Please submit all media inquiries for FSA to FPAC.BC.press@usda.gov.
USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program General Signup for 2024
Mon Mar 4, 2024 03:00 PM US/EasternLexington, Kentucky, March 4, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin signing up for the general Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) starting March 4 and running through March 29, 2024. This conservation opportunity gives producers tools to conserve wildlife habitat while achieving other conservation benefits, including sequestering carbon and improving water quality and soil health.USDA Announces Availability of Low-Interest Physical Loss Loans for Kentucky Producers in 7 Counties Affected by December 2023 Tornado
Thu Feb 29, 2024 12:00 AM US/EasternPhysical loss loans through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) can help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agricultural operation, including livestock losses. Examples of property commonly affected include essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees, and harvested or stored crops and hay.Dairy Producers Can Enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage Beginning Feb. 28
Fri Feb 23, 2024 03:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2024 – Starting next Wednesday, dairy producers will be able to enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup begins Feb. 28, 2024, and ends April 29, 2024. For those who sign up for 2024 DMC coverage, payments may begin as soon as March 4, 2024, for any payments that triggered in January 2024.Agricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs for the 2024 Crop Year
Fri Feb 23, 2024 12:00 PM US/EasternKentucky Enrollment Currently At 37% of Expected Contracts
Lexington, Kentucky, Feb. 23, 2024 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year have until March 15, 2024, to revise elections and sign contracts. Both safety net programs, delivered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provide vital income support to farmers who experience substantial declines in crop prices or revenues for the 2024 crop year. In Kentucky, producers have completed 16,736 contracts to date, representing 37% of the more than 44,000 expected contracts.Federal Emergency Management Agency Designates 7 Kentucky Counties as Contiguous Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Feb 14, 2024 08:00 AM US/EasternThis Presidential disaster declaration 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 to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.USDA to Issue $306 Million in Final Payments to Producers Impacted by 2020 and 2021 Natural Disasters
Tue Feb 6, 2024 03:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 - The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing final Emergency Relief Program (ERP) payments totaling approximately $306 million to eligible commodity and specialty crop producers who incurred losses due to natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin issuing these additional payments to eligible producers this week.Farmers, Ranchers Now Can Make USDA Farm Loan Payments Online
Mon Jan 29, 2024 03:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that most farm loan borrowers will be able to make payments to their direct loans online through the Pay My Loan feature on farmers.gov in early February. Pay My Loan is part of a broader effort by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to streamline its processes, especially for producers who may have limited time during the planting or harvest seasons to visit a local FSA office; modernize and improve customer service; provide additional customer self-service tools; and expand credit access to assist more producers.USDA Encourages Producers Participating in Conservation Reserve Program to Consider Forest Management Incentive
Thu Jan 25, 2024 04:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering financial assistance to agricultural producers and private landowners enrolled in its Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to improve the health of their forests. The Forest Management Incentive, available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), can help participants with forest management practices, such as brush management and prescribed burning.Federal Emergency Management Agency Designates 3 Kentucky Counties as Contiguous Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Jan 25, 2024 07:31 AMThis Presidential disaster declaration 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 to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.Federal Emergency Management Agency Designates 4 Kentucky Counties as Contiguous Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Jan 18, 2024 07:18 AMThis Presidential disaster declaration 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 to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.USDA Reopens Signup for Continuous Conservation Reserve Program
Fri Jan 12, 2024 02:00 PM US/EasternLexington, Kentucky, Jan. 12, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (Continuous CRP) signup. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages agricultural producers and landowners in Kentucky who are interested in conservation opportunities for their land in exchange for yearly rental payments to consider the enrollment options available through Continuous CRP, which also includes the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) offered by FSA partners. Additionally, producers participating in CRP can now apply to re-enroll, if their contracts will expire this year.USDA Appoints New Members to the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Wed Dec 20, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternAgriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs Receive 2018 Farm Bill One Year Extension, Farmers Can Now Enroll for the 2024 Crop Year
Mon Dec 18, 2023 05:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Reminds Specialty Crop Growers of Deadline to Apply for Assistance for 2023 On-Farm Food Safety Expenses
Thu Dec 14, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Designates 2 Kentucky Counties as Contiguous Natural Disaster Areas for Drought
Mon Dec 11, 2023 01:33 PMUSDA Now Accepting Applications for Farm Loans Online
Tue Dec 5, 2023 05:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Makes Producer-Friendly Change to 2023 Notice of Loss Requirements for Two Livestock Disaster Assistance Programs
Wed Nov 29, 2023 12:00 PM US/Eastern2023 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Open This Week
Mon Nov 6, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternUrban and Innovative Producers, Public Invited to Attend November Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Fri Nov 3, 2023 12:00 AM US/EasternUSDA to Provide More Than $3 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2022 Natural Disasters
Fri Oct 27, 2023 06:00 PM US/EasternFederal Emergency Management Agency Designates Two Kentucky Counties as Contiguous Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Oct 19, 2023 11:42 AMFederal Emergency Management Agency Designates Four Kentucky Counties as Contiguous Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Oct 17, 2023 12:00 AM US/EasternUSDA’s Conservation Reserve Program Pays More Than $1.77 Billion to America’s Producers in Support of Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture
Mon Oct 16, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Extends Milk Loss Program Assistance Deadline to Oct. 30
Fri Oct 13, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternDairy Margin Coverage Program Provides Critical Support for Dairy Operations
Tue Oct 10, 2023 07:50 AMUSDA Announces Availability of Low-Interest Physical Loss Loans for Three Contiguous Counties in Kentucky Affected by Floods in Tennessee
Fri Oct 6, 2023 01:18 PMUSDA to Begin Issuing $1.75 Billion to Agricultural Producers Through Critical Emergency Relief Programs
Thu Sep 28, 2023 11:00 AM US/EasternUSDA Launches Program to Support Agricultural Employers and Farmworkers, Aiming to Increase Economic and Supply Chain Resilience as Part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda
Fri Sep 22, 2023 12:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Provides $5 Million in Second Round of Payments to Help Organic Dairy Producers Cover Increased Costs
Thu Sep 21, 2023 09:00 AM US/EasternUSDA Designates Five Kentucky Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Sep 13, 2023 01:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Announces Milk Loss Assistance for Dairy Operations Impacted by 2020, 2021 and 2022 Disaster Events
Mon Sep 11, 2023 02:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Announces Availability of Low-Interest Physical Loss Loans for Kentucky Producers Affected by Excessive Rains, High Winds, Flash Floods, and Lightning
Tue Sep 5, 2023 09:18 AMUSDA Updates Livestock Disaster Payment Rate to Assist Producers Hard-Hit by Heat and Humidity
Fri Aug 25, 2023 01:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Farmers and Livestock Producers in Kentucky Impacted by Floods
Tue Aug 22, 2023 09:00 AM US/EasternUSDA Announces Availability of Low Interest Physical Loss Loans for Kentucky Producers Affected by Tornado
Thu Aug 10, 2023 05:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Announces Availability of Low-Interest Physical Loss Loans for Kentucky Producers Affected by Natural Disasters
Thu Aug 10, 2023 01:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Announces Availability of Low-Interest Physical Loss Loans for Kentucky Producers Affected by Excessive Rain, Flash Flooding, and Hail
Thu Aug 10, 2023 01:00 PM US/EasternUSDA to Begin Issuing Cost-Share Payments for the Emergency Grain Storage Facility Assistance Program
Mon Aug 7, 2023 02:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Extends Deadline for Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Until August 11
Fri Jul 21, 2023 02:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Accepts Nearly 2.7 Million Acres in Grassland CRP Signup, Successfully Closing the Gap and Bringing CRP Near to Acreage Cap
Wed Jul 19, 2023 02:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Invests $7.4 Million in 25 Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Efforts
Tue Jul 18, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternUrban Producers, Public Invited to Attend August Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Wed Jul 12, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternFinancial Assistance Application Process Opens for USDA Farm Loan Borrowers Who Have Faced Discrimination
Fri Jul 7, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Reminds Agricultural Producers of July 14 Deadline to Apply for Pandemic and Natural Disaster Revenue Loss Programs
Thu Jul 6, 2023 10:00 AM US/EasternUSDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic Producers
Wed Jun 28, 2023 12:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Announces Historic Investment in Wildlife Conservation, Expands Partnership to Include Additional Programs
Tue Jun 27, 2023 03:00 PMUSDA Announces Corrections to Emergency Relief Program Policy to More Accurately Reflect 2020 and 2021 Natural Disaster Impacts on Crops Intended for On-Farm Use
Mon Jun 26, 2023 02:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Reminds Kentucky Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports
Thu Jun 22, 2023 11:38 AMFarm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees
Thu Jun 15, 2023 02:00 PM US/EasternFederal Emergency Management Agency Designates 22 Kentucky Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Jun 12, 2023 02:00 PM US/EasternFederal Emergency Management Agency Designates 45 Tennessee Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Jun 12, 2023 11:00 AM US/EasternUSDA Accepts More Than 1 Million Acres in Offers Through Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
Mon Jun 12, 2023 12:00 AM US/EasternUSDA Seeks Members for Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Wed Jun 7, 2023 03:50 PMUSDA Offers Kentucky Producers Many Conservation Choices with Continuous CRP
Tue Jun 6, 2023 02:00 PM US/EasternFederal Emergency Management Agency Designates 12 Kentucky Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed May 31, 2023 02:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Announces Availability of Low-Interest Physical Loss Loans for Producers Affected by Natural Disasters
Wed May 31, 2023 01:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Extends Application Deadline for Revenue Loss Programs to July 14
Fri May 26, 2023 02:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, May 26, 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.USDA Offers Assistance to Help Organic Dairy Producers Cover Increased Costs
Wed May 24, 2023 12:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Previews Emergency Relief Assistance for Agricultural Producers Who Incurred Losses Due to 2022 Natural Disaster Events
Tue May 23, 2023 12:27 PMUSDA Offers Livestock Disaster Program Flexibilities; Responds to Needs Expressed by Producers Hard-Hit by Natural Disasters
Mon May 22, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternUSDA’s CLEAR30 Offers Producers with Expiring Voluntary Conservation Contracts Longer Term Options
Wed Apr 26, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternLexington, Kentucky April 26, 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 Announces Grassland Conservation Reserve Program Signup for 2023
Mon Apr 17, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternLexington, Kentucky, 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) 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 Agriculture and Innovative Production
Thu Mar 30, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, March 30, 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
Mon Mar 27, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, March 27, 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.
USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Kentucky Farmers Impacted by the Recent Severe Storms and Related Weather Events
Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:00 PM US/EasternLEXINGTON, KY., March 22, 2023 – Agricultural operations in Kentucky have been significantly impacted by a severe storm with straight-line winds that caused wide-spread, extensive destruction across the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover. Impacted producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure and livestock losses and damages.
USDA Announces Sign-up for Cost-Share Assistance for On-Farm Grain Storage in Areas with Limited Commercial Capacity Due to Severe Storms
Thu Mar 9, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, March 9, 2023 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today 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 Dec. 1, 2021, to Aug. 1, 2022. The application period opens later this month and closes Dec. 29, 2023.
Agricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs
Mon Mar 6, 2023 11:00 AM US/EasternLexington, Kentucky, Mar. 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 Announces Conservation Reserve Program Signup for 2023
Thu Feb 16, 2023 05:00 PM US/EasternLexington, Kentucky, Feb. 16, 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 27 Tennessee Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Fri Feb 10, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternThis 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 Develops Simplified Direct Loan Application to Improve Customer Service
Tue Feb 7, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 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.
USDA Invests $9.4 Million in Compost and Food Waste Reduction Projects
Thu Feb 2, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternLexington, Kentucky, Feb. 2, 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. The Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) cooperative agreements, which are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, are part of USDA’s broad support for urban agriculture through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). The projects will be implemented between 2023 and 2025.
Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend February Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Mon Jan 30, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 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 Feb. 23, 2023.
USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Thu Jan 26, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 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 Additional Assistance for Dairy Farmers
Mon Jan 23, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, January 23, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the details of additional assistance for dairy producers, including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program (PMVAP) and a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). The update to PMVAP and the new ODMAP will enable USDA to better support small- and medium-sized dairy operations who weathered the pandemic and now face other challenges.
USDA Announces Signup for 2023 Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for Specialty Crop Growers
Fri Jan 20, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2023— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds specialty crop producers of available assistance to help cover certain costs of complying with regulatory and market-driven food safety certification requirements. Applications for the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program for eligible 2022 costs are due by Jan. 31, 2023. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications for 2023 costs from Feb. 1, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2024.
USDA Reminds Producers of Continuous Certification Option for Perennial Forage
Wed Jan 11, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 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.
USDA Expands Eligibility, Enhances Benefits for Key Disaster Programs
Tue Jan 10, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternPolicy changes will help more producers recover from natural disasters
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made updates to several conservation, livestock and crop disaster assistance programs to give more farmers, ranchers, and tribes the opportunity to apply for and access programs that support recovery following natural disasters. Specifically, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) expanded eligibility and enhanced available benefits for a suite of its programs. These updates will provide critical assistance to producers who need to rebuild and recover after suffering catastrophic losses of production and infrastructure due to natural disasters.
USDA Announces Major Program Improvements, Progress, and Investments to Benefit American Farmers, Ranchers, and Producers
Mon Jan 9, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternSAN JUAN, P.R., January 9, 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.
2023 Dairy Margin Coverage Deadline Extended – Jan. 31, 2023, Last Day to Enroll
Thu Dec 8, 2022 04:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 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 Jan. 31, 2023.
USDA Designates Six Illinois Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Nov 29, 2022 05:00 PM US/EasternThis 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 Designates Seven Missouri Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Nov 29, 2022 04:00 PM US/EasternThis 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 Designates Two Tennessee Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Nov 29, 2022 04:00 PM US/EasternThis 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 Designates Seven Kentucky Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Nov 29, 2022 04:00 PM US/EasternThis 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 Designates 14 Kentucky Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Nov 29, 2022 04:00 PM US/EasternThis 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 Previews Crop and Revenue Loss Assistance for Agricultural Producers
Tue Nov 15, 2022 03:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 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.
USDA Releases Nationwide Farmer, Rancher and Forest Manager Prospective Customer Survey
Wed Nov 9, 2022 03:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 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).
Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Open This Week
Wed Nov 9, 2022 02:00 PM US/EasternLexington, Kentucky, Nov. 9, 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 Dec. 5, 2022, in order for those ballots to be counted.
USDA Designates Two Ohio Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Nov 7, 2022 02:00 PM US/EasternThis 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 Launches Loan Assistance Tool to Enhance Equity and Customer Service
Wed Oct 26, 2022 04:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 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
Wed Oct 19, 2022 03:00 PM US/EasternPayments Issuing to Producers of 2021 Crops Triggering Safety-Net Program Payments
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 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
Tue Oct 18, 2022 01:00 PM US/EasternImmediate Help for Over 13,000 Distressed USDA Farm Loan Borrowers;
Begins Process to Provide up to $500 Million More for Up to 23,000 Additional Borrowers
WASHINGTON, October 18, 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 11:00 AM US/EasternProtect Your Operation from Ups and Downs in the Market
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 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 begins today and ends Dec. 9, 2022.
USDA to Provide up to $20 Million for Construction of On-Farm Grain Storage Facilities in Areas Impacted by Recent Natural Disasters
Tue Sep 27, 2022 12:00 PM US/EasternNew Program to Address Local Grain Storage Deficits Heading into Harvest 2022
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make available $20 million in cost-share assistance to help agricultural producers in Kentucky, Minnesota, South Dakota and surrounding areas to rebuild storage facilities damaged by devastating natural disaster events in 2021 and 2022. This assistance will help producers who were hard-hit by disasters and are currently struggling with a lack of available grain storage have the resources they need as they head into the 2022 crop harvest.
USDA Opens People’s Garden Initiative to Gardens Nationwide
Fri Sep 9, 2022 04:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding its People’s Garden Initiative to include eligible gardens nationwide. School gardens, community gardens, urban farms, and small-scale agriculture projects in rural, suburban and urban areas can be recognized as a “People’s Garden” if they register on the USDA website and meet criteria including benefitting the community, working collaboratively, incorporating conservation practices and educating the public. Affiliate People’s Garden locations will be indicated on a map on the USDA website, featured in USDA communications, and provided with a People’s Garden sign.
USDA Designates Six Tennessee Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Sep 8, 2022 09:49 AMThis 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 Designates Two Kentucky Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Sep 8, 2022 08:00 AM US/EasternThis 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 Announces First Three Lenders for Heirs’ Property Relending Program
Thu Aug 18, 2022 04:00 PM US/EasternLexington, Kentucky, August 18, 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 to Mail Additional Pre-Filled Applications to Producers Impacted by 2020, 2021 Disasters
Thu Aug 18, 2022 03:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced another installment (phase) in assistance to commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2020 and 2021. More than 18,000 producers will soon receive new or updated pre-filled disaster applications to offset eligible crop losses. Approximately $6.4 billion has already been distributed to 165,000 producers through USDA’s Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Emergency Relief Program (ERP).
USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Farmers and Livestock Producers in Kentucky Impacted by Floods
Thu Aug 11, 2022 12:00 PMLEXINGTON, Ky., Aug. 11, 2022 – Kentucky agricultural operations have been significantly impacted by the recent floods in the eastern part of the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover. Impacted producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure and livestock losses and damages.
USDA Invests $14.5 Million in Taxpayer Education, Program Outreach Efforts for Farmers and Ranchers
Fri Aug 5, 2022 02:00 PM US/EasternLexington, Kentucky, Aug. 5, 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.