The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers and manages farm commodity, credit, conservation, disaster, and loan programs as laid out by Congress through a network of federal, state and county offices.

These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of the agricultural industry and to help farmers adjust production to meet demand. Economically, the desired result of these programs is a steady price range for agricultural commodities for both farmers and consumers.

There are 23 counties in Maryland with 21 County Offices to serve our producers.

If you believe that USDA improperly denied farm loan benefits to you between 1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic, or because you are female, you may be eligible to apply for compensation. For more information go to www.farmerclaims.gov or call the Farmer and Rancher Call Center at 1.888.508.4429.

Malkus, from Cambridge, Maryland, served on the Maryland Governor's Economic Task Force in 2000. He was a member of the National Pork Producers Council and recently served on the Dorchester County Chambers of Commerce.

Callahan, from Denton, Maryland, currently farms with her husband in Caroline, Talbot, and Queen Anne's Counties. Callahan farms corn and soybeans and have three poultry houses. She recently served as an advisor to the Caroline County FSA Committee. Callahan is currently employed as a service manager for Atlantic Tractor and works part time as a book keeper for a local trucking firm.

Walmsley, from Chestertown, Maryland, currently owns and operates a 160 acre grain farm in Queen Anne's County. Since 2001, Walmsley has worked for the Centerville National Bank of Maryland. As a Business Development Officer and Ag Loan Representative. He was Farm Loan Chief for the Maryland FSA for over 30 years.