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 03:44 PM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, 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.
Agricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA's Key Commodity Safety Net Programs for the 2024 Crop Year
Mon Mar 4, 2024 09:00 AM CSTLincoln, Nebraska, March 4, 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.Dairy Producers Can Now Enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage
Fri Mar 1, 2024 10:43 AM CSTPayments to Begin Early March
WASHINGTON, 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.USDA to Issue $306 Million in Final Payments to Producers Impacted by 2020 and 2021 Natural Disasters
Fri Feb 9, 2024 03:00 PM CSTWASHINGTON, 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.USDA Reopens Signup for Continuous Conservation Reserve Program
Wed Jan 31, 2024 12:00 AM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, Jan. 31, 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 Nebraska 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.Farmers and Ranchers Now Can Make USDA Farm Loan Payments Online
Tue Jan 30, 2024 03:15 PM CSTWASHINGTON, 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 CRP to Consider Forest Management Incentive
Thu Jan 25, 2024 12:00 PM CSTWASHINGTON, 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.FSA Reminds Producers of ARC/PLC Commodity Crop Safety Net Enrollment for 2024 Production Season
Wed Jan 17, 2024 04:00 PM CSTUNL, Nebraska FSA to Host ARC/PLC Informational Webinar and Local Meetings
Lincoln, Nebraska, Jan. 17, 2024 – 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 2024 crop year. The signup period is open through March 15, 2024, and producers are encouraged to begin working with their USDA county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to complete the process.Farm Service Agency Offers Disaster Assistance to Nebraska Farmers, Livestock Producers Impacted by Recent Winter Storms
Wed Jan 17, 2024 08:42 AM CSTLincoln, Nebraska, Jan. 17, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Nebraska is reminding the state’s producers who suffered impacts due to recent severe winter weather of programs that may be available for assistance.
Agricultural producers are encouraged to contact the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center to learn about programs and how to apply for assistance, including understanding needed documentation, such as farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses.Ag Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage Programs Receive 2018 Farm Bill One Year Extension; Farmers Can Now Enroll for 2024
Mon Dec 18, 2023 03:20 PMWASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that agricultural producers can now enroll in the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year. Producers can enroll and make election changes for the 2024 crop year starting Dec. 18, 2023. The deadline to complete enrollment and any election change is March 15, 2024.USDA Now Accepting Applications for Farm Loans Online
Fri Dec 8, 2023 04:10 PM CSTWASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an online application for Direct Loan customers. More than 26,000 customers who submit a Direct Loan application each year can now use an online, interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet and build a farm operating plan. This tool is part of a broader effort by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to streamline its processes, improve customer service, and expand credit access.USDA Makes Producer-Friendly Change to 2023 Notice of Loss Requirements for Two Livestock Disaster Assistance Programs
Wed Nov 29, 2023 04:00 PM CSTWASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has waived certain notice of loss requirements for 2023 for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). In an effort to streamline assistance to support access to critical 2023 natural disaster recovery assistance, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is waiving the requirement to submit ELAP or LIP notices of loss within a pre-determined number of days for 2023. Instead, producers have the flexibility to submit 2023 notices of loss as soon as possible, once losses are realized, following a natural disaster event or no later than the established annual program application for payment deadlines for each program. FSA county committees are also being asked to re-evaluate 2023 ELAP and LIP late-filed notices of loss to determine if the waiver applies.2023 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Open This Week
Tue Nov 7, 2023 11:30 AM CSTWASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2023 — 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 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 postmarked by Dec. 4, 2023, for those ballots to be counted.USDA to Provide More Than $3 Billion to Commodity, Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2022 Natural Disasters
Tue Oct 31, 2023 03:14 PM CSTWASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2023 - The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide more than $3 billion to commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2022. Eligible impacted producers can apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) 2022. The program will help offset the financial impacts of crop yield and value losses from qualifying disasters occurring in 2022.USDA Extends Application Deadline for Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to January 13
Mon Oct 23, 2023 12:00 AM CSTThis release amplifies USDA News Release No. 0196.23 issued on Sept. 22, 2023.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the deadline for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to January 13, 2024, to give eligible farmers, ranchers and forest landowners more time to apply for assistance. The original deadline was October 31, 2023.USDA Begins Issuing $1.75 Billion to Agricultural Producers Through Critical Emergency Relief Programs
Wed Sep 27, 2023 02:00 PM CSTWASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it will begin issuing more than $1.75 billion in emergency relief payments to eligible farmers and livestock producers. These much-needed payments are helping farming and ranching operations recover following natural disasters in 2020, 2021 and 2022.USDA Announces Milk Loss Assistance for Dairy Operations Impacted by 2020, 2021 and 2022 Disaster Events
Fri Sep 15, 2023 03:32 PM CSTProgram Signup Begins Sept. 11, 2023
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced Milk Loss Program (MLP) assistance for eligible dairy operations for milk that was dumped or removed, without compensation, from the commercial milk market due to qualifying weather events and the consequences of those weather events that inhibited delivery or storage of milk (e.g., power outages, impassable roads, infrastructure losses, etc.) during calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022. Administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), signup for MLP begins Sept. 11 and runs through Oct. 16, 2023.USDA Updates Livestock Disaster Program Payment Rate to Assist Producers Hard-Hit by Heat and Humidity
Fri Aug 25, 2023 02:32 PM CSTWASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2023 – The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced today it is updating the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payment rate to support livestock producers in the Midwest who have lost cattle to the extreme heat and humidity experienced this summer. To help indemnify producers to reflect a trend toward higher cattle weights in feedlots, the 2023 LIP payment rate for beef calves over 800 pounds will increase from $1,244 per head to $1,618, an increase of $374.USDA Designates Johnson County as Natural Disaster Area Due to Drought
Thu Jul 27, 2023 01:56 PM CST(LINCOLN, Nebraska, 7/27/2023) This stakeholder notification is to share information regarding a recent Secretarial natural disaster designation. Such 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 Accepts Nearly 2.7 Million Acres in Grassland CRP Signup
Fri Jul 21, 2023 12:00 AM CSTNebraska Second Highest State for Number of Acres Accepted
LINCOLN, Nebraska, July 20, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting offers for nearly 2.7 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners through this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grassland signup. This program allows producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while protecting grasslands and further CRP conservation efforts. Grassland CRP is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s broader effort to address climate change and conserve natural resources. This year’s signup results include 417,865 acres in Nebraska, behind Colorado which lead the nation with 430,899.Financial Assistance Application Process Opens for USDA Farm Loan Borrowers Who Have Faced Discrimination
Tue Jul 11, 2023 10:50 AM CSTWASHINGTON, July 7, 2023 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the opening of the financial assistance application process for eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) directs USDA to provide this assistance. Since the law’s passage, USDA has worked diligently to design the program in accordance with significant stakeholder input.USDA Reminds Ag Producers of July 14 Deadline to Apply for Natural Disaster, Pandemic Revenue Loss Programs
Fri Jul 7, 2023 10:50 AM CST(LINCOLN, Nebraska, July 6, 2023) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers of the July 14 deadline to apply for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP). These revenue-based programs help offset revenue losses from 2020 and 2021 natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic.FEMA Designates South Dakota Counties as Natural Disaster Areas; Nebraska Counties Listed as Contiguous Locations
Thu Jun 29, 2023 10:31 AM CST(LINCOLN, Nebraska, 6/29/2023) The below listed Presidential disaster declarations 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 to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.USDA Designates Nebraska Counties as Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Jun 29, 2023 10:20 AM CST(LINCOLN, Nebraska, 6/29/2023) This stakeholder notification represents all Secretarial natural disaster designations that have been granted in Nebraska to date since the start of 2023. 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
Fri Jun 23, 2023 01:00 PM CST(LINCOLN, Nebraska), June 23, 2023 – 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 17 deadline.USDA Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers, Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees
Thu Jun 15, 2023 02:28 PM CSTWASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting nominations for Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee members for elections that will occur later this year. Additionally, FSA is unveiling a new GIS tool to make it easier for producers to participate in the nomination and election processes for county committee members, who make important decisions on how federal farm programs are administered locally.USDA Announces Corrections to Emergency Relief Program Policy to More Accurately Reflect 2020, 2021 Natural Disaster Impacts on Crops Intended for On-Farm Use
Thu Jun 15, 2023 12:00 PM CSTDuplicative payment provisions for two key conservation programs also clarified
WASHINGTON, June 14, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two to provide a method for valuing losses and accessing program benefits to eligible producers of certain crops, including grapes grown and used by the same producer for wine production or forage that is grown, stored and fed to livestock, that do not generate revenue directly from the sale of the crop. These updates ensure that ERP benefits are more reflective of these producers’ actual crop losses resulting from 2020 and 2021 natural disaster events. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin accepting ERP Phase Two applications from eligible wine grape and forage producers once this technical correction to ERP is published in the Federal Register and becomes effective, which it anticipates will be on Friday, June 16, 2023. The deadline to submit applications for ERP Phase Two is July 14.USDA Accepts More Than 1 Million Acres in Offers Through Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
Wed Jun 14, 2023 11:33 AM CSTWASHINGTON, June 12, 2023 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting more than 1 million acres in this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup. This is one of several signups that USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is holding for the program. The results for CRP General signup reflect the continued importance of CRP as a tool to help producers invest in the long-term health, sustainability, and profitability of their land and resources.
The signup resulted in the acceptance of 24,609 CRP acres in Nebraska.USDA Extends Application Deadline for Revenue Loss Programs to July 14
Fri May 26, 2023 02:48 PM CSTNine Partner Organizations to Provide Assistance with ERP Phase Two Applications
WASHINGTON, 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 Livestock Disaster Program Flexibilities in Response to Those Impacted by Drought, Winter Storms
Wed May 17, 2023 11:30 AM CSTProgram Application Deadlines Extended to June 2
LINCOLN, Nebraska, May 17, 2023 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing additional flexibilities and further enhancing disaster recovery assistance provided by the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) in response to needs expressed by livestock producers who have experienced significant feed, forage, animal and infrastructure loss from pre-existing, long-term drought conditions further compounded by unprecedented snowfall and winter storms.USDA's CLEAR30 Offers Producers with Expiring Conservation Contracts Longer-Term Options
Thu May 11, 2023 10:30 AM CSTSignup Period Closes July 31, 2023
LINCOLN, Nebraska, May 11, 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.USDA Farm Service Agency, Nebraska Extension to Present on Drought Assistance During May 4 Webinar
Tue Apr 25, 2023 02:31 PM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, April 25, 2023 – Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Extension will participate in a webinar on Thursday, May 4, to review drought assistance programs and management principles for producers experiencing drought conditions. The webinar is part of UNL’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 https://cap.unl.edu/webinars or directly at https://go.unl.edu/cap5-4.
USDA Farm Service Agency Offers Disaster Assistance to Nebraska Farmers, Livestock Producers Impacted by Drought
Thu Apr 20, 2023 03:21 PM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, April 20, 2023 – The Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is highlighting available assistance programs to help farmers and livestock producers address the ongoing drought. Producers being impacted should contact their county FSA office to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist them.
USDA Announces Grassland Conservation Reserve Program Signup for 2023
Mon Apr 17, 2023 03:12 PM CSTLINCOLN, Nebraska, April 17, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin signing up for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) starting today and running through May 26, 2023. Among CRP enrollment opportunities, Grassland CRP is a unique working lands program, allowing producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while conserving grasslands and promoting plant and animal biodiversity as well as healthier soil.
USDA Announces Additional Assistance for Distressed Farmers Facing Financial Risk
Tue Mar 28, 2023 12:55 PM CSTWASHINGTON, 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.
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.