SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, December 3, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is temporarily restricting in-person visits for numerous Service Centers in Illinois because of elevated rates of coronavirus community spread, but USDA employees will continue to assist agricultural producers with programs and services.

The deadline to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) for the 2021 program year is fast-approaching. Dairy producers have until Friday, December 11, 2020, to enroll in DMC through your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office here in Illinois.   At about $0.15 per hundredweight, DMC is one of the more cost-effective dairy risk management options available.  

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, November 16, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the 2021 signup periods for general Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and CRP Grasslands offers. General signup for CRP will be open from January 4, 2021 to February 12, 2021; signup for CRP Grasslands runs from March 15, 2021 to April 23, 2021. Both programs are competitive and provide annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purposes.

Application Deadline is December 11

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, November 14, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers that the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) is December 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.

(SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, October 27, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that in the first month of the application period, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) approved more than $7 billion in payments to producers in the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.  CFAP 2 provides agricultural producers with financial assistance to help absorb some of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than $5 Billion in Payments Now Issuing to Producers Enrolled for 2019

ILLINOIS, Springfield, October 21, 2020 – Agricultural producers can now make elections and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2021 crop year. The signup period opened Tuesday, October 13. These key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) safety-net programs help producers weather fluctuations in either revenue or price for certain crops, and more than $5 billion in payments are in the process of going out to producers who signed up for the 2019 crop year.

Final Opportunity for 2018 and 2019 Disaster Recovery Assistance

ILLINOIS, Springfield, October 13, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, as the deadline to submit applications for the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program – Plus (WHIP+) for 2018 and 2019 losses. USDA did not originally specify a deadline when the program was announced.

Recent Rule on Payment Limitations and Payment Eligibility Does Not Impact 2020 or 2021 Payments

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, September 27, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farm owners of the September 30 deadline to update Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program yields for covered commodities on the farm. This is a one-time opportunity for producers to update yields, which are used to calculate 2020 through 2023 payments.

Don’t Miss This One-Time Opportunity - First Since 2014

SPRINFIELD, Illinois, September 8, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farm owners that they have a one-time opportunity to update Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program yields for covered commodities on the farm. The deadline is September 30, 2020, to update yields, which are used to calculate the PLC payments for 2020 through 2023. Additionally, producers who elected Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) should also consider updating their yields.

ILLINOIS, Springfield, August 21, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Applications for eligible certification expenses paid between Oct. 1, 2019, and Sept. 30, 2020, are due Oct. 31, 2020.

Application Deadline Extended to September 11, 2020 and Producers Who Have Approved Applications to Receive Final Payments

ILLINOIS, Springfield, August 12, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that additional commodities are covered by the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) in response to public comments and data. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline to apply for the program to September 11, 2020 and producers with approved applications will receive their final payment. After reviewing over 1,700 responses, even more farmers and ranchers will have the opportunity for assistance to help keep operations afloat during these tough times.

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, August 5, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is standing up a new team that will lead a department-wide effort focused on serving beginning farmers and ranchers.

To institutionalize support for beginning farmers and ranchers and to build upon prior agency work, the 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to create a national coordinator position in the agency and state-level coordinators for four of its agencies – Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Risk Management Agency (RMA), and Rural Development (RD).

Applications for New Commodities Accepted Beginning July 13

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 10, 2020 – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced an initial list of additional commodities that have been added to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), and that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made other adjustments to the program based on comments received from agricultural producers and organizations and review of market data. Producers will be able to submit applications that include these commodities on Monday, July 13, 2020. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting through Aug. 28, 2020, applications for CFAP, which helps offset price declines and additional marketing costs because of the coronavirus pandemic. USDA expects additional eligible commodities to be announced in the coming weeks.

Income-over-feed margin for May triggers third payment for 2020

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 8, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that the May 2020 income over feed cost margin was $5.37 per hundredweight (cwt.), triggering the third payment of 2020 for dairy producers who purchased the appropriate level of coverage under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 2, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds Illinois producers to complete crop acreage reports by the applicable deadline for their county. Acreage reporting dates vary by crop and by county. Contact your FSA county office for a list of acreage reporting deadlines by crop.

Call Today About 2020 Crop Year Eligibility

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, June 11, 2020 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2020 must do so by June 30, 2020.  Although program elections for the 2020 crop year remain the same as elections made for 2019, all producers need to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to sign a 2020 enrollment contract.

Op-Ed By, William Graff, USDA FSA State Executive Director, and Ivan Dozier, USDA NRCS State Conservationist in Illinois

The next time you snack on almonds, add blueberries to your smoothie or eat pumpkin pie, thank a pollinator and thank farmers, ranchers and private forestland owners who work hard to create and maintain their habitat.

Pollinators, such as honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, birds, bats, flies and many others, play a critical role in crop production.  Without pollinators, we wouldn’t have many crops.

Online Tools and Toll-Free Number Available to Assist Producers

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois May 26, 2020 – Agricultural producers can now apply for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which provides direct payments to offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. The application and a payment calculator are now available online, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff members are available via phone, fax and online tools to help producers complete applications. The agency set up a call center in order to simplify how they serve new customers across the nation.

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 22, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced this week that the March 2020 income over feed cost margin was $9.15 per hundredweight (cwt.), triggering the first payment of 2020 for dairy producers who purchased the appropriate level of coverage under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.

Farmers and Ranchers to Receive Direct Support for Losses Related to COVID-19

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 20, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.  In addition to this direct support to farmers and ranchers, USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box program is partnering with regional and local distributors, whose workforces have been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat and deliver boxes to Americans in need.

ILLINOIS, Springfield, May 7, 2020 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $3 million for grants through its new Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects.  USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov until midnight July 6, 2020.

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 4, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will open signup this summer for CLEAR30, a new pilot program that offers farmers and landowners an opportunity to enroll in a 30-year Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract. This pilot is available to farmers and landowners with expiring water-quality practice CRP contracts in the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay regions. The program signup period is July 6 to Aug. 21, 2020.

SPRINGFIELD,ILLINOIS, April 29, 2020 – Producers signed a record 1.77 million contracts for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2019 crop year, which is more than 107 percent of the total contracts signed compared with a 5-year average. USDA also reminds producers that June 30 is the deadline to enroll in ARC and PLC for the 2020 crop year.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, March 27, 2020 – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced the acceptance of more than 3.4 million acres in the general Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup recently completed, the first general signup enrollments since 2016.  County offices will begin notifying producers with accepted offers no later than April 3.

Call Today Regarding 2019 Crop Year Eligibility

SPRINGFIELD, IL., March 12, 2020 – Agricultural producers who have not yet completed their 2019 crop year elections and enrollment in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs must schedule an appointment to do so with their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) by Monday, March 16.

Sign up March 23, 2020, for Producers Impacted by Drought or Excess Moisture as well as Announces Provisions for Sugar Beet Producers

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, February 28, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced additional disaster assistance available to agricultural producers, including producers impacted by drought and excess moisture as well as sugar beet growers. Through WHIP+, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is helping producers recover from losses related to 2018 and 2019 natural disasters.

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Feb. 26, 2020 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced updates to the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). These updates include changes required by the 2018 Farm Bill as well as discretionary changes intended to improve the administration of the program and clarify existing program requirements.

SPRINGFIELD, IL, February 19, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds agricultural producers interested in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) 2020 general signup that there is less than two weeks before the enrollment deadline of February 28, 2020.  This signup is available to farmers and private landowners who are either enrolling for the first time or re-enrolling for another 10- to 15-year term.

The clock is ticking… March 16, 2020 is THE LAST day to make what is likely one of the most important business decisions you will make for your farming operation this year.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, January 28, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds agricultural producers interested in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) 2020 general signup to enroll by February 28, 2020.  This signup is available to farmers and private landowners who are either enrolling for the first time or re-enrolling for another 10- to 15-year term.

New Signup Deadline Is December 20

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, December 11, 2019 – Due to the prolonged and extensive impacts of weather events this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today extended the deadline to December 20, 2019 for producers to enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for the 2020 calendar year.  The deadline had been December 13, 2019.   USDA announced it is also continuing to accept applications for the Market Facilitation Program through December 20, 2019.

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Dec. 4, 2019 – USDA today reminded producers in Illinois that the nationwide deadline to sign up for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) is Dec. 6, 2019.  MFP payments are aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations.

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, October 29, 2019 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots on November 4 to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee elections.

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Oct. 17, 2019 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) has started issuing 2019 Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) payments to over 350,000 American farmers and ranchers to support voluntary conservation efforts on private lands. 

Enrollment Ends Dec. 13, 2019

ILLINOIS, Springfield, Oct. 9, 2019 – Dairy producers can now enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) for calendar year 2020. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) opened signup on Oct. 8, 2019 for the program that helps producers manage economic risk brought on by milk price and feed cost disparities.

New Signup Deadline for Dairy Margin Coverage is September 27

ILLINOIS, Springfield, Sept. 20, 2019 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today extended the deadline to September 27, 2019 for dairy producers to enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for 2019. The deadline had been September 20, 2019.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS Sept. 17, 2019 — Agricultural producers affected by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019, including Hurricane Dorian, can apply through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+).  Sign-up for this U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program begins Sept. 11. 

Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border States Also Available

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, Sept. 12, 2019 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated 74 Indiana counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers who suffered losses due to excessive rain and flooding that has occurred since March 1, 2019, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, August 20, 2019 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is expanding its payment options to now accept debit cards and Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit. These paperless payment options enable FSA customers to pay farm loan payments, measurement service fees, farm program debt repayments and administrative service fees, as well as to purchase aerial maps.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, Aug. 14, 2019 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated 102 Illinois counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers who suffered losses due to excessive moisture, flooding and flash flooding that has occurred since Sept. 1, 2018, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.

(SPRINGFIELD, Illinois), August 12, 2019 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director William J. Graff today announced that Greene and Scott Counties are accepting applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from 2019 Spring Flooding.

(SPRINGFIELD, Illinois), August 5, 2019 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director William J. Graff announced that Bureau, Fulton, Henry, Mercer, Morgan, Rock Island, and Whiteside Counties are authorized for emergency haying and grazing use of eligible Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres outside of the Primary Nesting Season. Emergency haying is permitted August 2, 2019 through August 31, 2019 and emergency grazing is permitted August 2, 2019 through September 30, 2019.

WASHINGTON, July 18, 2019 – A new online tool can help farmers and ranchers find information on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) farm loans that may best fit their operations. USDA has launched the new Farm Loan Discovery Tool as the newest feature on farmers.gov, the Department’s self-service website for farmers.

(SPRINGFIELD, Illinois), July 10, 2019 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline to file crop acreage reports for agricultural producers in Illinois impacted by flooding and heavy moisture.  The new July 22 deadline applies to reporting spring-seeded crops to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices and federal crop insurance agents.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, June 21, 2019 – Farmers and ranchers with expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts may now re-enroll in certain CRP continuous signup practices or, if eligible, select a one-year contract extension.   USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) also is accepting offers from those who want to enroll for the first time in one of the country’s largest conservation programs.   FSA’s 52nd signup for CRP runs from June 3 to August 23.

#LeadYourFSA and be the Voice of Farmers in Your Community

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, June 4, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin accepting nominations for county committee members on Friday, June 14, 2019.   Agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in an FSA program may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, May 15, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications beginning June 3, 2019, for certain practices under the continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup and will offer extensions for expiring CRP contracts.  The 2018 Farm Bill reauthorized CRP, one of the country’s largest conservation programs.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, May 6, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP).  Applications for fiscal 2019 funding are due October 31, 2019.

SPRINGFIELD, IL, April 22, 2019 — USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced this week that the February 2019 income over feed cost margin was $8.22 per hundredweight (cwt.), triggering the second payment for dairy producers who purchase the appropriate level of coverage under the new but yet-to-be established Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.

SPRINGFIELD, IL, March 28, 2019 – Extreme weather conditions like the recent “bomb cyclone” impacted farmers and ranchers in Illinois.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has disaster assistance programs available to help agricultural producers recover after natural disasters, including blizzards and floods.

(SPRINGFIELD, IL), March 22, 2019, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that dairy producers who elected to participate in the Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy Cattle Program (LGM-Dairy) now have the opportunity to participate in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) for 2018 coverage.  Sign-up will take place March 25, 2019, through May 10, 2019.

(SPRINGFIELD, IL), Feb. 12, 2019 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey announced that USDA is hosting a listening session for initial input on the 2018 Farm Bill. USDA is seeking public input on the changes to existing programs implemented by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Risk Management Agency.  Each agency will take into account stakeholder input when making discretionary decisions on program implementation.

(SPRINGFIELD, IL), November 13, 2018 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director William Graff reminds Illinois producers who experienced losses from natural disasters during the 2017 and 2018 calendar years that they may be eligible for assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

(SPRINGFIELD, IL), October 25, 2018 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated 38 Missouri counties as primary natural disaster areas.  Producers who suffered losses due to a recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.

Farmers, Ranchers and Foresters Encouraged to Sign-In/Sign-Up

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS – October 17, 2018 - Farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers in Illinois have new online options to access U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Through USDA’s new streamlined process producers can now register, track and manage their applications for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) and 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP) on the secure and convenient https://www.farmers.gov/sign-in.

(SPRINGFIELD, IL), September 6, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today launched the trade mitigation package aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations.  Producers of certain commodities can now sign up for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), while USDA will also begin to purchase identified commodities under a food purchase and distribution program.  Additionally, USDA has begun accepting proposals for the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP), which will help American farmers find and access new markets for their products.  In total, USDA will authorize up to $12 billion in programs, consistent with World Trade Organization obligations.

(SPRINGFIELD, IL), August 27, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of actions the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation by foreign nations.  President Donald J. Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a short-term relief strategy to protect agricultural producers while the Administration works on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets in the long run to help American farmers compete globally.  As announced last month, USDA will authorize up to $12 billion in programs, consistent with our World Trade Organization obligations.

(SPRINGFIELD, IL), August 28, 2018 – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated four counties in Missouri as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Clark, Jackson, Lewis and Worth counties who suffered losses due to drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.

(SPRINGFIELD, IL), August 22, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director William Graff today announced that the CP8A practice is now authorized for emergency haying and grazing use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for fiscal year 2018 in Adams and Hancock Counties. FSA's fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30.

Producers Must File by August 17, One-Year Extension Available to Holders of Many Expiring Contracts

(SPRINGFIELD, IL), August 8, 2018 – Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Richard Fordyce reminded producers today that the deadline to sign up for enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is Friday, Aug. 17, 2018.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, June 14, 2018 - U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced the re-enrollment deadline for the Margin Protection Program (MPP) for Dairy will be extended until June 22, 2018. The new and improved program protects participating dairy producers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below levels of protection selected by the applicant. USDA has already issued more than $89 million for margins triggered in February, March, and April, and USDA offices are continuing to process remaining payments daily.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, May 31, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting disaster assistance program applications on June 4 from agricultural producers who suffered livestock, honeybees, farm-raised fish and other losses due to natural disasters.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, May 29, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds dairy farmers of the June 1 deadline to enroll in the improved Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy).  Many producers will see payments in early June, depending on the coverage they elect.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, May 16, 2018 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today the appointment of Richard Fordyce to serve as Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA).  In his role, Fordyce will provide leadership for FSA and its mission to support agricultural production across America through a network of over 2,100 county and 50 state offices.

$34 Million in Payments for 2017 Losses Part of Broad Suite of Programs Aiding Ag Operations

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, April 9, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will issue $34 million to help agricultural producers recover from 2017 natural disasters through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP), which covers losses not covered by certain other USDA disaster assistance programs.  These payments are being made available today, and they are part of a broader USDA effort to help producers recover from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, wildfires and drought.  A large portion of this assistance will be made available in federally designated disaster areas.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, March 27, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated eight counties in Missouri as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, January 16, 2018 - Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced the appointment of two members to serve three-year terms on the Popcorn Board.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, January 4, 2018 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced a slate of Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Committee Appointees. State committees are selected by the Secretary, serve at the pleasure of the Secretary, and are responsible for carrying out FSA’s farm programs within delegated authorities.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, November 29, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Illinois Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, SED William J. Graff, today reminded farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers that FSA county committee elections began November 6, 2017 with the mailing of ballots. Eligible voters must return ballots to their local FSA offices by December 4, 2017, to ensure that their vote is counted. Producers who have not received their ballot should pick one up at their local FSA office.

Farmers and Ranchers Have a Voice in Local Farm Program Decisions

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, November 2, 2017 –Illinois Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director Rick Graden today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots to eligible farmers and ranchers for the 2017 FSA County Committee elections on Monday, November 6, 2017. Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by December 4, 2017, to ensure that their vote is counted.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, October 24, 2017 – USDA Illinois Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Executive Director, (SED) Rick Graden announced over 125,000 Illinois farms that enrolled in safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill will receive financial assistance for the 2016 crop year. The programs, known as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), are designed to protect against unexpected drops in crop prices or revenues due to market downturns.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, October 3, 2017 – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced that over $9.6 billion in payments will be made, beginning this week, to producers through the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Conservation Reserve (CRP) programs. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing approximately $8 billion in payments under the ARC and PLC programs for the 2016 crop year, and $1.6 billion under CRP for 2017.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, September 11, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that starting Sept. 1, 2017, dairy producers can enroll for 2018 coverage in the Margin Protection Program (MPP-Dairy). Secretary Sonny Perdue has utilized additional flexibility this year by providing dairy producers the option of opting out of the program for 2018.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, July 17, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director for Illinois, Richard L. Graden, today, reminded farmers and ranchers that they have until August 1, 2017, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA county committees.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, July 13, 2017 – In response to a request from Kimberly Viers, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Missouri, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 24 counties in Missouri as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by excessive rainfall and flooding that occurred from April 24, 2017, through May 11, 2017.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, June 8, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Chris Beyerhelm today announced that physical loss loans are available for 11 counties in Wisconsin. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by high winds, hail, lightning, rain, flash flooding and tornadoes that occurred May 16 through May 18, 2017, may be eligible for emergency loans.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, May 16, 2017 – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue reminds farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses that were affected by the recent severe storms and flooding that USDA has several programs that provide assistance before, during and after disasters.  USDA staff in the regional, State and county offices in the states of Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas are ready to help.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, April 11, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Chris Beyerhelm today announced that physical loss loans are available for five counties in Missouri.  Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by high winds and tornadoes that occurred from Feb. 28 through March 1, 2017, may be eligible for emergency loans.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, January 17, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that USDA will accept over 300,000 acres in 43 states that were offered by producers during the recent ranking period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands enrollment with emphasis placed on small-scale livestock operations. Through the voluntary CRP Grasslands program, grasslands threatened by development or conversion to row crops are maintained as livestock grazing areas, while providing important conservation benefits. Approximately 200,000 of the accepted acres were offered by small-scale livestock operations.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, December 30, 2016 – Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Lanon Baccam today announced that beginning January 9, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer an early termination opportunity for certain Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts, making it easier to transfer property to the next generation of farmers and ranchers, including family members. The land that is eligible for the early termination is among the least environmentally sensitive land enrolled in CRP.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, December 21, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Illinois Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director (SED) Scherrie V. Giamanco today announced that up to 15,000 acres can be enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in Illinois for critical wildlife and water quality efforts.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS  November 30, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Illinois Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director (SED), Scherrie V. Giamanco, announced today that the deadline to submit ballots for the 2016 County Committee Elections has been extended to ensure farmers and ranchers have sufficient time to vote.  Eligible voters now have until Dec. 13, 2016 to return ballots to their local FSA offices.  Producers who have not received their ballot should pick one up at their local FSA office.

SPRINGFIELD, IL November 7, 2016 – Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country for the 2016 FSA County Committee elections on Monday, November 7, 2016.  Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by December 5, 2016, to ensure that their vote is counted.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, October 21, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of a streamlined version of USDA guaranteed loans, which are tailored for smaller scale farms and urban producers. The program, called EZ Guarantee Loans, uses a simplified application process to help beginning, small, underserved and family farmers and ranchers apply for loans of up to $100,000 from USDA-approved lenders to purchase farmland or finance agricultural operations.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, October 5, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that beginning today, many of the 1.7 million farms that enrolled in either the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs will receive safety-net payments due to market downturns during the 2015 crop year.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, Aug. 26, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase approximately 11 million pounds of cheese from private inventories to assist food banks and pantries across the nation, while reducing a cheese surplus that is at its highest level in 30 years. The purchase, valued at $20 million, will be provided to families in need across the country through USDA nutrition assistance programs, while assisting the stalled marketplace for dairy producers whose revenues have dropped 35 percent over the past two years.

(SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS) July 26, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Illinois State Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, (SED) Scherrie V. Giamanco, today reminded farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers that they have until Aug. 1, 2016, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA county committees.

SPRINGFIELD, IL - July 6, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Illinois today announced that dairy producers can enroll for 2017 coverage in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) starting July 1. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating dairy producers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the producer.

(SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS) December 3, 2015 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that producers who chose coverage from the safety net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, can begin visiting FSA county offices starting Dec. 7, 2015, to sign contracts to enroll in coverage for 2016. The enrollment period will continue until Aug. 1, 2016.

(SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS) December 1, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is expanding the availability of farm loans for Indian tribes and members to purchase tribal farmland that has multiple owners. The improved lending opportunities are possible due to new authority granted by the 2014 Farm Bill, which allows USDA to provide revolving loan funds to qualified intermediary lenders that can relend the funds to qualified tribes and individuals. The program becomes available today, Dec.1, 2015.

(SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS) November 9, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a partnership with the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) to conduct agricultural credit training sessions in the Midwest for military veterans and beginning farmers and ranchers. States under consideration to host the workshops include Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska.

(SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS) October 27, 2015 — The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that beginning today, nearly one half of the 1.7 million farms that signed up for either the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs will receive safety-net payments for the 2014 crop year.