What is a farm number?
A farm number is an identifier assigned by your local USDA Farm Service Agency office to a farm record. It is tied to land, and it is often needed to take part in USDA programs, including some loans, conservation and disaster programs. Extension and farmer organizations such as PASA and the University of Illinois explain that small and beginning farmers often benefit from having one even before they need a specific program.
A farm number is an administrative record. It does not by itself license a business or change your taxes.
Think about the timeline. If you are buying land or planning a project that uses a USDA program, start the farm number process early, since scheduling an appointment and gathering documents can take weeks. Ask the office how long it usually takes so you can plan around deadlines.
How do you get one?
Contact your local FSA county office, which you can find through the USDA service center locator on farmers.gov. Ask what documents they need to set up a customer record and a farm record. Typically that involves proof of identity, proof of control of the land such as a deed or lease, and information about who operates it. Requirements can change, so ask the office directly.
Bring a map or parcel information. Ask about the process and whether an appointment is needed.
Ask the office for a list of programs that require a farm number, so you can decide whether it is worth starting the process now. The office can also explain what a farm record means for programs you may use later.
- Photo identification and contact details
- Deed or lease showing control of the land
- Parcel numbers or a map of the acreage
- Information on owners and operators of the land
- Entity paperwork if a business owns or operates the farm
What is a tax ID, and is it the same thing?
No. A tax identification number is used for tax reporting. Depending on how you operate, you may use your own Social Security number or an employer identification number issued by the federal tax authority. State tax offices may also assign their own account numbers for sales tax or withholding. Which numbers you need depends on your business structure, whether you hire help and what you sell.
This is not tax advice. Ask a tax professional or your state revenue office which identifiers apply to your situation.
Some people operate under a business name or an entity, and the paperwork and numbers can differ. Ask the office how the farm record should be set up, who is listed as operator and owner, and what documents the entity must provide. Mistakes in these records can slow down program applications later.
When might you need a state sales tax or other permit number?
If you sell products, your state may require a seller registration, a sales tax permit, or an exemption certificate, and rules differ widely for farm products. Some states treat many raw farm products differently from prepared foods. Do not assume anything from a neighbor's experience.
Contact your state department of revenue and ask what applies to the products you sell, and ask your county or state agriculture office about other permits for food, eggs, milk or meat.
Why do lenders, buyers and programs ask for numbers?
Lenders and USDA programs use these identifiers to verify who you are and what land you control. Some farmers markets, wholesale buyers and cooperatives ask for a tax form or a business number before they pay you. Having your numbers organized speeds everything up.
Keep them in your permanent records file and share them only with organizations that you have confirmed are legitimate. Identification numbers are targets for fraud.
If you receive a call, email or text from someone claiming to be from a government office and asking for your identification numbers, do not give them out. Hang up and contact the office using a number from the official website. Scammers target farmers and landowners, and a careful pause protects you.
What should you do first?
Call your FSA county office and ask for a short meeting. Talk with a tax professional about which tax identifiers fit your plans. Contact your state revenue office about seller permits if you plan to sell. Write down what each office told you and the date.
Revisit the setup when something changes, such as buying more land, forming a business entity or hiring workers.
Key takeaways
- A farm number is an FSA record tied to land and programs.
- A tax ID is a separate identifier used for tax reporting.
- Your local FSA office assigns farm numbers; ask what to bring.
- State seller and sales tax rules vary, so ask your revenue office.
- Protect your numbers and keep them in your records.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.