The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has been awarded more than $644,000 to help beginning farmers and ranchers.

The award is among more than $17 million in grants announced Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan says the training will help ensure the success of the next generation of U.S. farmers and ranchers.

The grants are part of the USDA's new Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative, which was launched in September.