(ALEXANDRIA, La), Nov. 16, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Craig A. McCain reminds Louisiana 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).
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2018 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated 20 Mississippi counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers who suffered losses due to rainfall and flooding that occurred April 1 through June 30, 2018, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
(ALEXANDRIA, LA), Nov. 9, 2018 – Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Craig A. McCain announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began 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.
ALEXANDRIA, LA – Oct. 18, 2018 - Farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers in Louisiana 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, Oct. 15, 2018 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated three Texas counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Panola, Rusk and Zapata 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.
(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.
(Washington, D.C., 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, 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.
WASHINGTON, August 7, 2018 — Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Richard Fordyce reminded producers today that the deadline to sign up for enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is Friday, Aug. 17, 2018.
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 on Dec. 7, 2018.
ALEXANDRIA, LA, July 18, 2018 – U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Craig A. McCain today announced that agricultural producers affected by hurricanes in 2017 now may apply for assistance to help them recover and rebuild their farming operations. Signup began 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.
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.
ALEXANDRIA, LA, June 27, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is sending acreage history and yield reports to agricultural producers in Louisiana with generic base acres covered by the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Craig A. McCain 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.
Alexandria, La., June 20, 2018 – Agricultural producers in Natchitoches and Red River parishes, Louisiana, who lost property due to 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 tornadoes and high winds that occurred April 6, 2018, through April 7, 2018.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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, D.C., May 11, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced 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 – Under the direction of President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced new details on eligibility for a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster program, 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP). In total, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will deploy the up to $2.36 billion that Congress appropriated through the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 to help producers with recovery of their agricultural operations in at least nine states with hurricane damage and states impacted by wildfire. Following the announcement, Secretary Perdue issued this statement:
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., May 1, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Steve Peterson today announced that physical loss loans are available for 10 counties in Arkansas. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by excessive rain, flash flooding, flooding, high winds and tornadoes occurring from Jan. 21, 2018, and continuing, may be eligible for emergency loans.
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.
Bipartisan Budget Act Makes Substantial Program Changes
WASHINGTON, April 5, 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 27, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated West Baton Rouge Parish in Louisiana as a primary natural disaster area due to losses and damages caused by freeze that occurred from Jan. 16, 2018, through Jan. 18, 2018.
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. Those parishes are:
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. Those counties are:
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Issaquena, Sharkey and Warren counties in Mississippi as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
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. Those counties are:
(MEMPHIS, TN, 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, 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)*.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 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.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Avoyelles and Catahoula parishes in Louisiana as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by flooding from Hurricane Harvey that occurred from Aug. 26 through Oct. 10, 2017.
Alexandria, La., Jan. 12, 2018- U. S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced the individuals who will serve on the Louisiana 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.
(Alexandria, La.) - Nov. 14, 2017- The Trump Administration recently appointed Craig McCain to continue to serve as the State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA).
(ALEXANDRIA, La), Nov. 2, 2017 – Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director T. Christine Normand 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.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that starting Nov. 1, 2017, farmers and ranchers with base acres in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) safety net program may enroll for the 2018 crop year. The enrollment period will end on Aug. 1, 2018.
(ALEXANDRIA, La) Oct. 26, 2017 – USDA Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director, T. Christine Normand announced that approximately 12,500 Louisiana 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.
(ALEXANDRIA, La), Oct. 20, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director T. Christine Normand 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. 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.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 34 counties in Mississippi as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by extreme rainfall, flooding and flash flooding that occurred from April 1, 2017, and continues. Those counties are:
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.
Alexandria, LA Sept. 13, 2017 – Hurricane Harvey made an impact on the lives of many in Louisiana, 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. 5, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) 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.
(ALEXANDRIA, La), July 19, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director (SED) T. Christine Normand 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.
(ALEXANDRIA, LA), July 19, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Executive Director for Louisiana, T. Christine Normand, today reminded farmers and ranchers that they have until Aug. 1, 2017, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA County Committees.
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2017 — In response to a request from Christine Normand, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Louisiana, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated Evangeline Parish in Louisiana as a primary natural disaster area due to losses and damages caused by heavy and excessive rain that occurred from April 4, 2017, through May 23, 2017.
(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 two counties in Texas. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused high winds that occurred on two separate occasions; May 3, 2017 and May 27, 2017.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., May 31, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Chris Beyerhelm today announced that physical loss loans are available for Ashley County in Arkansas. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by hail, high winds and lightning that occurred on April 2, 2017, may be eligible for emergency loans.
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.
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.
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2017 – America’s farmers and ranchers will soon have the opportunity to strongly represent agriculture in their communities and industry by taking part in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the census, to be mailed at the end of this year, is a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches, and those who operate them.
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. Those counties are:
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2017 — In response to a request from Richard Carnegie, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Mississippi, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 69 counties in Mississippi as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Those counties are:
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. Those counties are:
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses that could potentially be affected by the recent storms that USDA has several programs that provide assistance before, during and after disasters. USDA staff in the regional, State and county offices in the states of Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi are ready to help.
WASHINGTON, Jan.19, 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.
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. 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.
JACKSON, Miss., Dec. 9, 2016 – In an effort to improve wildlife habitat and the health of private forest lands, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced additional incentives available for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants to actively manage forest lands enrolled in the program.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Catahoula, DeSoto, 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. 6, 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. 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.
(ALEXANDRIA, LA) Nov. 29, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Craig A. McCain, 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. 29, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Madison, Richland and Tensas parishes in Louisiana as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and 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. 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.
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, 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 – 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. 25, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Pointe Coupee Parish 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.
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.
(ALEXANDRIA, LA), Oct. 14, 2016 – USDA Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Craig A. McCain announced that approximately 57,500 Louisiana farms that enrolled in safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill will receive financial assistance for the 2015 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.
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. Those parishes are:
WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that additional funding will be made available to assist more than 1,900 approved applicants who are awaiting farm operating loans. The funds, which were reprogrammed by FSA with the approval of Congress, will leverage up to $185 million in additional lending for direct and guaranteed farm operation loans and will allow the agency to address up to 30 percent of its projected shortfall of funds until the next federal fiscal year resumes on Oct. 1.
Department Also Will Extend Margin Protection Program for Dairy Enrollment Deadline
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.
Flooding Forces Relocation of Staff and Services
(Crowley, LA) – August 22, 2016—Acadia Parish USDA Service Center that houses the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office announced that the Acadia Parish Service Center in Crowley is closed due to flooding. USDA FSA staff will relocate to neighboring Jefferson Davis Parish.
Farm Service Agency Stands Ready to Assist Agricultural Producers Slammed by Recent Heavy Rains
(Alexandria, La.) – Aug. 18, 2016 - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Craig A. McCain, reminds farmers and ranchers of federal farm program benefits that may be available to help eligible producers recover from recent heavy rains and flooding.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the severe storms and flooding in Louisiana that USDA has several programs that provide assistance before, during and after disasters. USDA staff in regional, state and parish offices are ready to help.
May/June 2016 Average Margins Below $6
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.
(ALEXANDRIA, LA) July 26, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Craig A. McCain, today reminded farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers that they have until Aug. 1, 2016, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA county committees.
(ALEXANDRIA, LA), July 21, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Craig A. McCain 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.
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.
(ALEXANDRIA, LA), June 30, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Louisiana 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.
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 1to 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.
(ALEXANDRIA, LA) – May 26, 2016-- USDA Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Craig A. McCain, 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, Dec. 3, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that producers who chose coverage from the safety net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, can begin visiting FSA county offices starting Dec. 7, 2015, to sign contracts to enroll in coverage for 2016. The enrollment period will continue until Aug. 1, 2016.
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.
(ALEXANDRIA, LA), Nov. 18, 2015 – USDA Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Craig A. McCain announced that approximately 15,662 Louisiana farms who enrolled in the new safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill will soon begin receiving financial assistance for the 2014 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.
WASHINGTON, November 6, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed members of the USDA Minority Farmers Advisory Committee (MFAC). The committee provides farmer, rancher, industry and public perspectives on USDA strategies, policies and programs that impact minority farmers and ranchers.
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.
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.
KISSIMMEE, Fla., Oct. 28, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is partnering with 21 states through the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) to nearly double the number of fueling pumps nationwide that supply renewable fuels to American motorists. In May 2015, USDA announced the availability of $100 million in grants through the BIP, and that to apply states and private partners match the federal funding by a 1:1 ratio. USDA received applications requesting over $130 million, outpacing the $100 million that is available. With the matching commitments by state and private entities, the BIP is investing a total of $210 million to strengthen the rural economy.
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 parishes are:
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Chicot, Hempstead, Howard and Nevada counties in Arkansas 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 19 counties in Mississippi as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought. Those counties are:
(ALEXANDRIA, LA), Oct. 15, 2015 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Craig A. McCain reminds agricultural producers that FSA provides a receipt to customers who request or receive assistance or information on FSA programs.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Winn Parish in Louisiana as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 10 counties in Mississippi 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 Natchitoches Parish in Louisiana as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Bradley, Lafayette, Miller and Ouachita counties in Arkansas as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2015 — On September 23, 2015, in release number 0139.15, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated 37 counties in Mississippi as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by excessive rainfall, flash flooding and prolonged flooding that occurred from April 1, 2015, through July 6, 2015.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Red River Parish in Louisiana 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 14 counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought. Those counties are:
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 45 counties in Mississippi as primary natural disaster areas in two separate disasters.