Please submit all media inquiries for FSA to FPAC.BC.press@usda.gov.
USDA Announces Milk Loss Assistance for Dairy Operations Impacted by 2020, 2021 and 2022 Disaster Events
Fri Sep 15, 2023 12:41 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, September 15, 2023 – The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced Milk Loss Program (MLP) assistance for eligible dairy operations for milk that was dumped or removed, without compensation, from the commercial milk market due to qualifying weather events and the consequences of those weather events that inhibited delivery or storage of milk (e.g., power outages, impassable roads, infrastructure losses, etc.) during calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022. Administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), signup for MLP begins September 11, 2023 and runs through October 16, 2023.USDA Updates Livestock Disaster Payment Rate to Assist Producers Hard-Hit by Heat and Humidity
Fri Aug 25, 2023 04:02 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, August 25, 2023 – The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced today it is updating the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payment rate to support livestock producers in the Midwest who have lost cattle to the extreme heat and humidity experienced this summer. To help indemnify ranchers to reflect a trend towards higher cattle weights in feedlots, the 2023 LIP payment rate for beef calves over 800 pounds will increase from $1244 per head to $1618, an increase of $374.USDA Authorizes Emergency Haying & Grazing of Conservation Reserve Program Acres for Additional Illinois Counties
Fri Aug 11, 2023 03:07 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, August 10, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Scott Halpin has announced that 4 additional counties are authorized for emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for fiscal year 2023. FSA’s fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30.USDA Authorizes Emergency Grazing and Haying of Conservation Reserve Program Acres for Illinois Counties
Fri Jul 28, 2023 08:27 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 27, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Scott Halpin announced today that 89 counties are authorized for emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for fiscal year 2023. FSA’s fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30.USDA Extends Deadline for Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Until August 11
Tue Jul 25, 2023 11:53 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 25, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for the new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) to August 11, 2023. This extension gives Illinois organic dairy producers more than two additional weeks to apply for the program. ODMAP helps producers mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry. This assistance will help keep Illinois organic dairy operations sustainable until markets return to more normal conditions.USDA Accepts Nearly 2.7 Million Acres in Grassland CRP Signup
Mon Jul 24, 2023 02:04 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 21, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting offers for nearly 2.7 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners through this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grassland signup. This program allows producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while protecting grasslands and further CRP conservation efforts. Grassland CRP is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s broader effort to address climate change and conserve natural resources. This year’s signup results include 94 acres in Illinois.USDA Allows Emergency Grazing on Conservation Reserve Program Acres in Adams, Hancock, Pike, Randolph, and Schuyler Counties Due to Extreme Drought Conditions
Mon Jul 24, 2023 12:57 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 21, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Scott Halpin announced that Adams, Hancock, Pike, Randolph and Schuyler Counties are authorized for emergency grazing use on all eligible Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres during the Primary Nesting Season due to extreme drought conditions. Extreme drought conditions exist when a county reaches D2 for 8 consecutive weeks or D3 on the U.S. Drought Monitor.USDA Invests $7.4 Million in 25 Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Efforts
Thu Jul 20, 2023 11:07 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 20, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $7.4 million in 25 selected grants that support urban agriculture and innovative production. Selected grant recipients, including community gardens and nonprofit farms, will increase food production and access in economically distressed communities, provide job training and education, and allow partners to develop business plans and zoning proposals. These grants build on $40 million in projects funded since 2020 and are part of USDA’s broad support for urban agriculture through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). Funding limits only allowed USDA to select the top scoring 10% of the applications reviewed. This year, USDA received more than 300 applications, which is twice last year’s applications.Financial Assistance Application Process Opens for USDA Farm Loan Borrowers Who Have Faced Discrimination
Thu Jul 20, 2023 10:32 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 20, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the opening of the financial assistance application process for eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) directs USDA to provide this assistance. Since the law’s passage, USDA has worked diligently to design the program in accordance with significant stakeholder input.USDA Reminds Agricultural Producers of July 14 Deadline to Apply for Pandemic and Natural Disaster Revenue Loss Programs
Mon Jul 10, 2023 12:21 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, July 07, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers of the July 14, 2023 deadline to apply for both the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP). These revenue-based programs help offset revenue losses from 2020 and 2021 natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic.USDA Announces Historic Investment in Wildlife Conservation, Expands Partnership to Include Additional Programs
Thu Jun 29, 2023 09:51 AM US/Central$500 Million from Farm Bill Is Part of Broader Commitment from FSA and NRCS to Working Lands Conservation that Benefits Wildlife and Supports Agriculture and Rural Communities.
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois June 29, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announced that it will expand its work on wildlife conservation by investing at least $500 million over the next five years and by leveraging all available conservation programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), through its Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) effort. These commitments, which align with President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will ramp up the conservation assistance for farmers, ranchers, private forest owners and tribes with a focus on working lands in key geographies across the country as well as hiring for key conservation positions. The funding will help deliver a series of cohesive Frameworks for Conservation Action, which establish a common vision across the partnership of public and private interests and goals for delivering conservation resources in a given ecosystem, combining cutting-edge science with local knowledge.
FSA Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees
Tue Jun 20, 2023 12:12 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, June 16, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting nominations for county committee members for elections that will occur later this year. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is unveiling a new GIS tool to make it easier for producers to participate in the nomination and election processes for county committee members, who make important decisions on how federal farm programs are administered locally.USDA Accepts More Than 1 Million Acres in Offers Through CRP General Signup
Wed Jun 14, 2023 12:09 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, June 13, 2023 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting more than 1 million acres in this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup. This is one of several signups that USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is holding for the program. The results for CRP General signup reflect the continued importance of CRP as a tool to help producers invest in the long-term health, sustainability, and profitability of their land and resources. The signup’s results include 30,299 acres in Illinois.USDA Extends Application Deadline for Revenue Loss Programs to July 14
Tue Jun 6, 2023 12:00 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, June 6, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two and Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) to July 14, 2023, to give producers more time to apply for assistance. The original deadline was June 2, 2023.USDA Offers Illinois Producers Many Conservation Choices with Continuous CRP
Tue May 30, 2023 10:26 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 29, 2023 – Agricultural producers and landowners in Illinois interested in conservation opportunities for their land in exchange for yearly rental payments can find many possibilities through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (Continuous CRP). This option offers conservation benefits similar to others, like General and Grassland CRP, but also offers unique flexibility and several program choices.USDA Offers Livestock Disaster Program Flexibilities Responds to Needs Expressed by Producers Hard-Hit by Natural Disasters
Tue May 23, 2023 03:06 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 23, 2023 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has provided additional flexibilities and further enhanced disaster recovery assistance provided by the Emergency Assistance for Livestock Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) in response to needs expressed by livestock producers across the U.S. who have experienced significant feed, forage and animal losses from natural disasters. These livestock disaster program policy enhancements include an extended June 2, 2023, deadline to submit notices of loss and applications for payment for 2022 losses. The deadline extension and program flexibilities are available to eligible producers nationwide who incurred losses from a qualifying natural disaster event.USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic Producers
Thu May 18, 2023 04:13 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 18, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will cover up to 75% of the costs associated with organic certification, up to $750 per category, through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Illinois Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages organic agricultural producers and handlers to apply for OCCSP by October 31, 2023, for expenses incurred from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023.USDA Announces Signup for New Rice Production Program
Thu May 18, 2023 03:55 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 18, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that the Farm Service Agency (FSA) began sending prefilled applications to rice producers the week of May 8, 2023 for the new Rice Production Program (RPP), which will provide up to $250 million in assistance to rice farmers based on 2022 planted and prevented planted acres.USDA Seeks Members for Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Thu May 18, 2023 03:39 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. Nominations will be open to public from May 15, 2023, to July 15, 2023. The 12-member Committee, which first convened in March 2022, is part of USDA’s efforts to increase support for urban agriculture and innovative production. Members of the Committee provide input on policy development and help identify barriers to urban agriculture as USDA works to promote urban farming and the economic opportunities it provides in cities across the country.USDA’s CLEAR30 Offers Producers with Expiring Voluntary Conservation Contracts Longer Term Options
Mon May 1, 2023 12:54 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois April 30, 2023 – Agricultural producers and landowners with certain expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts can receive additional rental incentives and extend that land’s role in conservation for another 30 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened the signup period for its Clean Lakes, Estuaries, And Rivers enrollment (CLEAR30) now through July 31, 2023. CLEAR30 is a part of the CLEAR initiative, which prioritizes water quality practices as a part of Continuous CRP enrollment and is one of several CRP enrollment opportunities. CLEAR30 allows producers and landowners enrolling certain water quality practices to enroll in 30-year contracts, extending the lifespan and strengthening the benefits of important water quality practices on their land. Like other CRP enrollments, CLEAR30 is a voluntary, incentive-based conservation opportunity offered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
USDA Reminds Producers of Spring/Fall Application Deadlines for Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
Mon May 1, 2023 12:20 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, 2023– U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Illinois Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Scott Halpin reminds producers of approaching application deadlines for purchasing risk coverage for some crops through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). NAP provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops impacted by natural disasters that result in lower yields, crop losses, or prevented crop planting.
USDA Announces Grassland Conservation Reserve Program
Tue Apr 18, 2023 10:04 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 17, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin signing up for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) starting today and running through May 26, 2023. Among CRP enrollment opportunities, Grassland CRP is a unique working lands program, allowing producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while conserving grasslands and promoting plant and animal biodiversity as well as healthier soil.
Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend April Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Ag
Mon Apr 3, 2023 04:49 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 3, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages urban producers, innovative producers and other stakeholders to submit comments for and virtually attend the fifth public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (Committee) on April 18, 2023.
USDA Announces Additional Assistance for Distressed Farmers Facing Financial Risk
Tue Mar 28, 2023 02:00 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, March 28, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that beginning in April it will provide approximately $123 million in additional, automatic financial assistance for qualifying farm loan program borrowers who are facing financial risk, as part of the $3.1 billion to help distressed farm loan borrowers that was provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The announcement builds on financial assistance offered to borrowers through the same program in October 2022.
National Agriculture Day: Fifty Years Later, Farmers Are Growing a Climate for Tomorrow
Tue Mar 21, 2023 02:42 PM US/CentralMarch 21, 2023 - Fifty years after the creation of National Agriculture Day, America’s farmers, ranchers and private forestland owners find themselves on the front lines of climate change. They are uniquely positioned to deliver solutions by implementing climate-smart production practices that conserve natural resources, build healthier soils, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and sequester carbon.
USDA Announces Sign-up for Cost-Share Assistance for On-Farm Grain Storage in Areas with Limited Commercial Capacity Due to Severe Storms
Tue Mar 21, 2023 12:15 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, March 21, 2023 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that producers in counties affected by eligible disaster events in Kentucky, Minnesota, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, and Tennessee can apply for cost-share assistance through the Emergency Grain Storage Facility Assistance Program (EGSFP). The new program provides cost-share assistance for the construction of new grain storage capacity and drying and handling needs, in order to support the orderly marketing of commodities. An initial allocation of $20 million in cost-share assistance is available to agricultural producers in affected counties impacted by the damage to or destruction of large commercial grain elevators as a result of natural disasters from December 1, 2021, to August 1, 2022. The application period opens later this month and closes December 29, 2023.
Agricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs
Mon Mar 6, 2023 02:10 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois March 6, 2023 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2023 crop year have until March 15, 2023, to elect and enroll a contract. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers these two safety net programs to provide vital income support to farmers experiencing substantial declines in crop prices or revenues.
USDA Encourages Rice Farmers to Prepare for new Rice Production Program
Mon Mar 6, 2023 02:00 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, March 6, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today previewed plans to provide up to $250 million in assistance to rice farmers and what steps they can take to be prepared to sign up when the program is released later this spring. USDA is sharing information early so producers can prepare for program signup, which will include a pre-filled application in an effort to simplify and streamline the application process.
USDA Releases Nationwide Farmer, Rancher and Forest Manager Prospective Customer Survey
Mon Mar 6, 2023 02:00 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, March 6, 2023 – Producers can now take a nationwide survey to help the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) improve and increase access to its programs and services for America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest managers. The survey includes new and existing customers. USDA encourages all agricultural producers to take the survey, especially those who have not worked with USDA previously. The survey gathers feedback on programs and services available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA).
USDA Announces Conservation Reserve
Tue Feb 21, 2023 03:30 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, February 21, 2023 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin applying for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup starting February 27 through April 7, 2023. CRP is a cornerstone voluntary conservation program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a key tool in the Biden-Harris administration’s effort to address climate change and help agricultural communities invest in the long-term well-being of their land and natural resources.
USDA Designates Four Illinois Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Feb 13, 2023 09:51 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, February 13, 2023 – This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Invests $9.4 Million in Compost and Food Waste Reduction Projects
Mon Feb 13, 2023 08:27 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Feb. 12, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing more than $9.4 million in 45 cooperative agreements that support innovative, scalable waste management plans to reduce and divert food waste from landfills.
USDA Develops Simplified Direct Loan Application to Improve Customer Service
Thu Feb 9, 2023 11:41 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, February 9, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed a simplified direct loan application to provide improved customer experience for producers applying for loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The simplified direct loan application enables producers to complete a more streamlined application, reduced from 29 to 13 pages. Producers will also have the option to complete an electronic fillable form or prepare a traditional, paper application for submission to their local FSA farm loan office. The paper and electronic versions of the form will be available starting March 1, 2023.
Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend February Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Sat Feb 4, 2023 12:00 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, February 3, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages urban producers, innovative producers and other stakeholders to virtually attend the fourth public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (Committee) on February 23, 2023.
USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Mon Jan 30, 2023 02:56 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, January 30, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available up to $7.5 million for grants through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects. USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 27, 2023.
USDA Announces Major Program Improvements, Progress, and Investments to Benefit American Farmers, Ranchers, and Producers
Tue Jan 24, 2023 02:52 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, January 24, 2023 — Today, at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced several major developments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will benefit farmers, ranchers and producers across the nation.
USDA Reminds Producers of Continuous Certification Option for Perennial Forage
Tue Jan 24, 2023 01:55 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, January 24, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds agricultural producers with perennial forage crops of an option to report their acreage once, without having to report that acreage in subsequent years, as long as there are no applicable changes on the farm. Interested producers can select the continuous certification option after USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) certifies their acreage report.
2023 Dairy Margin Coverage Deadline Extended – January 31, 2023, Last Day to Enroll
Fri Dec 9, 2022 10:17 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois December 9, 2022 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for producers to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage (SDMC) for program year 2023 to January 31, 2023.
USDA Designates Six Illinois Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Nov 29, 2022 02:07 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, November 29, 2022 – This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Releases Nationwide Farmer, Rancher and Forest Manager Prospective Customer Survey
Mon Nov 28, 2022 09:37 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, November 25, 2022 – Producers can now take a nationwide survey to help the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) improve and increase access to its programs and services for America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest managers. The survey includes new and existing customers. USDA encourages all agricultural producers to take the survey, especially those who have not worked with USDA previously. The survey gathers feedback on programs and services available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA).
USDA Previews Crop and Revenue Loss Assistance for Agricultural Producers
Wed Nov 16, 2022 02:23 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, November 16, 2022 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced plans for additional emergency relief and pandemic assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA is preparing to roll out the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two as well as the new Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP), which are two programs to help offset crop and revenue losses for producers. USDA is sharing early information to help producers gather documents and train front-line staff on the new approach.
Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Open This Week
Mon Nov 14, 2022 11:00 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD. Illinois, November 12, 2022 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began mailing ballots this week for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county and urban county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. Producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or have their ballots be postmarked by December 5, 2022, in order for those ballots to be counted.
USDA Launches Loan Assistance Tool to Enhance Equity and Customer Service
Thu Oct 27, 2022 10:37 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, October 27, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new online tool to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. This uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances.
Farmers Can Now Make 2023 Crop Year Elections, Enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs
Thu Oct 20, 2022 01:00 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, October 20, 2022 – Agricultural producers can now change election and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage programs for the 2023 crop year, two key safety net programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Signup began Monday, and producers have until March 15, 2023, to enroll in these two programs. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has started issuing payments totaling more than $255 million to producers with 2021 crops that have triggered payments through ARC or PLC.
USDA Provides Payments of nearly $800 Million in Assistance to Help Keep Farmers Farming
Wed Oct 19, 2022 12:28 PM US/CentralILLINOIS, Springfield, October 19, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that distressed borrowers with qualifying USDA farm loans have already received nearly $800 million in assistance, as part of the $3.1 billion in assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA directed USDA to expedite assistance to distressed borrowers of direct or guaranteed loans administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) whose operations face financial risk.
Dairy Producers Can Now Enroll for 2023 Signup for Dairy Margin Coverage
Tue Oct 18, 2022 04:13 PM US/CentralILLINOIS, Springfield, October 18, 2022 – Dairy producers can now enroll for 2023 coverage through the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program, an important safety net program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that helps producers manage changes in milk and feed prices. Last year, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) took steps to improve coverage, especially for small- and mid-sized dairies, including offering a new Supplemental DMC program and updating its feed cost formula to better address retroactive, current and future feed costs. These changes continue to support producers through this year’s signup, which began on October 17, 2022 and ends December 9, 2022.
USDA Designates Two Illinois Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Fri Oct 14, 2022 02:58 PM US/CentralThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Seeks Input on New Grant Program to Strengthen Food Supply Chain, Reduce Irregular Migration, and Improve Labor Protections for Farmworkers
Thu Sep 29, 2022 09:59 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, September 28, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is gathering input to help shape a recently announced planned grant program focused on improving the resiliency of our food and agricultural supply chain by addressing labor shortages in agriculture, reducing irregular migration through increased use of legal pathways, and improving labor protections for farmworkers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will hold three virtual listening sessions on September 28-29 for the new farm labor stabilization and protection pilot grant program, which the Biden-Harris administration announced earlier this year as part of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.
USDA Announces First Three Lenders for Heirs’ Property Relending Program
Mon Aug 22, 2022 11:25 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, August 21, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Akiptan, Inc., the Cherokee Nation Economic Development Trust Authority (CNEDTA) and the Shared Capital Cooperative have been approved or conditionally approved as intermediary lenders through the Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP). Once HPRP loans with these lenders close, these lenders will help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues. Additionally, USDA encourages more intermediary lenders, including cooperatives, credit unions and nonprofit organizations to apply. Currently, more than $100 million of HPRP funding is available for these competitive loans.
USDA Invests $14.5 Million in Taxpayer Education, Program Outreach Efforts for Farmers and Ranchers
Tue Aug 9, 2022 08:00 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, August 9, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing in two outreach and education efforts for farmers and ranchers, including those who are new to farming or who have been historically underserved by USDA programs. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is investing $10 million for agriculture-oriented taxpayer education as well as $4.5 million in outreach for the Conservation Reserve Program’s Transition Incentives Program (CRP TIP), which helps with access to land for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Both efforts help advance equity and access to USDA programs and agriculture.
Deadline Extended and More Pre-Filled Forms For 2020 and 2021 Disasters on the Way
Mon Aug 1, 2022 08:00 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, August 1, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it will indefinitely extend the deadline for producers to return the pre-filled applications for Phase One of the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). A new deadline will be announced after the last Phase One applications are mailed and provide at least 30 days following the mailing.
Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Wed Jul 27, 2022 03:23 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 25, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages urban producers and others to attend the second public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on August 5, 2022. The Committee will discuss new urban conservation practices, focus areas and priorities for the Commission, and the new Farm Service Agency (FSA) urban county committees, among other topics.
USDA Begins Issuing Payments for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Tue Jul 26, 2022 02:45 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 26, 2022— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is increasing the amount of funding available for the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP) and expects to issue approximately $62.8 million in pandemic assistance payments to hog producers starting this week. SMHPP assists eligible producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16, 2020, through September 1, 2020. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) accepted SMHPP applications through April 29, 2022.
USDA Accepts More than 3.1 Million Acres in Grassland CRP Signup
Thu Jul 14, 2022 11:22 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 14, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting offers for more than 3.1 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners through this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grassland Signup, the highest in history. The signup’s results include 550 acres in Illinois. This program allows producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while protecting grasslands and promoting plant and animal biodiversity and conservation, and it’s part of the Biden-Harris administration’s broader effort to address climate change and to conserve natural resources.
To Date, USDA Has Issued $79.9 Million in Emergency Relief Program Payments to Illinois Agricultural Producers
Mon Jul 4, 2022 03:32 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, June 30, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced, agricultural producers nationwide have already received more than $4 billion through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP), representing nearly 67% of the more than $6 billion projected to be paid through this phase of the program. Eligible producers in Illinois have received $79.9 Million in funding to date. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mailed out pre-filled applications in late May to producers with crop insurance who suffered losses due to natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. Commodity and specialty crop producers have until July 22, 2022 to complete applications.
USDA Announces Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses
Wed Jun 22, 2022 09:00 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, June 22, 2022—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to provide up to $200 million in assistance for specialty crop producers who incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses to obtain or renew a food safety certification in calendar years 2022 or 2023. USDA’s new Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program will help to offset costs for specialty crop producers to comply with regulatory requirements and market-driven food safety certification requirements, which is part of USDA’s broader effort to transform the food system to create a more level playing field for small and medium producers and a more balanced, equitable economy for everyone working in food and agriculture.
Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees
Fri Jun 17, 2022 03:09 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, June 17, 2022— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting nominations for county committee members. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for members. LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction. This may include LAAs that are focused on an urban or suburban area.
USDA Reminds Illinois Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports
Fri Jun 17, 2022 09:20 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, June 17, 2022 – Agricultural producers in Illinois who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after planting should make an appointment with their U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) service center before the applicable deadline.
REVISED To Include Stark and Washington Counties USDA and State of Illinois Announce Opening of the CREP
Fri Jun 17, 2022 08:56 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, June 15, 2022—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the State of Illinois are resuming a partnership through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) to assist Illinois farmers, ranchers and agricultural landowners in improving water quality and conserving other natural resources. The Illinois CREP, offered by USDA and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), expands the voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs available to Illinois agricultural producers and focuses on the Illinois and Kaskaskia River watersheds. Enrollment for the Illinois CREP opens June 15, 2022.
USDA Advances Food System Transformation with $43 Million for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, Adds New Urban County Committees
Mon Jun 6, 2022 04:12 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, June 7, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces significant investments to support urban agriculture, including $43.1 million for grants and cooperative agreements as well as six new urban county committees to help deliver key USDA programs to urban producers. These actions support USDA’s efforts to strengthen the food supply chain and transform the food system to be fairer, more competitive, and more resilient.
USDA to Allow Producers to Request Voluntary Termination of Conservation Reserve Program Contract
Thu May 26, 2022 04:50 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 26, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will allow Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants who are in the final year of their CRP contract to request voluntary termination of their CRP contract following the end of the primary nesting season for fiscal year 2022. Participants approved for this one-time, voluntary termination will not have to repay rental payments, a flexibility implemented this year to help mitigate the global food supply challenges caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other factors. Today, USDA also announced additional flexibilities for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic, Transitioning Producers in Illinois
Tue May 17, 2022 04:15 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17, 2022 – Agricultural producers and handlers who are certified organic, along with producers and handlers who are transitioning to organic production, can now apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Organic and Transitional Education Certification Program (OTECP) and Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), which help producers and handlers cover the cost of organic certification, along with other related expenses. Applications for OTECP and OCCSP are both due October 31, 2022.
USDA to Provide Approximately $6 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2020 and 2021 Natural Disasters
Mon May 16, 2022 04:03 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 16, 2022 – The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2020 and 2021 will soon begin receiving emergency relief payments totaling approximately $6 billion through the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) new Emergency Relief Program (ERP) to offset crop yield and value losses.
USDA Accepts 2 Million Acres in Offers through Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
Tue May 3, 2022 12:33 PM US/CentralILLINOIS, Springfield, May 3, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting more than 2 million acres in offers from agricultural producers and landowners through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup, which included more than 25,000 acres in Illinois. This is the first of the program’s multiple signups occurring in 2022. With about 3.4 million acres expiring this year, Vilsack encourages producers and landowners to consider the Grassland and Continuous signups, both of which are currently open.
USDA Accepting New or Modified Proposals for Its State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Program
Tue Apr 19, 2022 01:00 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 18, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is welcoming new and modified proposals from conservation partners for the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) initiative, a part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) focused on effectively managing wildlife habitat. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has expanded available practices under this initiative in response to feedback from partners.
USDA Offers CLEAR30 Option for Producers to Enroll Land with Expiring Conservation Contracts
Mon Apr 4, 2022 04:53 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois April 4, 2022— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the signup period for its Clean Lakes, Estuaries, And Rivers initiative (CLEAR30) — a nationwide opportunity for certain landowners and agricultural producers currently implementing water quality practices through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to enroll in 30-year contracts, extending the lifespan and strengthening the benefits of important water quality practices on their land.
USDA to Provide Payments to Livestock Producers Impacted by Drought or Wildfire
Fri Apr 1, 2022 10:59 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois April 1, 2022— The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that ranchers who have approved applications through the 2021 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for forage losses due to severe drought or wildfire in 2021 will soon begin receiving emergency relief payments for increases in supplemental feed costs in 2021 through the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) new Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP).
USDA Encourages Producers to Enroll Grasslands into Special Conservation Reserve Program Signup
Thu Mar 31, 2022 02:32 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois March 22, 2022— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages producers and landowners to enroll in the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) starting next week through May 13, 2022. Grassland CRP provides a unique opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners to keep land in agricultural production and supplement their income while improving their soils and permanent grass cover. The program had its highest enrollment in history in 2021 and is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader effort to equip producers with the tools they need to help address climate change and invest in the long-term health of our natural resources.
Thank a Farmer for Food, Fiber, Fuel, and Our Future
Wed Mar 23, 2022 01:20 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois March 22, 2022— March 22 is National Ag Day, a time for us to thank farmers and ranchers for feeding, sheltering, and powering our nation. We also want to celebrate and recognize the pivotal role of producers in mitigating climate change through voluntary conservation efforts.
USDA Updates Eligibility for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Mon Mar 21, 2022 04:54 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois March 21, 2022— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has clarified the definition of a spot market sale and hog eligibility under the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP), which assists producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16, 2020, through Sept. 1, 2020. Hog producers will also now be required to submit documentation to support information provided on their SMHPP application. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications through April 29, 2022, which is an extension of the April 15, 2022, deadline previously set for the program.
USDA Names Appointees to the Illinois Farm Service Agency State Committee
Fri Mar 18, 2022 02:00 PM ESTSpringfield, Ill., March 18, 2022- The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the appointment of the individuals who will serve on the Illinois USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee.
New Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture to Meet March 23-24
Thu Mar 17, 2022 11:47 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, March 17, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host the first public meeting of the inaugural Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on March 23-24, 2022. The public – including urban producers– is encouraged to attend.
USDA Updates Farm Loan Programs to Increase Equity
Wed Mar 9, 2022 02:23 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, March 9, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating its farm loan programs to better support current borrowers, including historically underserved producers. These improvements are part of USDA’s commitment to increase equity in all programs, including farm loans that provide important access to capital for covering operating expenses and purchasing land and equipment.
USDA Extends Deadline for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Thu Feb 24, 2022 03:45 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, February 24, 2022 — Hog producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale during the COVID-19 pandemic now have until April 15, 2022, to submit their applications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP). SMHPP, which is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, originally had a deadline to submit applications by February 25, 2022.
Agricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs
Fri Feb 18, 2022 11:11 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, February 17, 2022 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2022 crop year have until March 15, 2022, to sign a contract. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers these two safety net programs to provide vital income support to farmers experiencing substantial declines in crop prices or revenues.
Deadline Extended to Enroll in 2022 Dairy Margin Coverage and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage
Thu Feb 10, 2022 02:28 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, February 10, 2022 – USDA has extended the deadline to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage (SDMC) for program year 2022. The deadline to apply for 2022 coverage is now March 25, 2022. As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to support dairy farmers and rural communities, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) opened DMC and SDMC signup in December 2021 to help producers manage economic risk brought on by milk price and feed cost disparities.
USDA Announces Inaugural Federal Advisory Committee on Urban Agriculture
Tue Feb 8, 2022 09:37 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, February 8, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack selected 12 members to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) inaugural Secretary’s Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture to provide input on policy development and to help identify barriers to urban agriculture as USDA works to promote urban farming and the economic opportunities it provides in cities across the country.
USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program Signups for 2022
Thu Jan 27, 2022 09:22 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, January 27, 2022 – Agricultural producers and landowners can sign up soon for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a cornerstone conservation program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a key tool in the Biden-Harris Administration effort to address climate change and achieve other natural resource benefits. The General CRP signup will run from January 31 to March 11, and the Grassland CRP signup will run from April 4 toMay 13.
USDA Urges Producers to Submit Applications for 2021 Grazing Loss Assistance by Jan. 31
Wed Jan 26, 2022 01:01 PMSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, January 26, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds ranchers and livestock producers that they may be eligible for financial assistance through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for 2021 grazing losses due to a qualifying drought or fire. The deadline to apply for 2021 LFP assistance is Jan. 31, 2022.
Biden Administration Appoints Scott Halpin to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Illinois
Tue Jan 4, 2022 01:49 PM US/CentralWASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2022— The Biden Administration recently appointed Scott Halpin as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Illinois Farm Service Agency (FSA). Halpin joined the Illinois FSA team on Jan. 3, 2022.
Deadline Extended to Apply for Pandemic Support for Certified Organic and Transitioning Operations
Wed Dec 29, 2021 10:05 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, December 28, 2021 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for agricultural producers who are certified organic, or transitioning to organic, to apply for the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP). This program provides pandemic assistance to cover certification and education expenses. The deadline to apply for 2020 and 2021 eligible expenses is now February 4, 2022, rather than the original deadline of January 7, 2022.
USDA Expands Partnerships for Conservation Through Its Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Tue Dec 21, 2021 05:54 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, December 20, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is leveraging its authorities under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) to bring in new types of partners and ultimately expand opportunities in voluntary conservation for the Nation’s agricultural producers and private landowners. In direct response to feedback from state agencies, Tribes, non-profits and other groups, USDA has updated CREP’s rule regarding matching fund requirements, and invested in additional staff to work directly with partners for streamlined, partner-driven conservation efforts.
USDA Provides Additional Pandemic Assistance to Hog Producers
Tue Dec 14, 2021 02:49 PM US/CentralFarm Service Agency Will Begin Taking Applications on December 15
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, December 13, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new program to assist hog producers who sold hogs through a negotiated sale during the period in which these producers faced the greatest reduction in market prices due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP) is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative and addresses gaps in previous assistance for hog producers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications December 15, 2021 through February 25, 2022.
USDA Opens 2022 Signup for Dairy Margin Coverage, Expands Program for Supplemental Production
Thu Dec 9, 2021 12:46 PM US/CentralProgram Enhancements Improve Feed Cost Calculations
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, December 8, 2021 – As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to support dairy farmers and rural communities, today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) opened signup for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program and expanded the program to allow dairy producers to better protect their operations by enrolling supplemental production. This signup period – which runs from December 13, 2021 to February 18, 2022 – enables producers to get coverage through this important safety-net program for another year as well as get additional assistance through the new Supplemental DMC.
USDA Issues Final Pandemic Payments for Timber Harvesters and Haulers
Mon Dec 6, 2021 11:51 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, December 6, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin issuing final pandemic assistance payments to timber harvesters and timber hauling businesses through the Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers (PATHH) program starting this week. In total, $200 million will be provided to loggers and log trucking businesses who experienced a gross revenue loss of at least 10% during the period of January 1 through December 1, 2020, compared to the period of January 1 through December 1, 2019. This support is part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
USDA Issuing Approximately $270 Million in Pandemic Assistance to Poultry, Livestock Contract Producers
Fri Nov 19, 2021 12:42 PM US/CentralContinues to Build on Broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, November 19, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has begun issuing approximately $270 million in payments to contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry who applied for Pandemic Assistance. Earlier this year, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) identified gaps in assistance including in the initial proposal to assist contract growers. In August, USDA released the improved program for contract producers to fill these gaps, providing support as part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
USDA Builds Pandemic Support for Certified Organic and Transitioning Operations
Tue Nov 9, 2021 12:35 PM US/CentralILLINOIS, November 8, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide pandemic assistance to cover certification and education expenses to agricultural producers who are certified organic or transitioning to organic. USDA will make $20 million available through the new Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP) as part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, which provides new, broader and more equitable opportunities for farmers, ranchers and producers.
2021 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Underway
Fri Nov 5, 2021 10:18 AM US/CentralBallots To Be Mailed to Eligible Voters Beginning This Week
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, November 6, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots this week for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county and urban county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. To be counted, producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or be postmarked by December 6, 2021.
USDA Provides $1.8 Billion to Offset Market Fluctuations
Tue Nov 2, 2021 12:49 PM US/CentralFarmers Can Now Make Elections, Enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, November 2, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued $1.8 billion in payments to agricultural producers who enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2020 crop year. These payments provide critical support to help mitigate fluctuations in either revenue or prices for certain crops. These two USDA safety-net programs help producers of certain crops build back better after facing the impacts of COVID-19 and other challenges.
USDA Designates 12 Illinois Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Nov 1, 2021 11:16 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, October 28, 2021 — This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Offers Online Tool for Drought-Stricken Ranchers to Estimate Compensation for Feed Transportation Costs
Wed Oct 20, 2021 12:13 PM US/CentralAssistance also available for water hauling expenses
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, October 20, 2021— An online tool is now available to help ranchers document and estimate payments to cover feed transportation costs caused by drought, which are now covered by the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated the program this year to include feed transportation costs as well as lowered the threshold for when assistance for water hauling expenses is available. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin taking applications this fall.
USDA Unveils New Climate Partnership Initiative, Requests Public Input
Fri Oct 15, 2021 11:43 AM US/CentralPublic Comments Due by November 1, 2021
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, October 15, 2021 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to partnering with agriculture, forestry and rural communities to develop climate solutions that strengthen rural America. The Department has outlined and requested public comments on a new climate partnership initiative designed to create new revenue streams for producers via market opportunities for commodities produced using climate-smart practices.
USDA Invests $4.7 Million to Provide Outreach and Technical Assistance to Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
Tue Oct 12, 2021 01:51 PM US/Central56 Organizations Identified to Assist Producers Impacted by the Pandemic, Natural Disasters and Heirs Property Issues
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, October 12, 2021 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today an investment of $4.7 million to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to historically underserved farmers and ranchers. The partnerships will support participation in Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs, including those that are part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
USDA Expands Local, Electronic Communication Options for Illinois Producers
Wed Oct 6, 2021 12:30 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois– October 6, 2021 – Agricultural producers in Illinois can now signup to receive free email and text messages directly from their local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Service Center for information related to loans, farm disaster assistance, conservation programs, crop insurance and other USDA programs. USDA is expanding the service that the Farm Service Agency (FSA) has used for years to now include local information from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Risk Management Agency (RMA), and other USDA agencies.
Higher Loan Limit Now Available for USDA Guaranteed Farm Loans
Tue Oct 5, 2021 12:51 PM US/CentralUSDA Extends Disaster Set-Aside for Direct Loans Until 2022
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, October 5, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing a higher loan limit will be available for borrowers seeking a guaranteed farm loan starting October 1, 2021, from $1.776 million to $1.825 million.
USDA Extends Deadline to Apply for Pandemic Assistance to Livestock Producers with Animal Losses
Fri Sep 17, 2021 02:20 PM US/CentralFarm Service Agency Reminds Producers of Upcoming Pandemic Program Deadlines
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, September 17, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing additional time for livestock and poultry producers to apply for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP). Producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing may now apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals through October 12, 2021, rather than the original deadline of September17, 2021. PLIP is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
USDA Accepts More than 2.5 Million Acres in Grassland CRP Signup, Double Last Year’s Signup
Mon Sep 13, 2021 11:31 AM US/CentralMore than 5.3 Million Acres Enrolled through CRP Signups in 2021, Surpassing Goal
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, September 10, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has accepted offers for more than 2.5 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners for enrollment through this year’s Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Signup. This is double last year’s enrollment and brings the total acres enrolled across all CRP signups in 2021 to more than 5.3 million acres, surpassing USDA’s 4-million-acre goal. Producers and landowners submitted offers for nearly 4 million acres in Grassland CRP, the highest in the signup’s history.
USDA Expands Assistance to Cover Feed Transportation Costs for Drought-Impacted Ranchers in Illinois
Mon Sep 13, 2021 11:16 AM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, September 9, 2021— In response to the severe drought conditions in the West and Great Plains, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today its plans to help cover the cost of transporting feed for livestock that rely on grazing. USDA is updating the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) to immediately cover feed transportation costs for drought impacted ranchers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide more details and tools to help Illinois ranchers get ready to apply at their local USDA Service Center later this month at fsa.usda.gov/elap.
Lenders Can Now Apply for New Heirs’ Property Relending Program
Fri Sep 3, 2021 01:05 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, September 3, 2021 – Intermediary lenders can now apply for loans through the new Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications today through October 29, 2021, and cooperatives, credit unions and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for these competitive loans, which ultimately will help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues.
USDA Updates Pandemic Assistance for Livestock, Poultry Contract Producers and Specialty Crop Growers
Fri Aug 27, 2021 12:20 PM US/CentralSPRINGFIELD, Illinois, August 26, 2021—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) for contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry and producers of specialty crops and other sales-based commodities. CFAP 2, which assists producers who faced market disruptions in 2020 due to COVID-19, is part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has set an October 12 deadline for all eligible producers to apply for or modify applications for CFAP 2.