(COLLEGE STATION, Texas), Nov. 13, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Gary Six reminds Texas producers who experienced losses from natural disasters during the 2017 and 2018 calendar years that they may be eligible for assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

(COLLEGE STATION, Texas) -- Oct. 23, 2018 – USDA Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Gary Six, announced that more than $296 million will be paid to Texas farms that enrolled in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) for 2017 market downturns. Additionally, Texas FSA will distribute more than $105 million in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) rental payments to landowners for their commitment to conservation stewardship.

WASHINGTON, September 4, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today launched the trade mitigation package aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations.  Producers of certain commodities can now sign up for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), while USDA will also begin to purchase identified commodities under a food purchase and distribution program.  Additionally, USDA has begun accepting proposals for the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP), which will help American farmers find and access new markets for their products.  In total, USDA will authorize up to $12 billion in programs, consistent with World Trade Organization obligations. 

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2018 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated six counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Gillespie, Hood, Johnson, Kerr, Llano and Mason counties who suffered losses due to drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.

Producers in the contiguous counties of Bandera, Blanco, Bosque, Burnet, Edwards, Ellis, Erath, Hill, Kendall, Kimble, McCulloch, Menard, Palo Pinto, Parker, Real, San Saba, Somervell and Tarrant in Texas are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.

WASHINGTON, August 27, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of actions the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation by foreign nations. President Donald J. Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a short-term relief strategy to protect agricultural producers while the Administration works on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets in the long run to help American farmers compete globally. As announced last month, USDA will authorize up to $12 billion in programs, consistent with our World Trade Organization obligations.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2018 — Agricultural producers in Zavala County, Texas, who suffered losses and damages due to a recent drought, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. The loans are made available under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue.

Producers in the contiguous Texas counties of Dimmit, Frio, Kinney, Maverick, Medina and Uvalde are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.

WASHINGTON, July 31, 2018 — Eddy County, New Mexico, agricultural producers who suffered losses and damages due to recent drought, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. The loans are made available under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue.

Producers in the contiguous counties of Chaves, Lea, and Otero in New Mexico, and Culberson, Loving, and Reeves in Texas, are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.

WASHINGTON, July 30, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that seed cotton producers who want to participate in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2018 crop year may now submit applications. The signup period begins today and ends Dec. 7, 2018.

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.

WASHINGTON, June 14, 2018 — Agricultural producers in Andrews, Crane, Ector, Pecos, and Upton counties in Texas who suffered losses and damages caused by a recent drought are eligible to apply for FSA’s emergency loans, provided eligibility requirements are met.
Producers in contiguous counties in Texas and New Mexico are also eligible to apply.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, June 8, 2018 – Agricultural producers in Texas who lost property in recent natural disasters are eligible for physical loss loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers these loans for losses caused by wildfires that occurred on April 10, 2018, and April 12, 2018.

DALLAS, Texas, May 31, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Texas A&M’s AgriLife Extension Service to help military veterans obtain loans and pursue careers as farmers and ranchers. Secretary Perdue joined local dignitaries, members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and community leaders at the Dallas Farmers Market to unveil the new pilot program.

WASHINGTON, May 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 14, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Glasscock and Midland counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.

Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties of Andrews, Ector, Howard, Martin, Reagan, Sterling, and Upton in Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance.

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Bandera, Maverick, Real and Uvalde counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.

Farmers and ranchers in contiguous counties in Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance.

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today the appointment of Richard Fordyce to serve as Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). In his role, Fordyce will provide leadership for FSA and its mission to support agricultural production across America through a network of over 2,100 county and 50 state offices.

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Edwards, Kinney and Val Verde counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.

Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties of Crockett, Kerr, Kimble, Maverick, Real, Sutton, Terrell, Uvalde and Zavala in Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance.

CANADIAN, Texas, April 24, 2018 – Starting today, agricultural producers who have lost livestock to disease, resulting from a weather disaster, have an additional way to become eligible for a key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster assistance program. USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, Bill Northey, announced an administrative clarification nationwide to the Livestock Indemnity Program.

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 12 counties in New Mexico as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.

Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Utah also qualify for natural disaster assistance.

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2018— 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.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, March 29, 2018 – USDA today announced that ranchers and livestock producers in impacted Texas counties may be eligible for assistance through the 2018 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP).

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 61 counties in Arkansas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.

Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous parishes and counties in Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance.

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 57 counties in Oklahoma as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.

Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance.

MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 3, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced at the 66th Annual Mid-South Farm and Gin Show the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking action to assist cotton producers through a Cotton Ginning Cost Share (CGCS) program in order to expand and maintain the domestic marketing of cotton.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Feb. 21, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Steve Peterson today announced that physical loss loans are available for Little River County in Arkansas. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by a tornado that occurred on Jan. 21, 2018, may be eligible for emergency loans.

...Producers in Bowie County, Texas, are also eligible for emergency loans because the county is contiguous.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 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.

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.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Nov. 8, 2017 - The Trump Administration recently appointed Gary Six as the new State Executive Director (SED) in Texas for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). Six will begin serving as Texas SED on Monday, November 13, 2017.

HOUSTON, Texas, Oct. 31, 2017 – As a result of Hurricane Harvey, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking steps to address a lack of warehouse storage space in southern Texas for the 2017 cotton crop.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, October 16, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director in Texas, Erasmo (Eddie) Trevino, reminds producers that FSA offers specially targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 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, Sept. 13, 2017 – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced special procedures to assist producers who lost crops or livestock or had other damage to their farms or ranches as a result of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Also, because of the severe and widespread damage caused by the hurricanes, USDA will provide additional flexibility to assist farm loan borrowers.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 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.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, July 17, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director for Texas, Erasmo (Eddie) Trevino, today reminded farmers and ranchers that they have until Aug. 1, 2017, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA county committees.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, June 23, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Chris Beyerhelm today announced that physical loss loans are available for four counties in Texas. Farm operators who have suffered major physical damage and losses caused by a tornado that occurred on April 29, 2017, may be eligible for emergency loans.

STILLWATER, Okla., June 7, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Chris Beyerhelm today announced that physical loss loans are available for Beckham County in Oklahoma. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by a tornado that occurred on May 16, 2017, may be eligible for emergency loans...

...Producers in Collingsworth and Wheeler counties in Texas are also eligible because they are contiguous counties.

STILLWATER, Okla., May 23, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator, Chris Beyerhelm, today announced that physical loss loans are available for two counties in Oklahoma. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by high winds and excessive snow that occurred on April 29 through April 30, 2017, may be eligible for emergency loans.

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the 2017-crop loan rate differentials for upland and extra-long staple cotton.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - March 13, 2017 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Texas, Erasmo (Eddie) Trevino, reminds farmers and ranchers affected by the recent wildfires that disaster assistance programs are available to support their recovery efforts.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2017 — In response to a request from Clayton Parr, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Arkansas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 13 counties in Arkansas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought... Farmers and ranchers in several parishes in Louisiana, and counties in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas, also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their parishes and counties are contiguous.

WASHINGTON, Jan.13, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that USDA will accept over 300,000 acres in 43 states that were offered by producers during the recent ranking period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands enrollment with emphasis placed on small-scale livestock operations.

DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 29, 2016 – Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Lanon Baccam today announced that beginning Jan. 9, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer an early termination opportunity for certain Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts, making it easier to transfer property to the next generation of farmers and ranchers, including family members. The land that is eligible for the early termination is among the least environmentally sensitive land enrolled in CRP.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 13 parishes in Louisiana as a primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.

Farmers and ranchers in the following Texas counties also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous: Newton, Sabine, and Shelby.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Catahoula, De Soto, La Salle, Natchitoches, Red River and Winn parishes in Louisiana as a primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by severe storms and flooding that occurred from Aug. 11, 2016, through Aug. 31, 2016.

WASHINGTON, 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.

(COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS) Nov. 29, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Judith A. Canales, today announced that the deadline to submit ballots for the 2016 County Committee Elections has been extended to ensure farmers and ranchers have sufficient time to vote. Eligible voters now have until Dec. 13, 2016 to return ballots to their local FSA offices. Producers who have not received their ballot should pick one up at their local FSA office.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Bossier, Caddo and Concordia parishes in Louisiana as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by severe storms and flooding that occurred from Aug. 11, 2016, through Aug. 31, 2016.

Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous: Cass, Harrison, Marion and Panola.

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.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Oct. 18, 2016 – USDA Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Judith A. Canales, announced that approximately $354 million will be paid to Texas farms that enrolled in safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill will receive financial assistance for the 2015 crop year.

WASHINGTON, Sep. 22, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 11 parishes in Louisiana as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by due to losses caused by severe storms and flooding that occurred from Aug. 11, 2016, through Aug. 31, 2016. Farmers and ranchers in Jefferson and Orange counties in Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase approximately 11 million pounds of cheese from private inventories to assist food banks and pantries across the nation, while reducing a cheese surplus that is at its highest level in 30 years.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, July 8, 2016 – USDA Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Judith A. Canales reminds wheat producers that FSA Marketing Assistance Loans can help meet cash flow needs without selling commodities when market prices are at harvest-time lows.

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2016 – Today, during National Pollinator Week and in advance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) seventh annual Pollinator Week Festival, the USDA is announcing two initiatives in support of the President’s National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honeybees and Other Pollinators, announced just over one year ago.

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide an estimated $300 million in cost-share assistance payments to cotton producers through the new Cotton Ginning Cost-Share program, in order to expand and maintain the domestic marketing of cotton.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - June 3, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Texas State Executive Director, Judith A. Canales, reminds farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by flooding, high winds, and hail in Texas, that USDA has several programs which provide assistance before, during, and after disasters. USDA staff in regional, State and county offices are ready to help.

WASHINGTON, May 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 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.

WASHINGTON, April 27, 2016 – The U.S. Department Agriculture (USDA) today announced cooperative agreements with 55 partners to educate farmers and other producers that have been underserved by USDA programs historically about Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs that provide financial, disaster or technical support. Nearly $2.5 million will go to nonprofits, associations, universities, and foundations that will provide training and information on agricultural best practices, local networking opportunities, and more.

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that dairy farms participating in the Margin Protection Program (MPP) can now update their production history when an eligible family member joins the operation. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, protects participating dairy producers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below levels of protection selected by the applicant.

WASHINGTON, March 2, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 13 counties in Arkansas as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by excessive rain, flash flooding, and flooding that occurred from Nov. 1, 2015 through Jan. 12, 2016. Those counties are:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reminding farmers and ranchers that the competitive sign-up deadline for its most popular voluntary conservation program, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), is Feb. 26, 2016. This will be one of the most competitive general sign-up periods in history, in part due a statutory limit on the number of acres that can be enrolled in the program. The most competitive applications will be those that combine multiple conservation benefits, such as water quality and wildlife habitat.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2016 — Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin offering farm ownership microloans, creating a new financing avenue for farmers to buy and improve property. These microloans will be especially helpful to beginning or underserved farmers, U.S. veterans looking for a career in farming, and those who have small and mid-sized farming operations.

AUSTIN, Texas – When disasters such as the October severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding strike, farmers and ranchers may be eligible for assistance from several agencies and should apply today.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 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.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, November 24, 2015 – USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Texas State Executive Director, Judith A. Canales, announced FSA has begun issuing financial assistance for the 2014 crop year to those agricultural producers who are participating in the new safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill. The new programs, known as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), are designed to protect against unexpected drops in crop prices or revenues due to market downturns.

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.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2015 — The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that beginning today, nearly one half of the 1.7 million farms that signed up for either the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs will receive safety-net payments for the 2014 crop year.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Atoka, Bryan, Johnson and Pushmataha counties in Oklahoma as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Little River County in Arkansas as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Gregg County in Texas as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the deadline to enroll for the dairy Margin Protection Program for coverage in 2016 has been extended until Nov. 20, 2015. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating farmers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, September 8, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Judith A. Canales, reminds producers that USDA offers interim financing at harvest time to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell commodities when market prices are at harvest-time lows. The programs, known as Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs) and Loan Deficiency Payments (LDPs), were authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill for the 2014-2018 crop years.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2015 - Farm Service Agency Administrator Val Dolcini today encouraged producers to examine the available U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) crop risk protection options, including federal crop insurance and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage, before the sales deadline for fall crops.

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 12 parishes in Louisiana as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by the combined effects of excessive rain, flooding, high winds and hail that occurred from April 27, 2015, through June 26, 2015. Those parishes are:

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.

(COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS), July 2, 2015 - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Judith A. Canales reminds agricultural producers that FSA provides a receipt to customers who request or receive assistance or information on FSA programs.