Please submit all media inquiries for FSA to FPAC.BC.press@usda.gov.
USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Fri Jan 27, 2023 01:53 PMWASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available up to $7.5 million for grants through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects. USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 27, 2023.
USDA Announces Additional Assistance for Dairy Farmers
Wed Jan 25, 2023 02:17 PMWASHINGTON, January 23, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the details of additional assistance for dairy producers, including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program (PMVAP) and a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). The update to PMVAP and the new ODMAP will enable USDA to better support small- and medium-sized dairy operations who weathered the pandemic and now face other challenges.
USDA Announces Signup for 2023 Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for Specialty Crop Growers
Tue Jan 24, 2023 12:17 PMWASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2023— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds specialty crop producers of available assistance to help cover certain costs of complying with regulatory and market-driven food safety certification requirements. Applications for the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program for eligible 2022 costs are due by Jan. 31, 2023. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications for 2023 costs from Feb. 1, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2024.
USDA Reminds Producers of Continuous Certification Option for Perennial Forage
Fri Jan 13, 2023 11:19 AMWASHINGTON, 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
Wed Jan 11, 2023 05:05 PMWASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made updates to several conservation, livestock and crop disaster assistance programs to give more farmers, ranchers, and tribes the opportunity to apply for and access programs that support recovery following natural disasters. Specifically, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) expanded eligibility and enhanced available benefits for a suite of its programs. These updates will provide critical assistance to producers who need to rebuild and recover after suffering catastrophic losses of production and infrastructure due to natural disasters.
USDA Announces Major Program Improvements, Progress, and Investments to Benefit American Farmers, Ranchers, and Producers
Wed Jan 11, 2023 11:29 AM2023 Dairy Margin Coverage Deadline Extended – Jan. 31, 2023, Last Day to Enroll
Thu Dec 8, 2022 03:08 PMProducers Encouraged to Enroll 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 and State of South Dakota Announce Opening of the South Dakota Big Sioux River Watershed Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Thu Dec 1, 2022 10:00 AMHuron, South Dakota, December 1, 2022— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the State of South Dakota are expanding their partnership through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) to assist South Dakota farmers, ranchers and agricultural landowners in improving water quality, reducing soil erosion, enhancing wildlife habitat, and creating public hunting and fishing access. The Big Sioux River Watershed CREP, offered by USDA and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks, (SD GF&P) expands the voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs available to South Dakota agricultural producers and focuses on the Big Sioux River watershed. Enrollment for the South Dakota CREP opened November 1, 2022.
USDA Designates Bennett County, South Dakota, as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Nov 29, 2022 10:59 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 and Three Tribal Nations to Enter Historic Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Agreements to Support Working Lands Conservation
Thu Nov 17, 2022 12:23 PMCREP Provides Critical Support to Landowners for Sound Conservation Practices
RAPID CITY, South Dakota, Nov. 17, 2022— Three Tribal Nations in the Great Plains are partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help conserve, maintain and improve grassland productivity, reduce soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). The Cheyenne River, Oglala and Rosebud Sioux Tribes are entering into CREP agreements with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to enroll eligible grassland, pastureland, and other agricultural lands within the boundaries of their reservations in this conservation program.
USDA Previews Crop and Revenue Loss Assistance for Agricultural Producers
Tue Nov 15, 2022 12:35 PMNew Programs Will Provide Additional Pandemic and Natural Disaster Assistance for 2020 and 2021; Deadline Announced for Previous Emergency Relief
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2022— Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced plans for additional emergency relief and pandemic assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA is preparing to roll out the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two as well as the new Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP), which are two programs to help offset crop and revenue losses for producers. USDA is sharing early information to help producers gather documents and train front-line staff on the new approach
USDA Designates Four South Dakota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Nov 14, 2022 09:31 AMUSDA Designates Nine Minnesota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Nov 14, 2022 09:29 AMThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Designates Two South Dakota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Nov 14, 2022 09:16 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 Four Nebraska Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Nov 14, 2022 09:12 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.
2022 County Committee Elections
Wed Nov 9, 2022 03:24 PMHuron, South Dakota, Nov. 9, 2022 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began mailing ballots this week for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county and urban county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. Producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or have their ballots be postmarked by Dec. 5, 2022, in order for those ballots to be counted.
USDA Launches Loan Assistance Tool to Enhance Equity and Customer Service
Wed Oct 26, 2022 01:55 PMWASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new online tool to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. This uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances.
Farmers Can Now Make 2023 Crop Year Elections, Enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs
Wed Oct 19, 2022 03:53 PMPayments Issuing to Producers of 2021 Crops Triggering Safety-Net Program Payments
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2022 – Agricultural producers can now change election and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage programs for the 2023 crop year, two key safety net programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Signup began Monday, and producers have until March 15, 2023, to enroll in these two programs. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has started issuing payments totaling more than $255 million to producers with 2021 crops that have triggered payments through ARC or PLC.
USDA Provides Payments of nearly $800 Million in Assistance to Help Keep Farmers Farming
Tue Oct 18, 2022 01:20 PMImmediate Help for Over 13,000 Distressed USDA Farm Loan Borrowers;
Begins Process to Provide up to $500 Million More for Up to 23,000 Additional Borrowers
WASHINGTON, October 18, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that distressed borrowers with qualifying USDA farm loans have already received nearly $800 million in assistance, as part of the $3.1 billion in assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA directed USDA to expedite assistance to distressed borrowers of direct or guaranteed loans administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) whose operations face financial risk.
Dairy Producers Can Now Enroll for 2023 Signup for Dairy Margin Coverage
Mon Oct 17, 2022 02:57 PMUSDA to Provide up to $20 Million for Construction of On-Farm Grain Storage Facilities in Areas Impacted by Recent Natural Disasters
Mon Sep 26, 2022 05:11 PMNew Program to Address Local Grain Storage Deficits Heading into Harvest 2022
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make available $20 million in cost-share assistance to help agricultural producers in Kentucky, Minnesota, South Dakota and surrounding areas to rebuild storage facilities damaged by devastating natural disaster events in 2021 and 2022. This assistance will help producers who were hard-hit by disasters and are currently struggling with a lack of available grain storage have the resources they need as they head into the 2022 crop harvest.
USDA Seeks Input on New Grant Program to Strengthen Food Supply Chain, Reduce Irregular Migration, and Improve Working Conditions for Farmworkers
Thu Sep 22, 2022 07:55 AMWASHINGTON, September 22, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is gathering input to help shape a recently announced planned grant program focused on improving the resiliency of our food and agricultural supply chain by addressing labor shortages in agriculture, reducing irregular migration through increased use of legal pathways, and improving labor protections for farmworkers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will hold three virtual listening sessions on Sept. 28-29 for the new farm labor stabilization and protection pilot grant program, which the Biden-Harris administration announced earlier this year as part of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.
USDA Designates Two South Dakota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Sep 15, 2022 02:23 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.
Availability of Low-Interest Physical Loss Loans for Producers Affected by Natural Disasters
Thu Sep 15, 2022 02:13 PMPhysical loss loans can help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agricultural operation, including livestock losses. Examples of property commonly affected include essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees and harvested or stored crops and hay.
USDA Designates Five Nebraska Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Sep 15, 2022 02:06 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 Sioux County, Iowa, as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Aug 30, 2022 04:00 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 to Mail Additional Pre-Filled Applications to Producers Impacted by 2020, 2021 Disasters
Fri Aug 19, 2022 08:22 AMUSDA Invests $14.5 Million in Taxpayer Education, Program Outreach Efforts for Farmers and Ranchers
Mon Aug 8, 2022 01:15 PMHuron, South Dakota, Aug. 8, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing in two outreach and education efforts for farmers and ranchers, including those who are new to farming or who have been historically underserved by USDA programs. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is investing $10 million for agriculture-oriented taxpayer education as well as $4.5 million in outreach for the Conservation Reserve Program’s Transition Incentives Program (CRP TIP), which helps with access to land for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Both efforts help advance equity and access to USDA programs and agriculture.
USDA Names Appointees to the South Dakota Farm Service Agency State Committee
Fri Aug 5, 2022 12:00 AM ESTHuron, S.D., Aug. 5, 2022- The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced appointees who will serve on the South Dakota USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee.
Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders, keeping producers informed about FSA programs and operating in a manner consistent with USDA equal opportunity and civil rights policies.
Streamlined Delivery of Emergency Relief Programs Is Win-Win for USDA and Agricultural Producers
Thu Aug 4, 2022 02:28 PMNew Program Outperforms Predecessor Disaster Program in speed of assistance and almost 90% reduced application burden, Online Analytics Now Available
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2022 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has processed more than 255,000 applications for the new Emergency Relief Program (ERP). USDA has made approximately $6.1 billion, to date, in payments to commodity and specialty crop producers to help offset eligible losses from qualifying 2020 and 2021 natural disasters. By breaking-down agency barriers, using existing data across USDA and pre-filled applications, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in cooperation with the Risk Management Agency (RMA) has been able to expediently provide economic relief and save producers and staff over a million hours of time.
Deadline Extended and More Pre-Filled Forms For 2020 and 2021 Disasters on the Way
Wed Jul 27, 2022 02:47 PMUSDA Begins Issuing Payments for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Tue Jul 26, 2022 09:50 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.
Availability of Low-Interest Physical Loss Loans for Producers Affected by Natural Disasters
Tue Jul 19, 2022 01:51 PMPhysical loss loans can help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agricultural operation, including livestock losses. Examples of property commonly affected include essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees and harvested or stored crops and hay.
USDA Designates Four Wyoming Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Jul 13, 2022 06:50 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 Accepts More than 3.1 Million Acres in Grassland CRP Signup
Tue Jul 12, 2022 09:32 AMHURON, SOUTH DAKOTA, July 12, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting offers for more than 3.1 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners through this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grassland Signup, the highest in history. The signup’s results include nearly 425,000 acres in South Dakota. 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 Designates Nine South Dakota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Jun 30, 2022 06:36 AMTo Date, USDA Has Issued $362 Million in Emergency Relief Program Payments to South Dakota Agricultural Producers
Thu Jun 30, 2022 06:35 AMDeadline to Submit Applications is Friday, July 22
HURON, SOUTH DAKOTA, JUNE 30, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced, agricultural producers nationwide have already received more than $4 billion through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP), representing nearly 67% of the more than $6 billion projected to be paid through this phase of the program. Eligible producers in South Dakota have received $362 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 applications.
USDA Reminds South Dakota Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports
Thu Jun 23, 2022 10:46 AMHURON, SD, June 23, 2022 – Agricultural producers in South Dakota who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after planting should make an appointment with their U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) service center before the applicable deadline.
USDA Designates 22 Nebraska Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Jun 23, 2022 07:23 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 Three Iowa Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Jun 23, 2022 06:59 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 Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for Specialty Crop Growers
Tue Jun 21, 2022 10:50 AMNew 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.
Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees
Wed Jun 15, 2022 05:06 PMHURON, SD, 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) for members. LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction. This may include LAAs that are focused on an urban or suburban area.
USDA Designates 45 North Dakota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Jun 15, 2022 07:00 AMThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability
USDA Designates Two South Dakota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Jun 15, 2022 06:52 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 Advances Food System Transformation with $43 Million for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, Adds New Urban County Committees
Tue Jun 7, 2022 11:46 AMHuron, South Dakota, June 7, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces significant investments to support urban agriculture, including $43.1 million for grants and cooperative agreements as well as six new urban county committees to help deliver key USDA programs to urban producers. These actions support USDA’s efforts to strengthen the food supply chain and transform the food system to be fairer, more competitive, and more resilient.
USDA Designates Cedar County, Nebraska, as Primary Natural Disaster Area
Mon Jun 6, 2022 09:05 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 Five South Dakota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Jun 6, 2022 09:02 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 Offers Disaster Assistance to South Dakota Farmers Impacted by the Recent Severe Storms and Related Weather Events
Tue May 31, 2022 03:28 PMHuron, S.D., May 31, 2022 –Agricultural operations in South Dakota have been significantly impacted by a severe weather event that included straight-line winds, causing wide-spread, extensive destruction across the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from these adverse weather events. Impacted producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses and damages.
USDA to Allow Producers to Request Voluntary Termination of Conservation Reserve Program Contract
Thu May 26, 2022 11:45 AMSouth Dakota, May 26, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will allow Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants who are in the final year of their CRP contract to request voluntary termination of their CRP contract following the end of the primary nesting season for fiscal year 2022. Participants approved for this one-time, voluntary termination will not have to repay rental payments, a flexibility implemented this year to help mitigate the global food supply challenges caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other factors. Today, USDA also announced additional flexibilities for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic, Transitioning Producers in South Dakota
Tue May 17, 2022 12:49 PMHURON, SD, May 17, 2022 – Agricultural producers and handlers who are certified organic, along with producers and handlers who are transitioning to organic production, can now apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Organic and Transitional Education Certification Program (OTECP) and Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), which help producers and handlers cover the cost of organic certification, along with other related expenses. Applications for OTECP and OCCSP are both due October 31, 2022.
USDA to Provide Approximately $6 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2020 and 2021 Natural
Mon May 16, 2022 04:16 PMFirst 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 Offers Disaster Assistance to South Dakota Agricultural Producers Impacted by Recent Historic Blizzard
Tue May 10, 2022 01:45 PMUSDA Accepts 2 Million Acres in Offers Through Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
Tue May 3, 2022 03:47 PMUSDA Designates 10 Nebraska Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon May 2, 2022 08:28 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 Eight South Dakota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon May 2, 2022 08:26 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 12 Nebraska Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Apr 27, 2022 03:47 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.
Biden Administration Appoints Steve Dick to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in South Dakota
Wed Apr 13, 2022 08:24 AMUSDA To Compensate Drought-Stricken Ranchers for Above Normal Costs to Haul Livestock to Forage
Wed Apr 6, 2022 02:01 PMUSDA Offers CLEAR30 Option for Producers to Enroll Land with Expiring Conservation Contracts
Mon Apr 4, 2022 08:47 AMSouth Dakota, April 1, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the signup period for its Clean Lakes, Estuaries, And Rivers initiative (CLEAR30) — a nationwide opportunity for certain landowners and agricultural producers currently implementing water quality practices through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to enroll in 30-year contracts, extending the lifespan and strengthening the benefits of important water quality practices on their land.
USDA to Provide Payments to Livestock Producers Impacted by Drought or Wildfire
Thu Mar 31, 2022 04:11 PMUSDA Encourages Producers to Enroll Grasslands into Special Conservation Reserve Program Signup
Wed Mar 30, 2022 02:01 PMUSDA Updates Eligibility for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Thu Mar 17, 2022 11:47 AMWASHINGTON, 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.
New Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture to Meet March 23-24
Wed Mar 9, 2022 04:25 PMWASHINGTON, March 9, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host the first public meeting of the inaugural Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on March 23-24, 2022. The public – including urban producers– is encouraged to attend.
USDA Updates Farm Loan Programs to Increase Equity
Wed Mar 9, 2022 09:39 AMUSDA Extends Deadline for Spot Market Hog Pandemic
Thu Feb 24, 2022 12:07 PMAgricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs
Wed Feb 16, 2022 01:12 PMDeadline Extended to Enroll in 2022 Dairy Margin Coverage and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage
Tue Feb 8, 2022 03:59 PMUSDA Adds Mycoplasma Bovis (M. bovis) As Eligible Bison Disease for Livestock Indemnity Program
Thu Feb 3, 2022 09:34 AMUSDA Announces Inaugural Federal Advisory Committee on Urban Agriculture
Tue Feb 1, 2022 02:09 PMWASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack selected 12 members to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) inaugural Secretary’s Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture to provide input on policy development and to help identify barriers to urban agriculture as USDA works to promote urban farming and the economic opportunities it provides in cities across the country.
USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program Signups for 2022
Wed Jan 26, 2022 01:19 PMUSDA Urges Producers to Submit Applications for 2021 Grazing Loss Assistance by Jan. 31
Tue Jan 25, 2022 01:08 PMUSDA Designates Pine Ridge Indian Reservation as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Tue Jan 11, 2022 02:53 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.
Deadline Extended to Apply for Pandemic Support for Certified Organic and Transitioning Operations
Tue Dec 21, 2021 11:45 AMUSDA Expands Partnerships for Conservation Through Its Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Mon Dec 20, 2021 01:28 PMUSDA Provides Additional Pandemic Assistance to Hog Producers
Mon Dec 13, 2021 01:10 PMWASHINGTON, 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.
USDA Opens 2022 Signup for Dairy Margin Coverage, Expands Program for Supplemental Production
Wed Dec 8, 2021 02:15 PMUSDA Issues Final Pandemic Payments for Timber Harvesters and Haulers
Thu Dec 2, 2021 02:04 PMUSDA Issuing Approximately $270 Million in Pandemic Assistance to Poultry, Livestock Contract Producers
Thu Nov 18, 2021 03:04 PMUSDA Builds Pandemic Support for Certified Organic and Transitioning Operations
Thu Nov 4, 2021 01:46 PM2021 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Underway
Wed Nov 3, 2021 01:06 PMUSDA Provides $1.8 Billion to Offset Market Fluctuations
Mon Nov 1, 2021 01:38 PMFarmers Can Now Make Elections, Enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs
WASHINGTON, 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
USDA Designates Six Nebraska Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Oct 18, 2021 07:52 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 Offers Online Tool for Drought-Stricken Ranchers to Estimate Compensation for Feed Transportation Costs
Fri Oct 15, 2021 09:00 AMAssistance also available for water hauling expenses
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2021— An online tool is now available to help ranchers document and estimate payments to cover feed transportation costs caused by drought, which are now covered by the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated the program this year to include feed transportation costs as well as lowered the threshold for when assistance for water hauling expenses is available. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin taking applications this fall.
USDA Invests $4.7 Million to Provide Outreach and Technical Assistance to Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
Fri Oct 8, 2021 08:23 AMHuron, SD, October 8, 2021 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an investment of $4.7 million to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to historically underserved farmers and ranchers. The partnerships will support participation in Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs, including those that are part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
USDA Expands Local, Electronic Communication Options for South Dakota Producers
Tue Oct 5, 2021 08:11 AMHuron, South Dakota – October 5, 2021 – Agricultural producers in South Dakota can now signup to receive free email and text messages directly from their local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Service Center for information related to loans, farm disaster assistance, conservation programs, crop insurance and other USDA programs. USDA is expanding the service that the Farm Service Agency (FSA) has used for years to now include local information from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Risk Management Agency (RMA), and other USDA agencies.
Higher Loan Limit Now Available for USDA Guaranteed Farm Loans
Mon Oct 4, 2021 09:51 AMWASHINGTON, 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.
USDA Designates Lawrence County, South Dakota, as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Thu Sep 23, 2021 12:51 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 Two South Dakota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Sep 20, 2021 09:21 AMUSDA Extends Deadline to Apply for Pandemic Assistance to Livestock Producers with Animal Losses
Thu Sep 16, 2021 02:09 PMFarm 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, Double Last Year’s Signup
Mon Sep 13, 2021 10:10 AMUSDA Designates Seven Minnesota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Sep 9, 2021 03:27 PMUSDA Designates Woodbury County, Iowa, as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Thu Sep 9, 2021 03:07 PMUSDA Designates Dakota County, Nebraska, as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Thu Sep 9, 2021 03:02 PMUSDA Designates Two South Dakota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Sep 9, 2021 03:00 PMUSDA Expands Assistance to Cover Feed Transportation Costs for Drought-Impacted Ranchers in South Dakota
Wed Sep 8, 2021 01:33 PMUSDA Designates Hamlin County, South Dakota, as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Tue Sep 7, 2021 02:00 PMUSDA Designates Richland County, North Dakota, as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Wed Sep 1, 2021 12:09 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 Three South Dakota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Sep 1, 2021 12:01 PMLenders Can Now Apply for New Heirs’ Property Relending Program
Tue Aug 31, 2021 09:57 AMUSDA Designates 17 Minnesota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Aug 30, 2021 02:55 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.