(College Station, Texas), Nov. 20, 2018 - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Gary Six reminds Texas producers that December 7, 2018, is the final day for seed cotton producers who want to participate in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2018 crop to submit applications. The signup period began July 30, 2018.
(COLLEGE STATION, Texas), Nov. 13, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Gary Six reminds Texas 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).
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS, Nov. 6, 2018 – Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Gary Six today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots to eligible agricultural producers for the 2018 FSA county committee elections on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018. Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by Dec. 3, 2018, to ensure their vote is counted.
(COLLEGE STATION, Texas) -- Oct. 23, 2018 – USDA Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Gary Six, announced that more than $296 million will be paid to Texas farms that enrolled in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) for 2017 market downturns. Additionally, Texas FSA will distribute more than $105 million in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) rental payments to landowners for their commitment to conservation stewardship.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Oct. 16, 2018 - Farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers in Texas 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 Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP) on the secure and convenient https://www.farmers.gov/sign-in.
WASHINGTON, 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.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2018 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated 37 Texas counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Blanco, Brown, Burnet, Camp, Coleman, Collin, Comanche, Concho, Cooke, Crockett, Delta, Eastland, Ellis, Erath, Franklin, Gregg, Hamilton, Hopkins, Irion, Jack, Kendall, Kimble, Lampasas, Leon, Limestone, McCulloch, Menard, Mills, Palo Pinto, Robertson, Runnels, San Saba, Schleicher, Somervell, Sutton, Tom Green, and Upshur counties who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2018 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated six counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Gillespie, Hood, Johnson, Kerr, Llano and Mason counties who suffered losses due to drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
Producers in the contiguous counties of Bandera, Blanco, Bosque, Burnet, Edwards, Ellis, Erath, Hill, Kendall, Kimble, McCulloch, Menard, Palo Pinto, Parker, Real, San Saba, Somervell and Tarrant in Texas are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.
WASHINGTON, August 28, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that additional assistance has been made available for pecan growers to replant and replace trees through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) as they recover from the impacts of 2017 weather events, which was made available by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018.
WASHINGTON, 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.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2018 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated five counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Dallas, Denton, Parker, Tarrant and Wise counties who suffered losses due to drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
Producers in the contiguous counties of Collin, Cooke, Ellis, Grayson, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Kaufman, Montague, Palo Pinto and Rockwall in Texas are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2018 — Agricultural producers in Zavala County, Texas, who suffered losses and damages due to a recent drought, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. The loans are made available under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue.
Producers in the contiguous Texas counties of Dimmit, Frio, Kinney, Maverick, Medina and Uvalde are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.
WASHINGTON, August 7, 2018 — USDA 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.
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2018 — Eddy County, New Mexico, agricultural producers who suffered losses and damages due to recent drought, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. The loans are made available under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue.
Producers in the contiguous counties of Chaves, Lea, and Otero in New Mexico, and Culberson, Loving, and Reeves in Texas, are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2018 — Agricultural producers in Aransas, Bee, Calhoun, Goliad, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio and Victoria counties in Texas, who suffered losses and damages due to recent drought, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. The loans are made available under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue.
Producers in the contiguous counties of DeWitt, Jackson, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Live Oak and Matagorda in Texas are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.
WASHINGTON, July 30, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that seed cotton producers who want to participate in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2018 crop year may now submit applications. The signup period begins today and ends Dec. 7, 2018.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, July 16, 2018– U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director for Texas, Gary Six, today announced that agricultural producers affected by 2017 hurricanes and wildfires may now apply for assistance to help them recover and rebuild their farming operations. Signup begins July 16, 2018, and continues through November 16, 2018.
WASHINGTON, July 16, 2018– Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced that agricultural producers affected by hurricanes and wildfires in 2017 now may apply for assistance to help recover and rebuild their farming operations. Signup begins July 16, 2018, and continues through Nov. 16, 2018.
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2018 — Agricultural producers in Reagan, Sterling, and Terrell counties in Texas, who suffered losses and damages caused by a recent drought, are eligible to apply for Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. The loans are made available under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue.
Producers in the contiguous counties of Brewster, Coke, Crockett, Glasscock, Howard, Irion, Midland, Mitchell, Pecos, Tom Green, Upton, and Val Verde in Texas, are also eligible to apply.
July 5, 2018 —The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is notifying farmers with generic base acres that planted seed cotton that a new tool is available to assist them in understanding how the new seed cotton program may affect their FSA payments. It helps a producer make decisions on how to allocate generic base acres to other covered crops based on a producer’s planting history.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, June 26, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is sending acreage history and yield reports to agricultural producers in Texas with generic base acres covered by the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director for Texas, Gary Six, said the information will help producers decide the best options for how to allocate generic base acres, given the addition of seed cotton as a covered commodity in the programs.
WASHINGTON, June 14, 2018 — Agricultural producers in Andrews, Crane, Ector, Pecos, and Upton counties in Texas who suffered losses and damages caused by a recent drought are eligible to apply for FSA’s emergency loans, provided eligibility requirements are met.
Producers in contiguous counties in Texas and New Mexico are also eligible to apply.
WASHINGTON, June 13, 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.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, June 8, 2018 – Agricultural producers in Texas who lost property in recent natural disasters are eligible for physical loss loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers these loans for losses caused by wildfires that occurred on April 10, 2018, and April 12, 2018.
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.
DALLAS, Texas, 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.
WASHINGTON, 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.
WASHINGTON, May 25, 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.
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.
WASHINGTON, May 14, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Glasscock and Midland counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties of Andrews, Ector, Howard, Martin, Reagan, Sterling, and Upton in Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance.
WASHINGTON, May 14, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated seven counties in New Mexico as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
Farmers and ranchers in contiguous counties in Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance.
WASHINGTON, May 14, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Bandera, Maverick, Real and Uvalde counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
Farmers and ranchers in contiguous counties in Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance.
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.
WASHINGTON, 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’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding producers of the May 31 deadline for the Cotton Ginning Cost Share (CGCS) program. Through the program, cotton producers may receive a cost share payment, which is based on a producer’s 2016 cotton acres reported to FSA multiplied by 20 percent of the average ginning cost for each production region.
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Edwards, Kinney and Val Verde counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties of Crockett, Kerr, Kimble, Maverick, Real, Sutton, Terrell, Uvalde and Zavala in Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance.
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 11 counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Farmers and ranchers in contiguous counties also qualify for natural disaster assistance.
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.
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.
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.
Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Utah also qualify for natural disaster assistance.
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Bosque, Falls, McLennan, Throckmorton, and Williamson counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
Farmers and ranchers in contiguous Texas counties also qualify for natural disaster assistance.
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.
WASHINGTON, March 29, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Bell and Coryell counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous Texas counties of Bosque, Burnet, Falls, Hamilton, Lampasas, McLennan, Milam, and Williamson also qualify for natural disaster assistance.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, March 29, 2018 – USDA today announced that ranchers and livestock producers in impacted Texas counties may be eligible for assistance through the 2018 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP).
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Curry, Quay, Roosevelt, and Union counties in New Mexico as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties in Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance.
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 61 counties in Arkansas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous parishes and counties in Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance.
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 25 parishes in Louisiana as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties in Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance.
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 57 counties in Oklahoma as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance.
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 60 counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 3, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced at the 66th Annual Mid-South Farm and Gin Show the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking action to assist cotton producers through a Cotton Ginning Cost Share (CGCS) program in order to expand and maintain the domestic marketing of cotton.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 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)*.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Feb. 21, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Steve Peterson today announced that physical loss loans are available for Little River County in Arkansas. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by a tornado that occurred on Jan. 21, 2018, may be eligible for emergency loans.
...Producers in Bowie County, Texas, are also eligible for emergency loans because the county is contiguous.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Cottle, Foard, King and Knox counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
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.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Jan. 12, 2018 - U. S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced the individuals who will serve on the Texas 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.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated Cameron, Grant, Natchitoches, and Rapides parishes in Louisiana as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by flooding from Hurricane Harvey that occurred from Aug. 26, 2017, through Oct. 10, 2017.
Farmers and ranchers in Jefferson and Orange counties in Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Nov. 8, 2017 - The Trump Administration recently appointed Gary Six as the new State Executive Director (SED) in Texas for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). Six will begin serving as Texas SED on Monday, November 13, 2017.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, October 31, 2017 – Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director for Texas, Erasmo (Eddie) Trevino, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, to eligible farmers and ranchers for the 2017 FSA County Committee elections. Producers must return ballots to their local FSA office by Dec. 4, 2017, to ensure their vote is counted.
HOUSTON, Texas, Oct. 31, 2017 – As a result of Hurricane Harvey, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking steps to address a lack of warehouse storage space in southern Texas for the 2017 cotton crop.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Oct. 20, 2017 – USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director in Texas, Erasmo (Eddie) Trevino, announced that approximately 81,000 Texas 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.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, October 16, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director in Texas, Erasmo (Eddie) Trevino, reminds producers that FSA offers specially targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers.
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.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 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.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Sept. 7, 2017 – Hurricane Harvey made an impact on the lives of many in Texas, including our farmers and ranchers. As producers move into recovery mode, and assess damages and losses resulting from the hurricane and subsequent flooding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has programs available to assist in disaster recovery.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2017 – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced special procedures to assist producers who lost crops or livestock or had other damage to their farms or ranches as a result of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Also, because of the severe and widespread damage caused by the hurricanes, USDA will provide additional flexibility to assist farm loan borrowers.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 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.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses in the path of Hurricane Harvey that USDA has programs that provide assistance before, during and after disasters. USDA staff in the regional, state, and county offices in Texas and Louisiana are ready to help.
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2017 — In response to a request from Erasmo (Eddie) Trevino, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Texas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Duval, Foard, Lamb and Webb counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by hail, excessive moisture, flooding, high winds, and excessive rain that occurred from May 19, 2017, through July 4, 2017.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, July 17, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director for Texas, Erasmo (Eddie) Trevino, today reminded farmers and ranchers that they have until Aug. 1, 2017, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA county committees.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, July 13, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director (SED), Erasmo (Eddie) Trevino, reminds farmers and ranchers that they have until Aug. 1 to enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and/or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2017 crop year. These programs trigger financial protections for participating agricultural producers when market forces cause substantial drops in crop prices or revenues.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, June 23, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Chris Beyerhelm today announced that physical loss loans are available for four counties in Texas. Farm operators who have suffered major physical damage and losses caused by a tornado that occurred on April 29, 2017, may be eligible for emergency loans.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, June 13, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator, Chris Beyerhelm, today announced that physical loss loans are available for farmers and ranchers in two Texas counties who have suffered major physical losses caused by high winds that occurred on two separate occasions -- May 3, 2017, and May 27, 2017.
STILLWATER, Okla., June 7, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Chris Beyerhelm today announced that physical loss loans are available for Beckham County in Oklahoma. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by a tornado that occurred on May 16, 2017, may be eligible for emergency loans...
...Producers in Collingsworth and Wheeler counties in Texas are also eligible because they are contiguous counties.
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that the nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins on Thursday, June 15, 2017.
STILLWATER, Okla., May 23, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator, Chris Beyerhelm, today announced that physical loss loans are available for two counties in Oklahoma. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by high winds and excessive snow that occurred on April 29 through April 30, 2017, may be eligible for emergency loans.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 15, 2017 -- Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue reminds farmers, ranchers, families, and small businesses affected by recent severe storms and flooding that USDA has several programs that provide assistance before, during, and after disasters. USDA staff in regional, state, and county offices in Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas are ready to help.
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the 2017-crop loan rate differentials for upland and extra-long staple cotton.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, March 28, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator, Chris Beyerhelm, today announced that physical loss loans are available for nine counties in Texas. Farm operators who suffered major physical losses caused by wildfires that occurred from Feb. 15 through March 13, 2017, may be eligible for emergency loans.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - March 13, 2017 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Texas, Erasmo (Eddie) Trevino, reminds farmers and ranchers affected by the recent wildfires that disaster assistance programs are available to support their recovery efforts.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2017 — In response to a request from Lyndal Stoup, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Oklahoma, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 48 counties in Oklahoma as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Farmers and ranchers in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico and Texas may also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous to primary Oklahoma counties.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2017 — In response to a request from Clayton Parr, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Arkansas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 13 counties in Arkansas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought... Farmers and ranchers in several parishes in Louisiana, and counties in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas, also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their parishes and counties are contiguous.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2017 — In response to a request from Erasmo Trevino, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Texas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 14 counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
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.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced the expansion of their unique service for farmers and ranchers, "Bridges to Opportunity." The 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 currently provides enhanced customer support to more than 150,000 customers in 20 states, but will now expand to serve customers across the country.
DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 29, 2016 – Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Lanon Baccam today announced that beginning Jan. 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.
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.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 13 parishes in Louisiana as a primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
Farmers and ranchers in the following Texas counties also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous: Newton, Sabine, and Shelby.
DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 7, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer farmers and ranchers more opportunities to participate in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The announcement includes new CRP practices to protect water quality and adds an additional 1.1 million acres targeted to benefit wildlife, pollinators and wetlands.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Catahoula, De Soto, La Salle, Natchitoches, Red River and Winn parishes in Louisiana as a primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by severe storms and flooding that occurred from Aug. 11, 2016, through Aug. 31, 2016.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Camp, Fannin, Harrison, Lamar, Marion, and Upshur counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Bowie, Cass, Morris, Red River and Titus counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2016 – Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Deputy Under Secretary Alexis Taylor today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will accept more than 504,000 acres that were offered by producers during the recent ranking period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands enrollment. 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.
(COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS) Nov. 29, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Judith A. Canales, 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. 14, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Atoka, Bryan, Coal, Garvin, Johnston, Murray, Pontotoc and Seminole counties in Oklahoma as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
Farmers and ranchers in Fannin, Grayson and Lamar counties in Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Bossier, Caddo and Concordia parishes in Louisiana as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by severe storms and flooding that occurred from Aug. 11, 2016, through Aug. 31, 2016.
Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous: Cass, Harrison, Marion and Panola.
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.
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, 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. 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. 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.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Oct. 18, 2016 – USDA Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Judith A. Canales, announced that approximately $354 million will be paid to Texas farms that enrolled in safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill will receive financial assistance for the 2015 crop year.
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, Sep. 22, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 11 parishes in Louisiana as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by due to losses caused by severe storms and flooding that occurred from Aug. 11, 2016, through Aug. 31, 2016. Farmers and ranchers in Jefferson and Orange counties in Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous.
WASHINGTON, Sep. 22, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Armstrong, Callahan, Clay, Coleman, Jack and Taylor counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by high winds, hail, tornadoes and flooding that occurred from May 1, 2016, through June 24, 2016.
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.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, July 25, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Judith A. Canales, reminds farmers and ranchers that they have until Aug. 1 to enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and/or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2016 crop year.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, July 8, 2016 – USDA Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Judith A. Canales reminds wheat producers that FSA Marketing Assistance Loans can help meet cash flow needs without selling commodities when market prices are at harvest-time lows.
WASHINGTON, July 11, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today signed a proclamation declaring August 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 farmers markets play in local economies.
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.
WASHINGTON, June 14, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that the nomination period for farmers and ranchers to serve on local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins Wednesday, June 15, 2016.
WASHINGTON, June 6, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide an estimated $300 million in cost-share assistance payments to cotton producers through the new Cotton Ginning Cost-Share program, in order to expand and maintain the domestic marketing of cotton.
(COLLEGE STATION, Texas) – June 6, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Texas State Executive Director, Judith A. Canales announced the selection of Erasmo “Eddie” Trevino as the Agency’s Executive Officer.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - June 3, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Texas State Executive Director, Judith A. Canales, reminds farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by flooding, high winds, and hail in Texas, that USDA has several programs which provide assistance before, during, and after disasters. USDA staff in regional, State and county offices are ready to help.
WASHINGTON, May 31, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that farmers and ranchers filing crop acreage reports with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and participating insurance providers approved by the Risk Management Agency (RMA) now can provide the common information from their acreage reports at one office and the information will be electronically shared with the other location.
WASHINGTON, May 27, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a one-time, 30-day extension to the June 1 deadline for recording farm organization structures related to Actively Engaged in Farming determinations. This date is used to determine the level of interest an individual holds in a legal entity for the applicable program year. Farming operations will now have until July 1 to complete their restructuring or finalize any operational change. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued the extension in response to farmers and ranchers who requested more time to comply, and to assure that everyone has enough time to provide their information under the new rules.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – May 24, 2016 - USDA Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Judith A. Canales, 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 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.
WASHINGTON, April 27, 2016 – The U.S. Department Agriculture (USDA) today announced cooperative agreements with 55 partners to educate farmers and other producers that have been underserved by USDA programs historically about Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs that provide financial, disaster or technical support. Nearly $2.5 million will go to nonprofits, associations, universities, and foundations that will provide training and information on agricultural best practices, local networking opportunities, and more.
WASHINGTON, April 13, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated nine counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by excessive rain and moisture that occurred from Oct. 23, 2015, through Jan. 10, 2016.
WASHINGTON, April 12, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that dairy farms participating in the Margin Protection Program (MPP) can now update their production history when an eligible family member joins the operation. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, 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.
WASHINGTON, March 4, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini announced today that USDA has begun making final payments to peanut producers in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Mississippi, helping to restore nearly 100 percent of the value of their peanuts after the bankruptcy of a peanut sheller and licensed warehouse operator.
WASHINGTON, March 2, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 13 counties in Arkansas as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by excessive rain, flash flooding, and flooding that occurred from Nov. 1, 2015 through Jan. 12, 2016. Those counties are:
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, Feb. 11, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reminding farmers and ranchers that the competitive sign-up deadline for its most popular voluntary conservation program, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), is Feb. 26, 2016. This will be one of the most competitive general sign-up periods in history, in part due a statutory limit on the number of acres that can be enrolled in the program. The most competitive applications will be those that combine multiple conservation benefits, such as water quality and wildlife habitat.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that producers who have crops pledged as collateral for a marketing assistance loan can now purchase a commodity certificate that may be exchanged for the outstanding loan collateral. The authority is provided by the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act, legislation enacted by Congress in December. Commodity certificates are available beginning with the 2015 crop in situations where the applicable marketing assistance loan rate exceeds the exchange rate. Currently, the only eligible commodity is cotton.
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. 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.
AUSTIN, Texas – When disasters such as the October severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding strike, farmers and ranchers may be eligible for assistance from several agencies and should apply today.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today finalized a rule to ensure that farm safety-net payments are issued only to active managers of farms that operate as joint ventures or general partnerships, consistent with the direction and authority provide by Congress in the 2014 Farm Bill. The action, which exempts family farm operations, closes a loophole where individuals who were not actively part of farm management still received payments.
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, 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. The program becomes available today, Dec.1, 2015.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, November 24, 2015 – USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Texas State Executive Director, Judith A. Canales, announced FSA has begun issuing financial assistance for the 2014 crop year to those agricultural producers who are participating in the new safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill. The new 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.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Nov. 24, 2015 – The State Executive Director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Texas, Judith A. Canales, reminds ranchers and livestock producers that they may be eligible for financial assistance through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses incurred in 2015.
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.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, October 30, 2015 – USDA Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Ms Judith A. Canales, announced that the deadline for producers to obtain or modify higher levels of coverage through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) to protect against poor forage crop quality because of drought or other natural disasters where the forage is intended for mechanical harvest has been extended to Nov. 13, 2015.
LOUISVILLE, October 29, 2015—Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced a commitment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prioritize $5.6 billion over the next two years within USDA programs and services that serve new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Deputy Secretary Harden also announced a new, tailored web tool designed to connect burgeoning farm entrepreneurs with programs and resources available to help them get started.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Coleman, Polk Runnels, Scurry and Sterling counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
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.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 25 parishes in Louisiana as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought. Those counties are:
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Atoka, Bryan, Johnson and Pushmataha counties in Oklahoma as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 11 counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought. Those counties are:
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Little River County in Arkansas as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated McCurtain County in Oklahoma as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Gregg County in Texas as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated nine counties in Oklahoma as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by heavy rainfall, flooding, high winds and tornadoes that occurred from May 1, 2015, through June 30, 2015. Those counties are:
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.
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.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, September 8, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Judith A. Canales, 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, 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, August 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, July 22, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 12 parishes in Louisiana as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by the combined effects of excessive rain, flooding, high winds and hail that occurred from April 27, 2015, through June 26, 2015. Those parishes are:
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – July 17, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Judith A. Canales today announced that an additional 27,300 acres of agricultural land in Texas is eligible for funding for wildlife habitat restoration.
WASHINGTON, July 15, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that beginning Sept. 1, farmers and ranchers can apply for financial assistance to help conserve working grasslands, rangeland and pastureland while maintaining the areas as livestock grazing lands.
WASHINGTON, July 10, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that over 98.2 percent of producers have met the 2014 Farm Bill requirement to certify conservation compliance to qualify for crop insurance premium support payments.
(COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS), July 2, 2015 - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Judith A. Canales reminds agricultural producers that FSA provides a receipt to customers who request or receive assistance or information on FSA programs.
(College Station, Texas) -- July 1, 2015 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that starting July 1, 2015, dairy farmers can enroll in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Margin Protection Program for coverage in 2016. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating dairy operations when the margin - the difference between the price of milk and feed costs - falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer. Harden made the announcement while visiting Wolfe’s Neck Farm and dairy school in Freeport, Maine.