farmers.gov Farm LoansNationwide
USDA overview of farm loan options, with links to Farm Service Agency loan programs and loan tools. A starting point for comparing what USDA offers before talking to a lender or FSA loan officer.
Training and business planning
Beginning farmer training, business and cash-flow planning, and farm safety education.
Penn State Extension: Agricultural Land and EquipmentPennsylvania
Penn State Extension hub on buying and leasing farmland and equipment, equipment maintenance and emerging technology. Useful for comparing buy, lease and share options.
Penn State Extension: Managing Machinery and EquipmentPennsylvania
Penn State Extension article on matching machinery size and type to the job at the right time for the least cost. Reads as an introduction to ownership cost thinking before buying equipment.
University of Minnesota Extension: Small FarmsMinnesota
University of Minnesota Extension's small farms hub, with material on business practices, crops, livestock, safety, land and equipment. Written for Minnesota, but much of the planning guidance is a useful starting point elsewhere.
ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture (NCAT)Nationwide
NCAT's ATTRA program offers publications, podcasts, videos and an ask-an-expert hotline on sustainable farming topics. A helpful first stop for a beginner with a specific production question.
AgriSafe NetworkNationwide
Nonprofit network formed by rural nurses to improve the health and safety of farmers and ranchers. Look here for agricultural health and safety education.
NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development ProgramNationwide
NIFA program page for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, which supports training, education, outreach and technical assistance for people starting out. Look for projects that serve your state.
SARE GrantsNationwide
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant programs for farmers and ranchers, researchers, educators and graduate students, with a search of funded projects. Check the site for current programs, regions and deadlines.
SARE: The Basics of Farm Business PlanningNationwide
SARE resource on farm business planning that ties profit to goals, land, people and community. Good reading before writing a plan for a first farm or a lender conversation.