(BOZEMAN, MONTANA) – Nov. 19, 2018 – USDA Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Mike Foster, announced that $151,943,503 has been paid to Montana farms that enrolled in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) for 2017 market downturns. The amount of 2017 ARC and PLC will increase as payment processing continues through the coming months. Additionally, Montana FSA will distribute $41,185,864 in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) rental payments to landowners for their commitment to conservation stewardship.
BOZEMAN, Mont.,), Nov. 13, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Mike Foster reminds Montana producers who experienced losses from natural disasters during the 2017 and 2018 calendar years that they may be eligible for assistance through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Tree Assistance Program (TAP).
Farmers and Ranchers Have a Voice in Local Farm Program Decisions
BOZEMAN, Mont., Oct. 30, 2018 – Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Mike Foster 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.
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border State Also Available
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2018 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated three Montana counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Flathead, Lincoln, and Sanders 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.
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties and North Dakota Also Available
BOZEMAN, Montana, Oct. 25, 2018 — Montana agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) physical loss loans. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers these low-interest loans to agricultural producers in the primary damaged area of Sheridan County, Montana, who incurred losses caused by a tornado that occurred on July 9, 2018. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only, including the loss of buildings and livestock. Applications are due June 12, 2019.
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties and Wyoming Also Available
BOZEMAN, Montana, Oct. 15, 2018 — Montana agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) physical loss loans. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers these low-interest loans to agricultural producers in the primary damaged area of Park County, Montana, who incurred losses caused by flooding that occurred May 9, 2018, through July 10, 2018. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only, including the loss of buildings and livestock. Applications are due May 17, 2019.
(BOZEMAN, Mont.), October 10, 2018 - USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Mike Foster today announced that assistance through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) is available in Flathead, Lincoln and Sanders counties in Montana. Livestock producers have until Jan. 30, 2019, to enroll in the program.
Department Amends Timeline for Hogs Operations
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the addition of commodities to the trade mitigation package aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations. Starting Monday, Sept. 24, producers of shelled almonds and fresh sweet cherries may apply for Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. In addition, the timeline for hog producers has been extended.
(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.
Additional Access to Credit Now Available to Eligible Agricultural Producers
BROWNING, Mont. – Aug. 29, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Mike Foster today announced approval of the first guaranteed agricultural Micro Lender in Montana.
Through FSA’s EZ Guaranteed Loan program, Native American Community Development Corporation (NACDC) Financial Services, Inc. of Browning, Montana, can now offer their agricultural customers loans for up to $50,000. FSA guarantees up to 95 percent of the loan.
(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.
BOZEMAN, Mont., Aug. 09, 2018 – Montana agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) physical loss loans. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers these low-interest loans for losses caused by three separate disaster events. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses including the loss of buildings and livestock.
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.
Bozeman, Mont., Aug. 1, 2018 – Montana agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) physical loss loans. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers these low-interest loans for losses caused by flooding that occurred April 29, 2018, through June 21, 2018. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only, including the loss of buildings and livestock.
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue 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 began July 16, 2018, and continues through Nov. 16, 2018.
BOZEMAN, Montana, July 20, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Mike Foster reminds producers that FSA offers specially targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers.
BOZEMAN, Mont., July 3, 2018 – Agricultural producers in Montana 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 three separate disaster events.
BOZEMAN, Mont. – June 14, 2018 – Agricultural producers in Montana 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 extreme cold, blizzards, excessive snow, freeze and frost.
Re-enrollment Continues Through June 22, Dairy producers urged to act now
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2018 – U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced the re-enrollment deadline for the Margin Protection Program (MPP) for Dairy will be extended until June 22, 2018. The new and improved program protects participating dairy producers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below levels of protection selected by the applicant. USDA has already issued more than $89 million for margins triggered in February, March, and April, and USDA offices are continuing to process remaining payments daily.
One-Year Extension Available to Holders of Many Expiring Contracts through Continuous Signup
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2018 – As part of a 33-year effort to protect sensitive lands and improve water quality and wildlife habitat on private lands, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will resume accepting applications for the voluntary Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Eligible farmers, ranchers, and private landowners can sign up at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office between June 4 and Aug. 17, 2018.
Signup Begins June 4 for Livestock Indemnity Program and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish
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.
Giving Farmers and Ranchers a Voice in their Community
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages America’s farmers and ranchers to nominate candidates to lead, serve and represent their community on their local county committee. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept nominations for county committee members beginning Friday, June 15, 2018.
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, D.C., May 11, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today the appointment of Richard Fordyce to serve as Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). In his role, Fordyce will provide leadership for FSA and its mission to support agricultural production across America through a network of over 2,100 county and 50 state offices.
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:
“Last year our nation experienced some of the most significant disasters we have seen in decades, some back-to-back, at the most critical time in their production year. While USDA has a suite of disaster programs as well as crop insurance available to help producers manage their risk, Congress felt it was important to provide extra assistance to our nation’s farms and ranches that were the hardest hit last year,” Secretary Perdue said. “At President Trump’s direction, our team is working as quickly as possible to make this new program available to farmers in need. Our aim is to provide excellent customer service, building on efforts which began the day the storm hit.”
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. In the event of disease, this change by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) authorizes local FSA county committees to accept veterinarian certifications that livestock deaths were directly related to adverse weather and unpreventable through good animal husbandry and management. The committees may then use this certification to allow eligibility for producers on a case-by-case basis for LIP.
Montana Producers to Receive Recovery Assistance for 2017 Wildfires
BOZEMAN, Mont. – April 13, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it will make disaster payments of up to $2.36 billion, as provided by Congress, to help America’s farmers and ranchers recover from hurricanes and wildfires. The funds are available as part of the new 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP). Sign-up for the new program, authorized by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, will begin no later than July 16.
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— 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.
BOZEMAN, Mont., March 30, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Steve Peterson today announced that physical loss loans are available for Lewis and Clark County in Montana. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by extreme cold that occurred from Feb. 17, 2018, through Feb. 25, 2018, may be eligible for emergency loans.
BOZEMAN, Mont., March 14, 2018 - USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Mike Foster today announced nine public meetings for livestock producers scheduled in March and April 2018. The meetings are open to the public.
(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)*.
Bozeman, Mont., Feb. 20, 2018 - The Trump Administration recently appointed Michael Foster as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA). Foster began his new position on Feb. 20, 2018.
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.
BOZEMAN, Jan. 18, 2018 – U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Montana reminds foreign persons with an interest in agricultural lands in the United States that they are required to report their holdings and any transactions to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
BOZEMAN, Jan. 8, 2018 – The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently accepting offers from individuals interested in providing contracted crop adjusting services throughout Montana for the 2018 crop year. Loss Adjuster applications for the 2018 crop year are due Feb. 5, 2018 to the Montana FSA state office.
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.
BOZEMAN, Mont., Nov. 15, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Steve Peterson today announced that physical loss loans are available for Blaine County in Montana. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by a fire that occurred from Aug. 26 through Sept. 10, 2017, may be eligible for emergency loans.
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.
BOZEMAN, Mont., Oct. 26, 2017 – USDA Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director (SED) Amy Webbink announced that approximately 19,010 Montana 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.
BOZEMAN, MT, Oct. 24, 2017 – Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director Amy Webbink 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.
BOZEMAN, Mont., Oct. 18, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Steven J. Peterson today announced that physical loss loans are available for Lewis and Clark County in Montana. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by wildfires that occurred on July 22, 2017, and continuing, may be eligible for emergency loans.
(BOZEMAN, Montana), Oct. 18, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director Amy Webbink 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. 17, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Lake County in Montana as a primary natural disaster area due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
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.
BOZEMAN, Mont., Oct. 06, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Steven J. Peterson today announced that physical loss loans are available for two counties in Montana. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by multiple wildfires that occurred on July 15, 2017, and continuing, may be eligible for emergency loans.
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, 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.
(BOZEMAN, Montana, August 15, 2017) – Acting Montana USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Amy Webbink announced today that Montana will participate in a recently announced effort to mentor new and beginning farmers and ranchers, veterans, women, socially disadvantaged Americans, and others to enable them to better succeed in agri-business. Today’s announcement is part of a partnership announced in August by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, which established a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors.
(BOZEMAN, Montana) – July 27, 2017 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Acting State Executive Director, Amy Webbink in Montana, reminds farmers and ranchers affected by the recent wildfires that disaster assistance programs are available to support their recovery efforts.
WASHINGTON - July 20, 2017 – Today, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is authorizing the use of additional Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands for emergency grazing and haying in and around portions of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota affected by severe drought. USDA is adding the ability for farmers and ranchers in these areas to hay and graze CRP wetland and buffer practices.
WASHINGTON, July 19, 2017 — In response to a request from Amy Webbink, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Montana, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Blaine, Custer and Prairie counties in Montana as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
BOZEMAN, Montana, July 17, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Executive Director for Montana, Amy Webbink, today reminded farmers and ranchers that they have until Aug. 1, 2017, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA county committees.
BOZEMAN, Montana, July 14, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director (SED) Amy Webbink 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.
WASHINGTON, July 12, 2017 — In response to a request from Amy Webbink, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Montana, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Dawson, Fallon and Wibaux counties in Montana as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, July 12, 2017 — In response to a request from Amy Webbink, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Montana, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Fergus, Petroleum, Phillips, Richland and Rosebud counties in Montana as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
(BOZEMAN, Montana) July 11, 2017 – As conditions deteriorate and drought expands across much of the Northern Plains, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering assistance to farmers and ranchers through numerous federal farm program provisions and continues to monitor the situation to ensure all viable program flexibilities are offered to producers. Today, USDA Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Montana, Amy Webbink, announced that Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has authorized emergency haying on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands beginning July 16 through Aug. 30, 2017 for counties in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota designated as D2 or greater on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Similar to the authorization for Emergency Grazing announced last month, this authorization includes any county with any part of its border located within 150 miles of a county eligible for emergency haying of CRP based on the U.S. drought monitor.
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2017 — In response to a request from Amy Webbink, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Montana, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Daniels, Garfield, McCone, Roosevelt, Sheridan and Valley counties in Montana as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2017 – On June 23 Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue authorized emergency grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres during the primary nesting season in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana in the counties meeting D2 or greater, as indicated by the US Drought Monitor. Since that time the drought has continued to deepen and the forecast is for hot, dry weather in the upcoming week in the northern plains. As such, the Secretary is authorizing emergency grazing of CRP for any county in which any part of its border lies within 150 miles of a county approved for emergency grazing of CRP.
WASHINGTON, June 23, 2017 – Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today authorized emergency grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. All or parts of these states are experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions – indicated as categories D2 and D3 on the U.S. Drought Monitor.
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 – 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.
BOZEMAN, MONTANA, Jan. 20, 2017 – USDA Farm Service Agency Acting State Executive Director Amy Webbink reminds livestock producers in 14 Montana counties of the Jan. 30, 2017 deadline to enroll in the 2016 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP).
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.
BOZEMAN - After 15 years of serving Montana farmers and ranchers, Bruce Nelson, State Executive Director of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has retired effective Dec. 31, 2016.
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.
Organic Producers and Handlers May Apply for Certification Cost Share Reimbursements; Expanded Eligibility for Transition and State Certification Cost
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, 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.
BOZEMAN, Mont., Nov. 29, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Bruce Nelson 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. 10, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that $1.5 million will be available in fiscal year 2017 for farmers and foresters who harvest and deliver biomass for renewable energy. The funds are from the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.
HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 4, 2016 – Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Deputy Under Secretary Alexis Taylor 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.
More than Half a Million Americans Involved with Protecting 24 Million Acres
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.
Options Help More Beginning, Small and Urban Producers Gain Access to Credit
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 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.
(BOZEMAN, MONTANA) – Oct. 26, 2016 - USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson announced that producers who file accurate and timely reports for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage can prevent the potential loss of FSA program benefits. Please pay close attention to the acreage reporting dates below for 2017.
BOZEMAN, MONTANA, Oct. 20, 2016 – USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Bruce Nelson announces that livestock producers in 14 Montana counties have until Jan. 30, 2017 to enroll in the 2016 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP).
Bozeman, Mont., Oct. 7, 2016 – USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson announced that more than 36,700 payments will be issued to Montana farms that enrolled in safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill 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.
Bozeman, Mont., Sept. 8, 2016 - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies will hold town hall meetings at 18 locations across Montana to discuss opportunities to maximize access to USDA programs and services.
BOZEMAN, MONTANA, July 28, 2016 –USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson reminds Montana wheat producers that FSA Marketing Assistance Loans can help meet cash flow needs without selling commodities when market prices are at harvest-time lows.
(BOZEMAN, MONTANA), July 21, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson reminds Montana 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.
USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program Currently Provides 15 Million Acres of Healthy Forage for Pollinators, and New Partnership Will Ensure Additional High-Quality Habitat in the Future
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, 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.
WASHINGTON, May 23, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that incentives resume this month for farmers and foresters who grow and harvest biomass for renewable energy and biobased products. The funds come through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.
WASHINGTON, May 5, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the enrollment of more than 800,000 acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Through CRP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) helps farmers offset the costs of restoring, enhancing and protecting certain grasses, shrubs and trees that improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and strengthen wildlife habitat. Farmers’ and ranchers’ participation in CRP continues to provide numerous benefits to our nation, including helping reduce emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and providing resiliency to future weather changes.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 29, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide a new financing option to help farmers purchase portable storage and handling equipment. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Administrator Elanor Starmer announced changes to the Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program today during a local and regional food roundtable in Columbus, Ohio. The loans, which now include a smaller microloan option with lower down payments, are designed to help producers, including new, small and mid-sized producers, grow their businesses and markets.
WASHINGTON, April 6, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Custer County in Montana as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by drought that occurred from March 1, 2015, and continues.
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. 24, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Hill County in Montana as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by frost, hail and high winds that occurred on July 4, 2015, through July 5, 2015.
(BOZEMAN, Mont.) – Jan. 6, 2016 – USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Montana State University (MSU) Extension today announced seven Farm Bill informational meetings in communities across Montana.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2015 — On. Dec. 17, 2015, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated Hill and Lake counties in Montana in two separate disaster designations as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by multiple disasters that occurred during the 2015 crop year.
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. 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.
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.
BOZEMAN, Nov. 10, 2015 – USDA Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson announced that a number of Montana farms enrolled in the new safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill have begun to receive 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, Nov, 9, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that almost half of all dairy farms in America have made their annual elections for 2016 coverage under the Margin Protection Program, and reminded producers who have not yet enrolled that they have until Nov. 20, to select coverage.
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 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.
BOZEMAN, Oct. 29, 2015 – USDA State Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson announced that the deadline for Montana 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.
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, Sept. 22, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack 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.
(BOZEMAN, Mont.), - Sept. 17, 2015 - Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson announced today that the 2015 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) triggered additional eligibility in Montana counties based on the U.S. Drought Monitor report released on Sept. 17. 2015.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers and ranchers affected by the recent wildfires in Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington State that USDA has programs to assist with their recovery efforts.
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).
BOZEMAN, Mont., Aug. 10, 2015 - USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson announces a series of four regional producer meetings scheduled in September to highlight important changes to the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) authorized by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill).
BOZEMAN, Aug. 4, 2015 – USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Bruce Nelson reminds producers about the availability of the Transition Incentives Program (TIP). TIP assists with the transition of expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land from a retired or retiring owner or operator to a beginning, veteran, or underserved farmer or rancher to return land to production for sustainable grazing or crop production.
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.
(BOZEMAN, Mont., - July 14, 2015) - Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson announced today that the 2015 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) triggered eligibility in 15 Montana counties based on the U.S. Drought Monitor report released on July 9, 2015.
(BOZEMAN, Mont., - July 14, 2015) - Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson announced today that seven Montana counties have been authorized for emergency haying and grazing use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres due to drought.
(BOZEMAN, Mont., July 8, 2015) – USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Bruce Nelson reminds Montana producers of the July 15, 2015 acreage reporting deadline for spring crops.
BOZEMAN, Mont., July 6, 2015 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson reminds agricultural producers that FSA provides a receipt to customers who request or receive assistance or information on FSA programs.
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini announced today that FSA will begin accepting applications on June 30, 2015, from foresters and farmers seeking financial assistance to harvest and deliver biomass to generate clean energy. The support comes through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was re-authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.
(Bozeman, Montana) June 29, 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.
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that eligible producers may now formally enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2014 and 2015. The enrollment period begins June 17, 2015, and will end Sept. 30, 2015.
WASHINGTON, June 8, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins on Monday, June 15, 2015.
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that incentives will resume this summer for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners interested in growing and harvesting biomass for renewable energy. The support comes through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. BCAP provides financial assistance to establish and maintain new crops of energy biomass, or who harvest and deliver forest or agricultural residues to a qualifying energy facility.
MILWAUKEE, May 29, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that an additional 800,000 acres of highly environmentally sensitive land may be enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) under certain wetland and wildlife initiatives that provide multiple benefits on the same land.
BOZEMAN, May 21, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Bruce Nelson, today announced that farmers and ranchers still have time to apply for low interest loans available through the FSA direct farm ownership program. Applications must be approved by Sept. 30, 2015, to take advantage of the funding available this fiscal year.
BOZEMAN - March 27, 2015 - USDA Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson reminds foreign persons with an interest in agricultural lands in the United States that they are required to report their holdings and any transactions to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today provided farm owners and producers one additional week, until April 7, 2015, to choose between Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), the safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill. The final day to update yield history or reallocate base acres also will be April 7, 2015.
WASHINGTON, March 24, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a proposed rule to limit farm payments to non-farmers, consistent with requirements Congress mandated in the 2014 Farm Bill. The proposed rule limits farm payments to individuals who may be designated as farm managers but are not actively engaged in farm management. In the Farm Bill, Congress gave USDA the authority to address this loophole for joint ventures and general partnerships, while exempting family farm operations from being impacted by the new rule USDA ultimately implements.
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing procedures for the upcoming referendum regarding the continuation of the Sorghum Checkoff Program and is announcing the dates it will conduct the referendum.
Bozeman – March 11, 2015 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has appointed a new member to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Committee in Montana, FSA State Executive Director Bruce Nelson announced today.
The month of March is upon us and with the change of calendar comes the dawn of springtime and many decisions for Montana farmers. And this year, these decisions include several important choices on federal safety net programs that could make a big difference for you, your family and your farm through 2018.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2015 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that a one-time extension will be provided to producers for the new safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). The final day to update yield history or reallocate base acres has been extended one additional month, from Feb. 27, 2015 until March 31, 2015. The final day for farm owners and producers to choose ARC or PLC coverage also remains March 31, 2015.
BOZEMAN, Mont., Feb. 26, 2015 – USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson reminds Montana farmers and ranchers that Monday, March 16th is the sales closing deadline for most non-insurable 2015 spring planted crops.
BOZEMAN, Feb. 13, 2015 —U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson today reminds producers of upcoming important deadlines for the new safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). The final day to update yield history or reallocate base acres is Feb. 27, 2015, and the final day for farm owners and producers to choose coverage is March 31, 2015.
Bozeman, Mont., - Jan. 22, 2015 – USDA’s State Food & Agriculture Council (SFAC) in Montana announces seven USDA Community Meetings scheduled on Montana's seven Indian reservations from Feb. 2 to Feb. 9 to promote the availability of USDA programs.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds livestock producers that the Jan. 30, 2015, deadline to request assistance for losses suffered from Oct. 1, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2014, is fast approaching.
Shelby, Mont. – Jan. 14, 2015 –There is still time to register for Montana’s Next Generation Conference Friday and Saturday, Jan. 30 and 31 in Shelby. Hosted by the Glacier and Toole County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), local MSU Extension, Marias River Livestock Association and the Front Range Counties Farm Bureau, this comprehensive conference including succession planning and production workshops is one you won’t want to miss.
BOZEMAN - USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson reminds Montana producers of an important Jan. 14th deadline for the 2015 Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). Because 2015 application closing dates for some crops have already passed before FSA published the regulations and made buy-up coverage available, producers may still obtain buy-up coverage for those crops for the 2015 crop year retroactively by Jan. 14, 2015, by submitting a NAP application for coverage requesting buy-up coverage and paying the applicable administrative service fee. These crops include, perennial forage, fall seeded annual crops, and honey.