(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.

Producers Must File by August 17; One-Year Extension Available to Holders of Many Expiring Contracts 

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.

(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.

Many Participants Will Receive Payments Beginning in Early June

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.

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.

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.

$34 Million in Payments for 2017 Losses Part of Broad Suite of Programs Aiding Ag Operations

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, 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)*.

Lincoln, Neb., Jan. 16, 2018 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced the individuals who will serve on the Nebraska 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.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nov. 20, 2017- The Trump Administration recently appointed Nancy Johner as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA). Johner will join the Nebraska FSA team on Monday, Nov. 27.

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.

(LINCOLN, Neb.) Oct. 20, 2017 – USDA Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director (SED) Mike Eller announced that approximately 85,000 Nebraska farms 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.

Secretary Allows Producers to Opt Out

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.

LINCOLN, Neb., July 19, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Executive Director for Nebraska, Mike Sander, today reminded farmers and ranchers they have until Aug. 1, 2017, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA county committees.

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.

“County committees allow farmers and ranchers to make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally to best serve their needs,” said Acting FSA Administrator Chris Beyerhelm. “We strongly encourage all eligible producers to visit their local FSA office today to find out how to get involved in their county’s election. There’s an increasing need for representation from underserved producers, which includes beginning, women and other minority farmers and ranchers.”

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.

(LINCOLN, Neb.) Dec. 16, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Dan Steinkruger today announced that up to 48,000 acres can be enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in Nebraska for critical wildlife and water quality efforts. This amount is in addition to the 122,000 acres of CRP Grasslands announced earlier in the month.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2016 – Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Deputy Under Secretary Alexis Taylor today announced 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.

(LINCOLN, Neb.) Nov. 16, 2016 – Farmers who may be considering a Marketing Assistance Loan to assist with farm financing for 2016 should stop into their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office as soon as possible to begin the process.

Nebraska FSA State Executive Director Dan Steinkruger said Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs) provide producers with interim financing after harvest to help them meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are typically at harvest-time lows.

(LINCOLN, Neb.) Nov. 8, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini has 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 now to sign contracts and enroll for the 2017 crop year. The enrollment period opened on Nov. 1 and will continue until Aug. 1, 2017.

(LINCOLN, Neb.) 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 their vote is counted.

Options Intended to Help More Beginning, Small and Urban Producers Gain Access to Credit

(LINCOLN, Neb.) Oct. 21, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) yesterday 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.

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.

(OMAHA, Neb.) Sept. 23, 2016 – Today in Omaha, Acting Deputy Secretary Michael Scuse and Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts visited one of the first fuel pump investments made possible through the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP). Thanks to the investment, Nebraska motorists can now fill their tanks with E15, a cleaner burning fuel blend of 15 percent American Ethanol.

(LINCOLN, Neb.) Aug. 18, 2016 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Dan Steinkruger today announced four counties have been authorized for emergency haying and grazing use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres due to drought.

(LINCOLN, Nebraska) July 22, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Dan Steinkruger reminds farmers and ranchers they have until Aug. 1 to enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and/or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2016 crop year.

LINCOLN, Nebraska, June 21, 2016 – Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Dan Steinkruger today announced that producers who suffer qualifying livestock losses due to natural disasters, including extreme heat and humidity, could be eligible for Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) benefits.

LINCOLN, Neb., June 13, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) Nebraska State Executive Director Dan Steinkruger reminds farmers and ranchers of the July 15 deadline to file crop certification reports with county FSA offices.

LINCOLN, Nebraska, May 24, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini yesterday 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.

LINCOLN, Nebraska, April 29, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wednesday 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.

LINCOLN, March 15, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Dan Steinkruger announced that the Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program, which provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade storage facilities, will now include dairy, flowers and meats as eligible commodities.

WASHINGTON, 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.

LINCOLN, NE, Nov. 10, 2015 – USDA Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Dan Steinkruger reminds producers of upcoming Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) deadlines for honey and Risk Management Agency (RMA) Pasture, Rangeland Forage (PRF) deadlines for perennial forage crops intended for forage, grazing and apiculture.

LINCOLN, Nov. 2, 2015—Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden recently 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.

LINCOLN, NE October 13, 2015 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Dan Steinkruger reminds agricultural producers that FSA provides a receipt to customers who request or receive assistance or information on FSA programs.

Lincoln, NE, 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.

(LINCOLN, NE) August 27, 2015 - Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Dan Steinkruger, announced 51 Nebraska counties have been designated as primary and contiguous natural disaster areas due to severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding. The primary (notated with an asterisk) and contiguous counties are Adams*, Arthur*, Box Butte*, Buffalo, Butler, Cedar, Chase, Clay*, Cuming, Dawes*, Dixon, Dundy, Fillmore*, Frontier, Gage, Garden, Grant, Hall, Hamilton*, Hayes*, Hitchcock, Hooker, Jefferson, Johnson*, Kearney, Keith, Lancaster, Lincoln, McPherson, Madison, Merrick, Morrill, Nemaha*, Nuckolls, Otoe, Pawnee*, Perkins, Pierce, Polk, Richardson*, Saline, Scotts Bluff, Seward*, Sheridan, Sioux*, Stanton, Thayer, Thurston, Wayne*, Webster, and York*.

LINCOLN, NE, July 21, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that over 98.2 percent of producers have met the 2014 Farm Bill requirement to certify conservation compliance to qualify for crop insurance premium support payments.

Lincoln, NE., July 14, 2015 – “The Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA) is implementing the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to assist producers in rehabilitating farmland caused by flooding,” said Dan Steinkruger, State Executive Director of the Nebraska Farm Service Agency.

Lincoln, NE, June 30, 2015 — Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden 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.

LINCOLN, NE May 7, 2015 - Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Dan Steinkruger, reminds producers of the new conservation compliance requirements that impact crop insurance eligibility and the need for crop insurance participants to ensure they have form AD-1026 (Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification) on file with FSA by June 1, 2015. Crop insurance participants also need to make sure they remain compliant with conservation compliance provisions across all of their farming interests.

LINCOLN, NE, April 2, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently 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.

LINCOLN, NE, March 20, 2015 — The final date to update yield history, reallocate base acres and elect the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) is Tuesday, March 31, 2015 noted FSA State Director, Dan Steinkruger. “Farmers and landowners need to have this completed or a scheduled appointment with FSA by the end of March.”

LINCOLN, NE, Jan. 22, 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.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2015 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that more than 23,000 of the nation’s dairy operations – over half of all dairy farms in America – have enrolled in the new safety-net program created by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as the Margin Protection Program (MPP). The voluntary program 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.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that greater protection is now available from the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for crops that traditionally have been ineligible for federal crop insurance. The new options, created by the 2014 Farm Bill, provide greater coverage for losses when natural disasters affect specialty crops such as vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, floriculture, ornamental nursery, aquaculture, turf grass, ginseng, honey, syrup, and energy crops.

Lincoln, NE, Oct.27, 2014 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Dan Steinkruger announced today that FSA has begun distributing Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) payments for revenue losses associated with certain crops in Nebraska. Discontinued by the 2014 Farm Bill, the ACRE program provided producers with protection from revenue losses for crops grown in 2009-2013.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2014 – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will improve farm loans by expanding eligibility and increasing lending limits to help more beginning and family farmers. As part of this effort, USDA is raising the borrowing limit for the microloan program from $35,000 to $50,000; simplify the lending processes; updating required “farming experience” to include other valuable experiences; and expanding eligible business entities to reflect changes in the way family farms are owned and operated. The changes become effective Nov. 7.

Lincoln, NE, Sept. 4, 2014 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency is encouraging producers who have suffered eligible 2012, 2013 and 2014 Livestock Forage Program disaster-related losses to act to secure assistance by Sept. 30, 2014. Congressionally mandated payment reductions will take place for producers who have not acted before that date. Livestock producers that have experienced grazing losses since October 2011 but have not yet contacted their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office should do so as soon as possible.

Lincoln, NE, Aug. 7, 2014 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia announced today that farmers should start receiving notices updating them on their current base acres, yields and 2009-2012 planting history. The written updates are an important part of preparing agricultural producers for the new safety net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill.

WASHINGTON, July 31, 2014 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia announced today that the enrollment deadline for the 2012 and 2013 Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) has been extended to Aug. 15, 2014. Originally, program sign-up was scheduled to end Aug. 1.

(LINCOLN, NE) July 29, 2014 - Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Dan Steinkruger, announced that 12 counties have been designated as primary natural disaster areas due to severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding. The counties declared as primary counties are:

(LINCOLN, NE) June 30, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin accepting requests for marketing assistance loans (MALs) and loan deficiency payments (LDPs) for eligible 2014 commodities. MALs and LDPs for the 2014 crop year become available to eligible producers beginning with harvest/shearing season and extending through a specific commodity’s final loan availability date.

LINCOLN, NE., June 25, 2014 – U.S. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced the implementation of new Farm Bill measures and other policy changes to improve the financial security of new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Harden also unveiled www.USDA.gov/newfarmers, a new website that will provide a centralized, one-stop resource where beginning farmers and ranchers can explore the variety of USDA initiatives designed to help them succeed.

(Lincoln, NE) June 18, 2014: USDA has various programs available to provide assistance for livestock losses suffered by producers due to recent tornadoes and severe storms. Dan Steinkruger, Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, said, “Livestock producers that suffered death losses or feed losses, should contact their local FSA Office for eligibility and documentation details before disposing of carcasses or spoiled feed stocks.” FSA’s Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides assistance to eligible producers for death losses caused by the adverse weather events. FSA’s Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) provides assistance for temporary emergency feed and destroyed feed stocks. Assistance is also available for debris removal and replacement of damaged or destroyed fences on pasture acres for grazing through FSA’s Emergency Conservation Program (ECP).

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that farmers, ranchers and landowners committed to protecting and conserving environmentally sensitive land may sign up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) beginning June 9.The Secretary also announced that retiring farmers enrolled in CRP could receive incentives to transfer a portion of their land to beginning, disadvantaged or veteran farmers through the Transition Incentives Program (TIP).

(LINCOLN, NE) May 29, 2014 - Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Dan Steinkruger, announced 18 counties have been designated as primary natural disaster areas due to the ongoing drought affecting Nebraska. Those counties are:

(LINCOLN, NE) April 15, 2014 - Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Dan Steinkruger, announced 8 counties have been designated as primary natural disaster areas due to the ongoing drought affecting Nebraska. Those counties are:

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2014 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia today announced the extension of the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program.

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2014 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia today recommended that farmers and ranchers who plan to participate in FSA programs register in advance. Producers are encouraged to report farm records and business structure changes to a local FSA Service Center before April 15, 2014.

February 14: “Today’s announcement by President Obama and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack in California is the first step in implementing the Farm Bill that will provide critical emergency assistance to California ranchers and it will assist drought impacted Nebraska livestock producers,” noted FSA State Executive Director Dan Steinkruger. At President Obama’s direction, USDA has made implementation of the Farm Bill livestock disaster assistance programs a top priority and plans to have the programs available for sign up by April 15, 2014.