USDA Reminds Producers of Disaster Program Deadlines
(SALT LAKE CITY, UT), November 15, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Richeson reminds Utah 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).
USDA Designates Sweetwater County, Wyoming, as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border States Also Available
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2018 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Sweetwater County, Wyoming, as a primary natural disaster area. 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.
USDA Designates Three Utah Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border States Also Available
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2018 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated three counties in Utah as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Box Elder, Cache and Rich counties who suffered losses due to a recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
USDA Adds Shelled Almonds and Fresh Sweet Cherry to Market Facilitation Program
Department Amends Timeline for Hogs Operations
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the addition of commodities to the trade mitigation package aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations. Starting Monday, Sept. 24, producers of shelled almonds and fresh sweet cherries may apply for Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. In addition, the timeline for hog producers has been extended.
USDA Launches Trade Mitigation Programs
(Washington, D.C., September 4, 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.
USDA Announces Details of Assistance for Farmers Impacted by Unjustified Retaliation
(Washington, D.C., 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.
USDA Designates Garfield County, Colorado as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties also Available
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2018 — Agricultural producers in Garfield County, Colorado, who suffered losses and damages caused by a recent drought, are eligible to apply for FSA’s emergency loans. The loans are made available under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue.
USDA Designates Three Counties in Utah as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties also Available
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2018 — Agricultural producers in Duchesne, Tooele and Uintah counties in Utah, who suffered losses and damages caused by a recent drought, are eligible to apply for FSA’s emergency loans. The loans are made available under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue.
USDA Designates Three Counties in Utah as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
WASHINGTON, June 14, 2018 — Agricultural producers in Davis, Salt Lake and Weber counties in Utah, who suffered losses and damages caused by a recent drought, are eligible to apply for FSA’s emergency loans.
USDA Extends Application Deadline for Dairy Margin Protection Program to June 22
Re-enrollment Continues Through June 22, Dairy producers urged to act now
WASHINGTON, June 12, 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.
USDA Resumes Continuous Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment
One-Year Extension Available to Holders of Many Expiring Contracts through Continuous Signup
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2018 – As part of a 33-year effort to protect sensitive lands and improve water quality and wildlife habitat on private lands, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will resume accepting applications for the voluntary Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Eligible farmers, ranchers, and private landowners can sign up at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office between June 4 and Aug. 17, 2018.
USDA Partners with Texas A&M to Help Veterans Seeking Agriculture Loans and Careers
(Dallas, TX, May 31, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Texas A&M’s AgriLife Extension Service to help military veterans obtain loans and pursue careers as farmers and ranchers. Secretary Perdue joined local dignitaries, members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and community leaders at the Dallas Farmers Market to unveil the new pilot program.
FSA County Committee Nominations Launch June 15
Giving Farmers a Voice in their Community
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages America’s farmers and ranchers to nominate candidates to lead, serve and represent their community on their local county committee. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept nominations for county committee members beginning Friday, June 15, 2018.
USDA Designates Four Counties in Utah as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Nevada
WASHINGTON, May 14, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Beaver, Iron, Piute and Sevier counties in Utah as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
USDA Designates Grand County in Utah as a Primary Natural Disaster Area with Assistance to Producers in Colorado
WASHINGTON, May 14, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Grand County in Utah as a primary natural disaster area due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
FSA Releases Signup Information for Tree Assistance Program
May 14, 2018 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency recently released signup information for the Tree Assistance Program, a nationwide program that provides orchardists and nursery tree growers with cost share assistance to replant eligible trees, bushes, and vines following a natural disaster.
Secretary Perdue Names FSA Administrator
(Washington, D.C., May 11, 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.
USDA Designates Eight Counties in Utah as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Nevada
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated eight counties in Utah as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
USDA Designates Three Counties in Utah as a Primary Natural Disaster Area with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Kane, San Juan and Wayne counties in Utah as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
USDA Designates Two Counties in Colorado as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Utah
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Mesa and Otero counties in Colorado as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
Farm Service Agency Makes Administrative Change to the Livestock Indemnity Program
CANADIAN, Texas, April 24, 2018 – Starting today, agricultural producers who have lost livestock to disease, resulting from a weather disaster, have an additional way to become eligible for a key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster assistance program. USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey announced an administrative clarification nationwide to the Livestock Indemnity Program.
USDA to Immediately Assist Producers for Qualifying Livestock, Honeybee and Farm-raised Fish Program Losses
$34 Million in Payments for 2017 Losses Part of Broad Suite of Programs Aiding Ag Operations
WASHINGTON, 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.
USDA Designates Washington County in Utah as a Primary Natural Disaster Area with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States
WASHINGTON, March 29, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Washington County in Utah as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
USDA Reopens Enrollment for Improved Dairy Safety Net Tool
Bipartisan Budget Act Makes Substantial Program Changes
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2018— U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue is encouraging dairy producers to consider enrolling in the new and improved Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy), which will provide better protections for dairy producers from shifting milk and feed prices. With changes authorized under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has set the enrollment period to run from April 9, 2018 to June 1, 2018.
USDA Designates 12 Counties in New Mexico as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 12 counties in New Mexico as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
USDA Designates 12 Counties in Arizona as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 12 counties in Arizona as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
(Washington, D.C., February 27, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded the Senate’s long-awaited confirmation of Bill Northey to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Northey will serve as Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service (FFAS)*.
Infusing Rural Communities with Stronger Businesses and Sounder Agricultural Economies
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced another year of high activity in its farm loan programs. Hard-working farm families across the country accessed nearly $6 billion in new credit, either directly or guaranteed through commercial lenders in 2017. At year end, FSA was assisting more than 120,000 family farmers with loans totaling just over $25 billion.
Salt Lake City, Utah, Jan. 18, 2018- U. S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced the individuals who will serve on the Utah USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee. The state committee is responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving appeals from the agriculture community, and helping to keep producers informed about FSA programs.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2017 – Through the work of dedicated staff in over 2,100 county and state offices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides vital farm safety-net assistance to agricultural producers across America.
USDA Designates Montrose County in Colorado as a Primary Natural Disaster Area with Assistance to Producers in Utah
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Montrose County in Colorado as a primary natural disaster area due to losses and damages caused by severe freezes that occurred from April 4 through April 30, 2017.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- Nov. 16, 2017- The Trump Administration recently appointed Bruce Richeson as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Utah Farm Service Agency (FSA). Richeson will join the Utah FSA team on Monday, Nov. 27.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated five counties in Colorado as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by multiple disasters that occurred during the 2017 crop year.
USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for November 2017
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation today announced interest rates for November 2017. The Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing rate-based charge for November is 1.375 percent, up from 1.250 percent in October.
FSA County Committee Elections to Begin; Producers to Receive Ballots Week of Nov. 6
Farmers and Ranchers Have a Voice in Local Farm Program Decisions
SALT LAKE CITY, UT, Oct. 24, 2017 – Utah Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director Jeanine Cook 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, Nov. 6, 2017. Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by Dec. 4, 2017, to ensure that their vote is counted.
USDA Offers Targeted Farm Loan Funding for Underserved Groups and Beginning Farmers
(SALT LAKE CITY, Utah), October 12, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Utah Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Executive Director, Jeanine Cook, reminds producers that FSA offers specially targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers.
USDA Processing Pending Conservation Reserve Program Continuous Enrollment Offers
Acceptance of Most 2018 Offers Temporarily Suspended
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it will process many pending eligible offers for land enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and it will temporarily suspend accepting most new offers until later in the 2018 fiscal year.
USDA Designates Three Counties in Idaho as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States
WASHINGTON, May 15, 2017 — In response to a request from Aaron Johnson, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Idaho, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Cassie, Jefferson and Minidoka counties in Idaho as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by a blizzard, excessive snow, excessive rain, freeze, flooding, flash flooding and high winds that occurred from Dec. 22, 2016, and continues.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2017 — In response to a request from Jeanine Cook, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Utah, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Juab and Utah counties in Utah as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced cooperative agreements with 46 partners to educate producers, including those who have been historically underserved by USDA programs, about Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs that provide financial, disaster or technical support. Nearly $2.5 million will go to nonprofits and universities that will provide training and access to FSA programs, financial resources and other information.
WASHINGTON, Jan.13, 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.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency Expands Bridges to Opportunity Nationwide
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the expansion of a unique service for farmers and ranchers. FSA’s Bridges to Opportunity program provides a one-stop-shop that connects producers with resources, programs and educational services offered across the department, as well as from other USDA partner organizations. Bridges to Opportunity, which currently provides enhanced customer support to more than 150,000 customers in 20 states, will expand to serve customers across the country before the end of the month using fiscal year 2016 funds.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that starting March 20, 2017, organic producers and handlers will be able to visit over 2,100 USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices to apply for federal reimbursement to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic or transitional certification.
LAS VEGAS, Dec. 6, 2016 – Agriculture Under Secretary Michael T. Scuse today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved and obligated the first loan under the Highly Fractionated Indian Land Loan program (HFIL). The program, made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides revolving loan funds to qualified intermediary lenders, allowing qualified tribes and individuals the ability to purchase tribal farmland that has multiple owners. Scuse made the announcement during the Intertribal Agriculture Council Membership meeting in Las Vegas, Nev.
(SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH) Nov. 29, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Utah Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Mark Gibbons, today announced 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.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for November 2016. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for November is 0.625 percent, unchanged from 0.625 percent in October.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 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, Nov. 7, 2016. Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by Dec. 5, 2016, to ensure that their vote is counted.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Wasatch County in Utah as a primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 4, 2016 – Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Deputy Under Secretary Alexis Taylor today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer a new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands practice specifically tailored for small-scale livestock grazing operations. Small livestock operations with 100 or fewer head of grazing dairy cows (or the equivalent) can submit applications to enroll up to 200 acres of grasslands per farm. USDA’s goal is to enroll up to 200,000 acres.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that producers on farms with base acres under the safety net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, can begin visiting FSA county offices starting Nov. 1, 2016, to sign contracts and enroll for the 2017 crop year. The enrollment period will continue until Aug. 1, 2017.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will issue nearly $1.7 billion in payments to more than half of a million Americans who have contracts with the government to protect sensitive agricultural lands. The investment, part of the voluntary USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), will allow producers to protect almost 24 million acres of wetlands, grasslands and wildlife habitat in 2016.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 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.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 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.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 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.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced approximately $11.2 million in financial assistance to American dairy producers enrolled in the 2016 Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy). The payment rate for May/June 2016 will be the largest since the program began in 2014. The narrowing margin between milk prices and the cost of feed triggered the payments, as provided for by the 2014 Farm Bill.
WASHINGTON, July 11, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today signed a proclamation declaring Aug. 7-13, 2016, as "National Farmers Market Week." This year marks the 17th annual National Farmers Market Week to honor and celebrate the important role that farmers markets play in local economies.
(SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH), July 6, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Utah 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.
WASHINGTON, June 23, 2016 – Today, during National Pollinator Week and in advance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) seventh annual Pollinator Week Festival, the USDA is announcing two initiatives in support of the President’s National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honeybees and Other Pollinators, announced just over one year ago. A review of USDA’s most popular conservation program found that farmers and ranchers across the country are creating at least 15 million acres of healthy forage and habitat for pollinators, and the department has also entered into a new partnership with leading honey bee organizations that will help to ensure future conservation projects continue to provide benefits to these important species.
(SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH) – May 26, 2016-- USDA Utah Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Mark Gibbons, reminds producers that FSA offers targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to assist underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers.
WASHINGTON, May 23, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that incentives resume this month for farmers and foresters who grow and harvest biomass for renewable energy and biobased products. The funds come through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.
WASHINGTON, May 5, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the enrollment of more than 800,000 acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Through CRP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) helps farmers offset the costs of restoring, enhancing and protecting certain grasses, shrubs and trees that improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and strengthen wildlife habitat. Farmers’ and ranchers’ participation in CRP continues to provide numerous benefits to our nation, including helping reduce emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and providing resiliency to future weather changes.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 29, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide a new financing option to help farmers purchase portable storage and handling equipment. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Administrator Elanor Starmer announced changes to the Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program today during a local and regional food roundtable in Columbus, Ohio. The loans, which now include a smaller microloan option with lower down payments, are designed to help producers, including new, small and mid-sized producers, grow their businesses and markets.
Farm Bill Program Offers Producers Relief for 2014 Losses in more than 40 States
WASHINGTON, April 6, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency today announced that nearly 2,700 applicants will begin receiving disaster assistance through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) for losses experienced from Oct. 1, 2013, through Sept. 30, 2014.
LA CROSSE, Wis., Feb. 26, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its intent to assist organic farmers with the cost of establishing up to 20,000 acres of new conservation buffers and other practices on and near farms that produce organic crops. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs, Brad Pfaff, issued the announcement today at the Midwest Organics and Sustainable Education Service conference in La Crosse, Wis.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2015 – This year, millions of rural businesses and families were positively impacted by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) investments in their communities. Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a list of USDA's top achievements in 2015, demonstrating USDA's efforts to help farmers and ranchers bring their products to tables domestically and abroad, build critical infrastructure in America's rural areas, conserve our nation's natural resources through long-lasting partnerships, and continuously work toward improving the lives of all Americans.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2016 — Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin offering farm ownership microloans, creating a new financing avenue for farmers to buy and improve property. These microloans will be especially helpful to beginning or underserved farmers, U.S. veterans looking for a career in farming, and those who have small and mid-sized farming operations.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 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.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reminded farmers and ranchers that the next general enrollment period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) begins today, Dec. 1, 2015, and ends on Feb. 26, 2016. December 2015 also marks the 30th anniversary of CRP, a federally funded program that assists agricultural producers with the cost of restoring, enhancing and protecting certain grasses, shrubs and trees to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and reduce loss of wildlife habitat.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2015 – 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 2015 FSA County Committee elections on Monday, Nov. 9, 2015. Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by Dec. 7, 2015, to ensure that their vote is counted.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for November 2015. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for November is 0.250 percent, down from 0.375 percent in October.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2015 — The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today 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.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 22, 2015 – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that $2.5 million in grants is now available for projects to educate new and underserved farmers about more than 20 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency programs that can provide financial, disaster or technical assistance to the agricultural community.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the deadline to enroll for the dairy Margin Protection Program for coverage in 2016 has been extended until Nov. 20, 2015. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating farmers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.
(SALT LAKE CITY, Utah), September 8, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Utah Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Mark Gibbons, reminds producers that USDA offers interim financing at harvest time to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell commodities when market prices are at harvest-time lows. The programs, known as Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs) and Loan Deficiency Payments (LDPs), were authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill for the 2014-2018 crop years.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini reminds farmers and ranchers that they have until Sept. 30 to enroll in several key Farm Bill safety net programs – Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy).
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for September 2015. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for September is 0.375 percent, up from 0.250 percent in August.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2015 – Farm Service Agency Administrator Val Dolcini today encouraged producers to examine the available U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) crop risk protection options, including federal crop insurance and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage, before the sales deadline for fall crops.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini announced that enrollment begins today for farmers and forest landowners seeking financial assistance for growing new sources of biomass for energy or biobased products within designated projects areas. The funds are available from the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that the Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program, which provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade storage facilities, will now include dairy, flowers and meats as eligible commodities.
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that eligible producers may now formally enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2014 and 2015. The enrollment period begins June 17, 2015, and will end Sept. 30, 2015.
WASHINGTON, June 3, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Piute and Sevier counties in Utah as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that incentives will resume this summer for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners interested in growing and harvesting biomass for renewable energy. The support comes through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. BCAP provides financial assistance to establish and maintain new crops of energy biomass, or who harvest and deliver forest or agricultural residues to a qualifying energy facility.
(Salt Lake City, Utah) - May 28, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Mark Gibbons, today announced that producers who apply for FSA farm loans also will be offered the opportunity to enroll in new disaster loss protections created by the 2014 Farm Bill. The new coverage, available from the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), is available to FSA loan applicants who grow non-insurable crops, so this is especially important to fruit and vegetable producers and other specialty crop growers.
WASHINGTON, May 21, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA Service Center by June 1, 2015. The 2014 Farm Bill requires producers to have the form on file in order to remain eligible, or to become eligible for crop insurance premium support.
WASHINGTON, May 13, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Duchesne and Uintah counties in Utah as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Sanpete County in Utah as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated White Pine County in Nevada as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 16, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers that the 2014 Farm Bill requires producers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA service center by June 1, 2015, in order to become or remain eligible for crop insurance premium support.
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Davis and Weber counties in Utah as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
“Our hearts go out to those Utah farmers and ranchers affected by recent natural disasters,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “President Obama and I are committed to ensuring that agriculture remains a bright spot in our nation’s economy by sustaining the successes of America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities through these difficult times. We’re also telling Utah producers that USDA stands with you and your communities when severe weather and natural disasters threaten to disrupt your livelihood.”
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2015 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that a one-time extension will be provided to producers for the new safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). The final day to update yield history or reallocate base acres has been extended one additional month, from Feb. 27, 2015 until March 31, 2015. The final day for farm owners and producers to choose ARC or PLC coverage also remains March 31, 2015.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Feb. 17, 2015—U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Mark Gibbons, today reminds producers of upcoming important deadlines for the new safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). The final day to update yield history or reallocate base acres is Feb. 27, 2015, and the final day for farm owners and producers to choose coverage is March 31, 2015.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Colfax, McKinley, Quay, San Juan and Union counties in New Mexico as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Apache, Cochise, Gila, Graham and Pinal counties in Arizona as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, Jan 26, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that the Conservation Reserve Program now will encourage more bird habitats to be established in irrigated farmland regions.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds livestock producers that the Jan. 30, 2015, deadline to request assistance for losses suffered from Oct. 1, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2014, is fast approaching.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2015 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that more than 23,000 of the nation's dairy operations – over half of all dairy farms in America – have enrolled in the new safety-net program created by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as the Margin Protection Program. The voluntary program provides financial assistance to participating farmers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.