Have you inherited land without a clear title or documented legal ownership? USDA can help you establish a farm number to gain access to a variety of programs and services.
About Heirs’ Property
Heirs’ property is family-owned land that is jointly owned by descendants of a deceased person whose estate did not clear probate. The descendants, or heirs, have the right to use the property, but they do not have a clear or marketable title to the property since the estate issues remain unresolved.
Land is passed down without a will or deed to prove ownership. Each successive generation generally results in more heirs being added to the land inheritance. The absence of the deed or will becomes more complicated and grows by generation as time and people pass.
Without proof of ownership, it may become difficult for heirs to obtain federal benefits for farms and could also force partition sales by third parties.
The 2018 Farm Bill authorized alternative documentation for heirs’ property operators to establish a farm number. A farm number is required to be eligible for many different USDA programs, including lending, disaster relief programs, and participation in county committees.
Learn more about heirs’ property in this “Ask the Expert” interview with Farm Service Agency’s J. Latrice Hill.
Operators on heirs’ property who cannot provide owner verification, or a lease agreement, may provide alternative documents to substantiate they are in general control of the farming operation.
Download our Guidance for Heirs’ Property Operators Participating in Farm Service Agency (FSA) Programs fact sheet to learn more.
The 2018 Farm Bill also authorized the Heirs' Property Relending Program. The relending program will provide loan funds to eligible lenders to resolve ownership and succession on farmland with multiple owners. The lenders will give loans to qualified individuals to resolve these ownership issues.
USDA and the Land Trust Alliance developed an Heirs Property Toolkit as a starting point for exploring heirs’ property — what it is, who it affects, what resources are available, and what role entities can play in helping landowners manage or resolve heirs’ property issues.
Heirs' Property Training Videos
Listen in as FSA discusses heirs' property resources with the experts.
Other USDA Programs and Services
USDA offers a variety of farm loan, risk management, disaster assistance, and conservation programs to support farmers, including heirs’ property landowners once they have a farm number.
USDA also has several special provisions and resources for heirs’ property landowners, including:
Visit our Beginning Farmers web page for more information about these resources and more.
Additional Resources
- Heirs’ Property fact sheet
- USDA Assistance for Heirs’ Property Landowners fact sheet
- Guidance for Heirs’ Property Operators to Participate in FSA Programs
- Guide to Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) for Heirs’ Property Landowners
- Get Started! A Guide to USDA Resources for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
- USDA's Certified Mediation Program
Find Your Local Service Center
USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.
Learn more about our Urban Service Centers.
Visit the Risk Management Agency website to find a regional or compliance office or to find an insurance agent near you.