Beyond the Contract
Finding a Path to Independent Farming
There are many ways to farm without signing an unfair contract with a giant meat corporation. Explore business models that offer greater autonomy, resilience, and financial control.Why Independent Farming Works
For most farmers, this is more than just a job and a paycheck. It’s about connection to the land, supporting the community, and building a better future for the next generation. Operating independently is hard work; the reward is having complete control over your farm and your dream.Full Autonomy
Without a contract, you retain control over your farm, your animals, your crops and more.
Financial Sustainability
Under a contract grower model, many farmers report having to take on a second or even third job just to make ends meet.
Environmental and Animal Welfare
Operating independently gives you the freedom to care for livestock responsibly, tend your land carefully, and make decisions about what’s best for you.
Explore Your Options
The following contract issues are common amongst farmers. You are not alone.Financial Counseling:
USDA offers support to anyone who has operated a farm or ranch for less than ten years. USDA can help you get started or grow your operation through a variety of programs and services, including farm loans, crop insurance, conservation programs, and disaster assistance.
Extension offices address common issues faced by farmers and conduct workshops and educational events. Extension.org is the Extension’s online community, where you can find publications and ask experts for advice.
AgMRC provides independent producers and processors with information to build successful value-added agricultural enterprises.
Farm Commons helps farms build a common cause for legal resilience—and a new future for small business law.
Farm Aid has nearly 40 years of experience supporting farmers. Their Hotline Team has gathered key resources on recurring topics, including Farm Stress, Disaster Support, and Legal Assistance.
Leopold Center identifies and develops new ways to farm profitably while conserving natural resources and reducing negative environmental and social impacts.
RAS guides farmers to view regenerative agriculture as a tested, established, and available way of farming. RAS engages farmers through the Regenerative Poultry Production training, a standardized model for raising poultry for Tree-Range® Chicken. In-person training is available for those who complete the online course. Find a full list of courses.
The Center offers professional development workshops, industry research, and degree programs.
Rodale is a nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through research, farmer training, and education. Its science and farmer-support programs serve as a catalyst for change in farming worldwide.
SARE is a producer-driven grants and education program that operates in every state. SARE Outreach provides communication and technical support at the national level.
This program is designed for Cooperative Extension and Natural Resource Conservation Service personnel, and is also open to farmers nationwide. It emphasizes a basic understanding of sustainable agriculture, its goals, and its relevance to every farming and ranching operation—large or small.
The University of Minnesota offers a library of how-to resources and guidance, a directory of beginning farmer training programs, and more. The library includes business planning guides such as a Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses and an Example Business Plan.
Using the Holistic Management methodology, Savory Institute uses livestock as a core component to regenerating global grasslands. The Institute offers courses and events to share their programs and processes.
This program of Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) increases research and education for small farms, supporting farmers at all phases of farm business development.
- Free local support and resources, including business planning help, financial guidance, and growth strategies.
- Mentorship through one-on-one business coaching, in-person, online, and by phone.
- Training from subject matter experts with agribusiness experience.
- Online resources and step-by-step outlines for business strategies.
Understanding Loans and Financial Options
No matter what you have in mind for your farm, it’s good to do your research on different loan and financing options.This guide was written for those who need assistance starting, expanding, or owning a farm or ranch. Note that this guide doesn’t address the pitfalls associated with industrial animal agriculture; as a government publication, it takes a neutral to somewhat industry-friendly approach.
A major challenge in making a decision about whether to enter into contract poultry production is obtaining accurate and complete information about the risks involved, and about the financial options available. This guide produced by RAFI USA is an excellent resource.
Ready for Next Step
Our team of former contract growers is here to help! Contact us today to start living life beyond the contract.contact@growersunite.org