Stabilizing farm income, helping farmers conserve land and water resources, providing credit to new or disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and helping farm operations recover from the effects of disaster are the missions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA). FSA was set up when the Department was reorganized in 1994; though its name has changed over the years, the Agency's relationship with farmers goes back to the 1930s. At that time, Congress set up a unique system under which Federal farm programs are administered locally. Farmers who are eligible to participate in these programs elect a three- to five-person county committee, which reviews county office operations and makes decisions on how to apply the programs. This grassroots approach gives farmers a much-needed say in how Federal actions affect their communities and their individual operations. After more than 60 years, it remains a cornerstone of FSA's efforts to preserve and promote American agriculture.

FOREIGN PERSONS MUST REPORT U.S. AGRICULTURAL LAND HOLDINGS

FSA REMINDS PRODUCERS OF DEADLINE FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

FSA REMINDS PRODUCERS OF JAN 30 DEADLINE FOR LIVESTOCK ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

FSA REMINDS ORCHARDISTS AND NURSERY TREE GROWERS OF TAP PROGRAM

KEEPSEAGLE SETTLEMENT CLAIMS FILING PERIOD ENDS SOON FOR NATIVE AMERICAN FARMERS AND RANCHERS

USDA HIGLY ERODIBLE LAND AND WETLAND PROVISON REMINDER

Celebrating 25 years of the Conservation Reserve Program

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Assistant Attorney General West Announce Process to Resolve Discrimination Claims of Hispanic and Women Farmers (Feb 25, 2011) (En Español)

USDA Introduces an Online Tool to Assist Beginning and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers

Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP)

For additional information, please contact your local FSA county office

View the FSA webpage regarding the SURE payment calculator at the link above. At this page, under the "Tools" section, you will be able to download the SURE payment calculator and view instructions for using the SURE payment calculator.

Get the Latest Info on the 2008 Farm Bill

Contact your local FSA Office for additional information on these and other USDA benefits.

USDA-Illinois State Farm Service Agency

3500 Wabash Ave.

Springfield, Illinois 62711-8287

Phone: (217) 241-6600 Ext.2

Fax: (217) 241-6619