The Farm Service Agency Outreach Office coordinates and implements agency-wide outreach activities to farmers, ranchers and stakeholders who can benefit from the agency's programs and services. Our goal is to increase the participation of customers in FSA programs with targeted marketing activities to those who are underserved. Underserved customers include:

• Minority farmers/ranchers and landowners/operators (including African-Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asian/Pacific Americans, Hispanics), Women, and the physically challenged who may need, but have not fully benefited from, USDA assistance;
• New or Beginning farmers and ranchers (including youth and veterans);
• Farmers and ranchers who have not participated in or have received limited benefits from FSA programs that may improve their quality of life, their community and/or the environment;
• Small specialty crop farmers, organic farmers and other farmers with production practices that are different from most farmers in the area.

Outreach Office Staff

J. Latrice Hill: National Director (Biography)

Outreach and Education  

Esther Lin:   Outreach Program Manager

• Terrick Boley           National Outreach and Education Specialist  
• Cynthia Cuellar       National Outreach and Education Specialist
• Lindsay Mutegi        National Outreach and Engagement Specialist 

USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher (BFR) Program

Sarah Campbell:              National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator

• Rodney Brooks         Regional Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator
• Richard Lopez          Regional Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator
• Amanda Robertson   Regional Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator

State Beginning Farmer and Rancher (BFR) Coordinators

Our Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Office of Outreach include:

• Connecting farmers and ranchers with state outreach coordinators and events;
• Coordinating and monitoring state and county outreach activities;
• Implementing policy regarding development of Strategic Outreach Plans for each state;
• Providing training and policy guidance on outreach of FSA's programs to FSA employees;
• Developing new and innovative outreach partnerships that facilitate new or expanded participation in FSA programs, especially from underserved farmers and ranchers;
• Educating farmers and ranchers on the FSA County Committee and Urban Ag County Committee processes and providing guidance to state and county offices on ways to increase participation in elections, especially from the underserved;
• Working with other USDA agencies; federal and tribal governments; state agencies; community-based and faith-based organizations; grower associations; farm cooperatives; 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land Grant Colleges and Universities; Hispanic Serving Institutions  and other partners to provide technical assistance, training, and program education to shared agricultural communities.

FSA State Outreach Contacts 

FSA has strengthened its outreach commitment by assigning Outreach Coordinators in every county office nationwide, as well as State Coordinators in all 51 state/territory offices.

The State and County Office Coordinators serve as primary points of contact for FSA state and local outreach initiatives and activities. Activities may include workshops, presentations, trainings, and seminars, with specific targeted marketing efforts to include, but not limited to, the following underserved farmers and ranchers:

• Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
• Minority Farmers and Ranchers (African-Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asian/Pacific Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics)
• Specialty Crop Producers
• Veteran Farmers and Ranchers
• Women Farmers and Ranchers

FSA outreach coordinators are committed to carrying out effective state outreach programs to:

• Establish partnerships with members of underserved communities, community based organizations, local community leaders, educational institutions, and other federal agencies.
• Promote the need for representation from underserved groups on FSA Urban Ag and County Office Committees.

Contact the Outreach Coordinator in your state.

USDA State Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinators

Are you new to farming or ranching? USDA can help you get started or grow your farming operation through a variety of programs and services. From farm loans to crop insurance, and conservation programs to disaster assistance, USDA is here to support you and your operation.

Contact your state Beginning Farmers and Rancher Coordinator to learn more.

For More Information

More information about FSA programs is available at FSA state and county offices.