[EricH]

Start with 4-H. Take the team members that are still interested and want to be involved, and see if you can go that route. Start by talking to existing 4-H teams (1501, Indiana, and 1902, Florida, come to mind). From what I understand, the tax-exempt status and insurance can go with 4-H. And I don't think any farming-focused administration would object to 4-H...

One thing to bear in mind: When (if) you go independent, make sure to inform your administration (particularly the ones that are friendly to you) that you are going independent--and that whoever wants to help out is welcome to join you.