Please submit all media inquiries for FSA to FPAC.BC.press@usda.gov.
Farm Service Agency Taking Applications for Assistance with Disaster, Pandemic Revenue Losses
Mon Mar 20, 2023 02:31 PM CSTLincoln, Nebraska, March 20, 2023 – Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding agricultural producers of the availability of two financial assistance programs designed to address revenue losses associated with natural disasters and the pandemic. The Emergency Relief Program Phase 2 and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) currently are both open for application at FSA offices across the state.
Conservation Reserve Program Informational Meetings Planned for Locations Across Nebraska
Fri Mar 10, 2023 12:00 AM CSTCRP General signup open now through April 7, 2023
Lincoln, Nebraska, March 10, 2023 – Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) along with several partners in conservation will be conducting informational meetings for agricultural producers and private landowners interested in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) opened a CRP General signup in February, and it runs through April 7, 2023.
USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program Signup to Begin Feb. 27
Fri Feb 17, 2023 12:00 PM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, 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.
Nebraska FSA Reminds Producers of Application Period for New Natural Disaster, Pandemic Assistance Programs
Thu Feb 16, 2023 09:00 AM CSTFarm Service Agency, University of Nebraska-Lincoln to Host Informational Webinar on ERP 2, PARP
Lincoln, Nebraska, Feb. 16, 2023 – Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding producers of the availability of two programs announced by USDA earlier this year that wrap-up and fill remaining gaps in previous natural disaster and pandemic assistance. The Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase 2 and the 2020 Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) are revenue-based assistance programs, and producers who are interested in applying will need to use information from their tax documents or other personal financial records as part of the application process.
USDA Develops Simplified Direct Loan Application to Improve Customer Service
Wed Feb 8, 2023 12:24 PM CSTWASHINGTON, 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.
FSA Reminds Producers of ARC/PLC Commodity Crop Safety Net Enrollment for 2023 Production Season
Thu Jan 26, 2023 11:35 AM CSTUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Farm Service Agency to Host Informational Webinar
Lincoln, Nebraska, Jan. 26, 2023 – Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding producers now is the time to make elections and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2023 crop year. The signup period is open through March 15, 2023, and producers are encouraged to begin working with their USDA county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office now to complete the process.
USDA Reminds Producers of Continuous Certification Option for Perennial Forage
Fri Jan 13, 2023 02:20 PM CSTWASHINGTON, 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
Fri Jan 13, 2023 02:11 PM CSTPolicy 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 Nebraska Farm Service Agency Accepting CRP Offers to Restore Playa Wetlands
Tue Jan 10, 2023 01:32 PM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, Jan. 10, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) offers to participate in the Kansas Nebraska Oklahoma Migratory Birds, Butterflies, and Pollinators State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) project. FSA currently is accepting offers, and qualifying farmers and landowners have until February 17, 2023, to submit them during this offer period.
USDA Reminds Livestock Producers of Assistance Available for Those Impacted by Recent Adverse Weather
Thu Dec 29, 2022 01:15 PM CST(LINCOLN, Nebraska), Dec. 29, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director John Berge is reminding the state’s producers who suffered livestock losses due to the recent adverse weather, they may be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).
Farm Service Agency Encourages Producers to Submit Applications for 2022 Grazing Loss Assistance by Jan. 30
Mon Dec 19, 2022 11:21 AM CSTLFP, ELAP available in over 60 Nebraska counties
LINCOLN, Nebraska, Dec. 19, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds ranchers and livestock producers if they are interested in accessing financial assistance available due to qualifying drought or fire impacts in 2022, now is the time to contact the county FSA office to learn more about the programs and apply.
USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program Special Initiative for Upland Wildlife Habitat Development
Mon Dec 12, 2022 10:30 AM CSTLincoln, Nebraska, Dec. 12, 2022 – Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director John Berge is announcing the opening of applications for a special Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) initiative designed to increase habitat for upland wildlife.
The Upland Wildlife State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) CRP aims to create more acres for wildlife such as greater prairie chickens, northern bobwhite, plains sharp-tailed grouse, ring-neck pheasants, songbirds and pollinators. It also is designed to improve water quality and soil health and reduce soil erosion and sequester carbon.USDA Extends Dairy Margin Coverage Enrollment Deadline to Jan. 31, 2023
Fri Dec 9, 2022 03:00 PM CSTProducers Encouraged to Enroll for 2023 As Soon As Possible
WASHINGTON, 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 Releases Nationwide Current, Prospective Customer Survey
Fri Dec 2, 2022 02:46 PMWASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2022 – Producers can now take a 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 Designates Nebraska Counties as Natural Disasters Due to Drought
Fri Nov 18, 2022 04:00 PM CSTThis stakeholder notification represents eight separate Secretarial natural disaster designations. Such designations allow 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 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Under Way
Mon Nov 14, 2022 12:00 PM CSTDecember 5 Is Last Day to Return Ballots
LINCOLN, Nebraska, Nov. 14, 2022 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began mailing ballots last 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 Launches Loan Assistance Tool to Enhance Equity, Customer Service
Thu Oct 27, 2022 11:00 AM CSTWASHINGTON, 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 ARC and PLC Safety Net Programs
Fri Oct 21, 2022 02:11 PM CSTPayments 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 (PLC) 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.
Dairy Producers Can Now Enroll for 2023 Signup for Dairy Margin Coverage
Wed Oct 19, 2022 01:45 PM CSTProtect 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 Provides Payments of Nearly $800 Million in Assistance to Help Keep Farmers Farming
Tue Oct 18, 2022 02:14 PM CSTImmediate 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.
USDA Announces First Three Lenders for Heirs' Property Relending Program
Wed Aug 24, 2022 10:00 AM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, 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
Tue Aug 23, 2022 09:15 AM CSTWASHINGTON, 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 Designates Several Nebraska Counties as Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Aug 16, 2022 02:00 PM CST(LINCOLN, Nebraska - Aug. 16, 2022) This stakeholder notification represents four separate Secretarial natural disaster designations and one Administrator’s Physical Loss Notification. Such designations allow 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.
Emergency Relief Program Deadline Extended and More Pre-Filled Forms For 2020, 2021 Disasters Are Mailed
Fri Jul 29, 2022 02:16 PM CSTMore Producers to Soon Receive Applications for Over $105 Million in Additional Emergency Relief
WASHINGTON, July 27, 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.
USDA Begins Issuing Payments for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Tue Jul 26, 2022 10:30 AMWASHINGTON, 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 Sept. 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
Wed Jul 13, 2022 03:06 PM CSTMore than 420,000 acres approved in Nebraska
LINCOLN, Nebraska, July 13, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting offers for more than 3.1 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners nationwide through this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grassland Signup, the highest in history. The signup’s results include 421,911 acres in Nebraska. 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.
USDA Announces Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for Specialty Crop Growers
Thu Jun 30, 2022 03:15 PMNew Program Part of Broader Effort to Transform Food System, Create Jobs
HOLLIS, NEW HAMPSHIRE, JUNE 17, 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.
To Date, USDA Has Issued $123.1 Million in Emergency Relief Program Payments to Nebraska Producers
Thu Jun 30, 2022 10:22 AM CSTDeadline to Submit Applications is Friday, July 22
LINCOLN, Nebraska, June 30, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that 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 Nebraska have received $123.1 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 to complete those applications.
USDA Designates Several Nebraska Counties as Disasters Due to Drought
Wed Jun 22, 2022 02:00 PM CSTThis stakeholder notification represents four separate Secretarial natural disaster designations. Such designations allow 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 Reminds Nebraska Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports
Wed Jun 22, 2022 01:00 PM CST(LINCOLN, Nebraska), June 22, 2022 – Agricultural producers in Nebraska 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 as soon as possible ahead of the upcoming July 15 deadline.
FSA Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers, Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees
Thu Jun 16, 2022 10:32 AM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, June 15, 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). LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction.
USDA to Allow Producers to Request Voluntary Termination of Conservation Reserve Program Contract
Thu May 26, 2022 12:24 PM CSTEarly Termination of Contracts Expiring This Year, Other USDA Program Flexibilities Help Address Threats to Global Food Security
Lincoln, Nebraska, 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.
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic, Transitioning to Organic Producers in Nebraska
Tue May 24, 2022 09:32 AMLincoln, Nebraska, May 23, 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, 2021 Natural Disasters
Tue May 24, 2022 08:40 AM CSTFirst Wave of Payments Based on Crop Insurance Data
WASHINGTON, 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 Names Appointees to the Nebraska Farm Service Agency State Committee
Fri May 6, 2022 02:00 PM US/EasternLincoln, Neb., May 6, 2022- The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced appointees who will serve on the Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee.
USDA Accepts 2 Million Acres in Offers Through CRP General Signup
Wed May 4, 2022 12:28 PM CSTLincoln, Nebraska, 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 nearly 59,000 acres in Nebraska. 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 Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service to Present on Drought Assistance Programs During May 12 Webinar
Mon May 2, 2022 03:32 PM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, May 2, 2022 – Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide an overview of USDA drought assistance programs during a webinar scheduled for Thursday, May 12. The webinar is part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability webinar series devoted to topics for farm and ranch management, profitability, economics and farm survival. It will begin at 12 p.m. CT, and those interested in participating can register at http://cap.unl.edu/webinars.
USDA Designates 12 Nebraska Counties as Disasters Due to Drought
Mon May 2, 2022 03:19 PM CSTThis 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 Disaster Assistance to Nebraska Farmers and Livestock Producers Impacted by Drought, Wildfire
Thu Apr 21, 2022 01:20 PM CSTLINCOLN, Neb., April 20, 2022 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help Nebraska farmers and livestock producers across the state recover from recent wildfires and ongoing drought. Producers impacted by these events 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 Disaster Assistance Workshop for Producers Impacted by Wildfires Set for April 19 in Arapahoe
Wed Apr 13, 2022 11:41 AMLincoln, Nebraska, April 12, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Service Centers in Dawson/Gosper and Furnas counties are hosting a disaster assistance workshop on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the Ella Missing Community Center in Arapahoe. The meeting is intended for farmers, ranchers and rural landowners impacted by the recent wildfire in the Gosper/Furnas County area. The event is open to the public.
USDA Offers CLEAR30 Option for Producers to Enroll Land with Expiring Conservation Contracts
Tue Apr 5, 2022 09:40 AM CSTWater Quality-Focused Program Builds Upon CRP Contracts
LINCOLN, Nebraska, 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, Wildfire
Tue Apr 5, 2022 09:29 AM CSTNew Emergency Livestock Relief benefits to be delivered through two-phased approach; compensation for 2021 forage losses
WASHINGTON, March 31, 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 01:00 PM CSTProducers Must Apply by May 13
LINCOLN, Nebraska, March 31, 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.
USDA Updates Eligibility for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Tue Mar 22, 2022 04:39 PM CSTWASHINGTON, March 17, 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.
Thank a Farmer for Food, Fiber, Fuel, and Our Future
Mon Mar 21, 2022 04:06 PM CSTOpinion/Editorial by John Berge, State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency; Robert Lawson, State Conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Collin Olsen, Regional Office Director for USDA’s Risk Management Agency
LINCOLN, Nebraska, March 21, 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 Farm Loan Programs to Increase Equity
Fri Mar 11, 2022 01:31 PM CSTWASHINGTON, March 8, 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.
New Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture to Meet March 23-24
Fri Mar 11, 2022 11:41 AM CSTWASHINGTON, March 8, 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.
Agricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA's Key Commodity Safety Net Programs
Fri Feb 18, 2022 02:30 PM CSTWASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 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 Program, Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage
Thu Feb 10, 2022 04:00 PM CSTProducers encouraged to enroll as soon as possible
LINCOLN, Nebraska, Feb. 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.
USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program Signups for 2022
Thu Jan 27, 2022 01:18 PM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, Jan. 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 Jan. 31 to March 11, and the Grassland CRP signup will run from April 4 to May 13.
USDA Urges Producers to Submit Applications for 2021 Grazing Loss Assistance by Jan. 31
Wed Jan 26, 2022 09:00 AM CSTTo Expedite Future Assistance, Gather and Submit Loss Records Now for Livestock Forage Disaster Program
LINCOLN, Nebraska, Jan. 26, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds ranchers and livestock producers 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 John Berge to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA's Farm Service Agency in Nebraska
Thu Jan 20, 2022 08:32 AM CSTWASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2022— The Biden Administration recently appointed John Berge as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA). Berge joined the Nebraska FSA team on Jan. 18, 2022.
USDA Extends Application Deadline for Organic Pandemic Program Assistance
Wed Dec 22, 2021 09:22 AM CSTWASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 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 Feb. 4, 2022, rather than the original deadline of Jan. 7, 2022.
USDA Provides Additional Pandemic Assistance to Hog Producers
Tue Dec 14, 2021 02:45 PM CSTFarm Service Agency Will Begin Taking Applications on Dec. 15
WASHINGTON, Dec. 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 Dec. 15, 2021, through Feb. 25, 2022.
FSA Now Accepting Offers for Conservation Reserve Program Playa Wetlands Project
Mon Dec 13, 2021 03:23 PM CSTSubmit Applications by Feb. 18, 2022 for Consideration in First Round
LINCOLN, Nebraska, December 13, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting offers for a special Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup for agricultural producers and landowners who want to establish wildlife habitat on playa wetlands. Signup for the Nebraska Conservation Reserve Program Migratory Birds, Butterflies, and Pollinators State Acres For Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) project begins today, Dec. 13, 2021. The signup is continuous, and the deadline to submit applications for consideration in the first round is Feb. 18, 2022.
USDA Opens Signup for 2022 Dairy Margin Coverage Program, Expands Program for Supplemental Production
Fri Dec 10, 2021 12:35 PM CSTProgram Enhancements Improve Feed Cost Calculations
WASHINGTON, Dec. 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 Dec. 13, 2021 to Feb. 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 Builds Pandemic Support for Certified Organic and Transitioning Operations
Mon Nov 22, 2021 02:52 PM CSTWASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 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.
USDA Issuing Approximately $270 Million in Pandemic Assistance to Poultry, Livestock Contract Producers
Mon Nov 22, 2021 02:20 PM CSTContinues to Build on Broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 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.
Six Nebraska Counties Designated as Disasters Due to Drought
Fri Nov 12, 2021 03:36 PM CSTThis 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.
2021 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Under Way
Fri Nov 5, 2021 02:40 PM CSTBallots To Be Mailed to Eligible Voters Beginning This Week
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 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 Dec. 6, 2021.
USDA Provides $1.8 Billion to Offset Market Fluctuations
Tue Nov 2, 2021 11:00 AM CSTWASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is in the process of issuing $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.
In addition, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is encouraging producers to contact their local USDA Service Centers to make or change elections and to enroll for 2022 ARC or PLC, providing future protections against market fluctuations. The election and enrollment period opened on Oct. 18, 2021 and runs through March 15, 2022.
Higher Loan Limit Now Available for USDA Guaranteed Farm Loans
Mon Oct 4, 2021 03:17 PM CSTWASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 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 Oct. 1, 2021, from $1.776 million to $1.825 million.
Chase, Dundy, Hayes, Hitchcock Counties Designated as Disasters Due to Drought
Fri Oct 1, 2021 12:16 PM CSTThis 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 Issues Disaster Designation for Dakota County in Nebraska
Wed Sep 29, 2021 12:17 PM CSTThis 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 Issues Disaster Designation for Woodbury County in Iowa, Impacting Two Nebraska Counties
Wed Sep 29, 2021 12:17 PM CSTThis 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 Extends Deadline to Apply for Pandemic Assistance to Livestock Producers with Animal Losses
Fri Sep 17, 2021 10:00 AM CSTFarm Service Agency Reminds Producers of Upcoming Pandemic Program Deadlines
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 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 Oct. 12, 2021, rather than the original deadline of Sept. 17, 2021. PLIP is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
USDA Accepts More Than 2.5 Million Acres in Grassland CRP Signup
Fri Sep 10, 2021 03:11 PM CSTNebraska Ranks Third in Number of Acres Enrolled During Signup
LINCOLN, Nebraska, 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 Nebraska
Fri Sep 10, 2021 03:00 PM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, 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 Nebraska 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
Thu Sep 2, 2021 03:38 PM CSTWASHINGTON, August 30, 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 Designates Dixon County, Nebraska, as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Tue Aug 31, 2021 03:30 PM CSTThis 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 Updates Pandemic Assistance for Livestock, Poultry Contract Producers and Specialty Crop Growers
Thu Aug 26, 2021 04:37 PM CSTWASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 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 Oct. 12 deadline for all eligible producers to apply for or modify applications for CFAP 2.
USDA Accepts 2.8 Million Acres for the Conservation Reserve Program
Thu Aug 26, 2021 04:25 PM CSTWashington, Aug. 23, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has accepted 2.8 million acres in offers from agricultural producers and private landowners for enrollment into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in 2021. This year, almost 1.9 million acres in offers have been accepted through the General CRP Signup, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has accepted over 897,000 acres for enrollment through the Continuous Signup. The Continuous Signup remains open and CRP Grasslands Signup closed last week, so USDA expects to enroll more acres into all of CRP than the 3 million acres that are expiring.
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs for Organic Certification
Wed Aug 18, 2021 10:56 AM CSTWASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2021 – Organic producers and handlers can now apply for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds to assist with the cost of receiving or maintaining organic certification. Applications for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) are due Nov. 1, 2021.
Emergency Haying, Grazing of CRP Acres Available to Help Livestock Producers Weather Drought
Tue Aug 10, 2021 10:00 AM CSTOptions Available in Many Nebraska Counties Due to Drought Conditions
LINCOLN, Neb., Aug. 10, 2021 – Agricultural producers impacted by drought can now request haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres in certain Nebraska counties, while still receiving their full rental payment for the land.USDA Announces Program to Help Heirs Resolve Land Ownership, Succession Issues
Wed Aug 4, 2021 10:33 AM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, July 29, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $67 million in competitive loans through the new Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP), which aims to help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues. Intermediary lenders - cooperatives, credit unions, and nonprofit organizations – can apply for loans up to $5 million at 1 percent interest once the Farm Service Agency (FSA) opens the two-month signup window in late August.
Two South Dakota Counties Receive Drought Disaster Designation; Impacts Cedar, Dixon Counties in Nebraska
Fri Jul 30, 2021 08:40 AM CSTThis 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 Four Nebraska Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Jul 28, 2021 04:25 PMThis 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 16 South Dakota Counties as Disaster Areas; Includes Contiguous Counties in Nebraska
Wed Jul 28, 2021 03:32 PM CSTThis 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 South Dakota Counties as Disaster Areas; Includes Contiguous Nebraska Counties
Wed Jul 28, 2021 03:01 PM CSTThis 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 Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters, Haulers
Fri Jul 23, 2021 02:00 PM CSTWASHINGTON, July 20, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing up to $200 million to provide relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that have experienced losses due to COVID-19 as part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Loggers and truckers can apply for assistance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) July 22 through Oct. 15, 2021. The Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers program (PATHH) is administered by FSA in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.
USDA to Provide Pandemic Assistance to Livestock Producers for Animal Losses
Wed Jul 14, 2021 11:48 AM CSTFarm Service Agency Will Begin Taking Applications for Indemnity Program July 20
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2021— Livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing can apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP) in [recorded] remarks at the National Pork Industry Conference in Wisconsin Dells, WI. The announcement is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Livestock and poultry producers can apply for assistance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) July 20 through Sept. 17, 2021.
USDA Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Applications for Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands
Tue Jul 13, 2021 03:55 PM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, July 12, 2021 –– Agricultural producers and landowners in Nebraska can apply for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands signup from today until August 20. This year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated signup options to provide greater incentives for producers and increase the program’s conservation and climate benefits, including setting a minimum rental rate and identifying two national priority zones.
Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for County Committee Members
Wed Jun 23, 2021 12:15 PM CSTLincoln, Nebraska, June 23, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) began accepting nominations for county committee members on June 15. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2021 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 2, 2021.
USDA Opens Signup for CLEAR30, Expands Pilot to Be Nationwide
Tue Jun 15, 2021 04:31 PM30-Year Option Focuses on Improving Water Quality
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2021 – Landowners and agricultural producers currently enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) now have a wider opportunity to enroll in a 30-year contract through the Clean Lakes, Estuaries, And Rivers initiative, called CLEAR30. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding CLEAR30 – a water-quality focused option available through CRP – to be nationwide now.
USDA Announces Dates for Conservation Reserve Program General and Grasslands Signup
Mon Jun 14, 2021 03:35 PM CSTLincoln, Nebraska, June 14, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set a July 23, 2021, deadline for agricultural producers and landowners to apply for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup 56. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications for CRP Grasslands from July 12 to August 20. This year, USDA updated both signup options to provide greater incentives for producers and increase its conservation benefits, including reducing the impacts of climate change.
USDA to Begin Payments for Producers Impacted by 2018, 2019 Natural Disasters
Mon Jun 14, 2021 03:15 PM CSTProducers to Receive Assistance through the Quality Loss Adjustment Program and Additional Assistance through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus
WASHINGTON, June 11, 2021 – More than $1 billion in payments will be released over the next several weeks starting June 15 for agricultural producers with approved applications for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program and for producers who have already received payments through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+). These U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs provide disaster assistance to producers who suffered losses to 2018 and 2019 natural disasters.
USDA Announces Grants to Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Tue Jun 1, 2021 09:14 AM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, May 27, 2021 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of up to $4 million for grants to support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects. USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production is accepting proposals for planning and innovation projects, and these grants are part of USDA’s broader efforts to support urban agriculture.
USDA Announces New Initiative to Quantify Climate Benefits of Conservation Reserve Program
Wed May 26, 2021 12:00 PM CSTWASHINGTON, May 25, 2021 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced an initiative to quantify the climate benefits of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts. This multi-year effort will enable USDA to better target CRP toward climate outcomes and improve existing models and conservation planning tools while supporting USDA’s goal of putting American agriculture and forestry at the center of climate-smart solutions to address climate change.
USDA to Begin Loan Payments to Socially Disadvantaged Borrowers Under American Rescue Plan Act Section 1005
Tue May 25, 2021 09:30 AM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, May 21, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) today published the first notice of funding availability (NOFA) announcing loan payments for eligible borrowers with qualifying direct farm loans under the American Rescue Plan Act Section 1005. The official NOFA will be published in the Federal Register early next week and USDA expects payments to begin in early June and continue on a rolling basis. A subsequent notice addressing guaranteed loan balances and direct loans that no longer have collateral and have been previously referred to the Department of Treasury for debt collection for offset, will be published within 120 days.
USDA Announces Cooperative Agreements for Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction
Tue May 18, 2021 03:16 PMLINCOLN, Nebraska, May 17, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of up to $2 million for local governments to host Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CCFWR) pilot projects for fiscal year 2021. The cooperative agreements support projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans, and they are part of USDA’s broader efforts to support urban agriculture.
USDA Designates Wyoming Counties as Disaster Areas, Includes Contiguous Nebraska Counties
Wed May 12, 2021 09:36 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 Kansas Counties as Disaster Areas, Includes Contiguous Nebraska Counties
Wed May 12, 2021 09:26 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 Colorado Counties as Disaster Areas, Includes Contiguous Nebraska Counties
Wed May 12, 2021 09:17 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 Announces Funding Available to Organizations to Assist Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers under Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative
Mon Apr 5, 2021 04:20 PM CSTFSA Accepting CFAP 2 Applications Beginning April 5
WASHINGTON, April 5, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the availability of $2 million to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The funding was made possible by USDA’s new Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, an effort to distribute resources more broadly and to put greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers impacted by the pandemic. Today also marks the reopening of FSA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) signup as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Farmers and ranchers will have at least 60 days to apply or make modifications to existing CFAP 2 applications.
After Identifying Gaps in Previous Aid, USDA Announces ‘Pandemic Assistance for Producers’ to Distribute Resources More Equitably
Fri Apr 2, 2021 04:10 PM CSTUSDA Reopens Program Sign-Up to a Larger Share of Producers with Plans to Expand Outreach and New Programming
Washington, D.C., March 24, 2021 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is establishing new programs and efforts to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions. The new initiative—USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers—will reach a broader set of producers than in previous COVID-19 aid programs. USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs. The Department will also develop rules for new programs that will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and organic producers, timber harvesters, as well as provide support for the food supply chain and producers of renewable fuel, among others. Existing programs like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will fall within the new initiative and, where statutory authority allows, will be refined to better address the needs of producers.
USDA Extends Application Deadline for the Quality Loss Adjustment Program
Tue Mar 9, 2021 11:40 AM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, March 5, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline from March 5 to April 9 for agricultural producers to apply for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program because of recent winter storms and some clarifications to program rules. This program assists producers who suffered crop quality losses due to qualifying 2018 and 2019 natural disasters.
March 15 Deadline to Complete Election & Enrollment for 2021 Agriculture Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage Programs
Tue Mar 9, 2021 11:31 AM CSTCall Your County Office Today About 2021 Crop Year Eligibility
Lincoln, Nebraska, March 9, 2021 – Agricultural producers in Nebraska who have not yet elected and enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2021 have until March 15. Producers who have not signed a contract or who want to make an election change should contact their local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Service Center to make an appointment. Right now, about 87% of the Nebraska farms expected to participate have completed the enrollment process.
USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Nebraska Farmers, Livestock Producers Impacted by Recent Winter Storms
Mon Mar 1, 2021 11:00 AM CSTLincoln, Nebraska, Feb. 26, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides technical and financial assistance to help Nebraska farmers and livestock producers recover from damages brought on by winter storms Uri and Viola. Agricultural producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center to learn about the programs available to help them recover from crop, land, infrastructure and livestock losses.
March 15 Last Day to Complete Enrollment for 2021 Agriculture Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage Programs
Fri Feb 12, 2021 11:30 AM CSTCall Today About 2021 Crop Year Eligibility
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2021 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2021 must do so by March 15. Producers who have not yet signed a 2021 enrollment contract or who want to make an election change should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to make an appointment. Program enrollment for 2021 is required to participate in the programs, but elections for the 2021 crop year are optional and otherwise remain the same as elections made for 2020.
Nebraska FSA to Host Quality Loss Adjustment Program Webinar on Feb. 17
Wed Feb 10, 2021 02:15 PM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, Feb. 10, 2021 — Nebraska U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is hosting a public webinar next week to review details of the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program. The event will run from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. CST on Wednesday, Feb. 17.