November Farm News That Could Shape Your 2027 Plans
If you’re budgeting for a land purchase, planning a pasture improvement, or hoping to sell beef directly to customers next year, three USDA updates this week are worth a look. They touch three things that can determine whether a farm plan works on paper and in practice: the cost of borrowing, the order in which you tackle conservation projects, and access to a processor.
USDA releases November farm loan rates
The Farm Service Agency’s November rates took effect November 1. The rate is 5.625% for direct farm operating loans and 6.250% for standard direct farm ownership loans. FSA also listed 4.250% for direct joint-financing ownership loans and 2.250% for the FSA portion of its down payment ownership program. Each loan type serves a different purpose, so start by asking which program fits what you’re buying. USDA Farm Service Agency announcement
If you’re shopping for land, put the estimated payment in the same budget as fencing, water, insurance, and the cost of getting your first product to market. Then run the budget again with a slower first sales year. A property can fit your purchase budget and still leave you short on the cash you need to get the farm operating.
NRCS tests a conservation planning pilot in nine states
The Natural Resources Conservation Service is testing its Farmer First, Field Focused pilot in Hawaii, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia. Under the pilot, producers work with NRCS staff to develop a conservation plan before making decisions about financial assistance. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service announcement
If you’re looking at a project for next year, start with the problem you can point to on the farm. Maybe cattle are wearing down a creek crossing, or your back paddock sits unused because there’s no reliable water. Take a map and a few photos to your local NRCS office. Ask how they’d approach the problem, what the current application timeline looks like, and what steps to complete before spending money.
USDA announces new investments in regional meat processing
USDA Rural Development announced meat and poultry processing investments in several states this week. The announcements included nearly $3.9 million for projects in Missouri and nearly $4 million to expand processing capacity in Kansas. USDA Rural Development news releases
If you plan to sell beef by the quarter or offer individual cuts, call processors before you promise customers a delivery month. Ask when they expect to take bookings, what their inspection status allows for your sales model, and what slaughter, cutting, and packaging will cost. A confirmed processing date gives you something concrete to build your finishing schedule and customer deposits around.
What are you trying to get done in 2027?
Pick the decision that will affect the rest of your farm plan. If it’s buying land, work out the monthly payment and how much cash you’ll need to start operating. If it’s a pasture project, get clear on the resource problem and the order of work. If it’s selling meat, confirm your processor before taking orders.
If you want help working through that decision, book a 45-minute Farming Readiness Strategy Call with Norma’s Basket. Bring the numbers, property details, or project questions you already have, and we’ll work through what needs to happen next. Book your Strategy Call
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