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Secretary Perdue Names FSA Administrator

Fri May 11, 2018 04:03 PM

(Washington, D.C., May 11, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today the appointment of Richard Fordyce to serve as Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). In his role, Fordyce will provide leadership for FSA and its mission to support agricultural production across America through a network of over 2,100 county and 50 state offices.
FSA Reminds Producers of May 31 Deadline for Cotton Ginning Cost Share Program

Fri May 11, 2018 10:58 AM

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding producers of the May 31 deadline for the Cotton Ginning Cost Share (CGCS) program. Through the program, cotton producers may receive a cost share payment, which is based on a producer’s 2016 cotton acres reported to FSA multiplied by 20 percent of the average ginning cost for each production region.
USDA Helps Cotton Producers Maintain, Expand Domestic Market

Wed Mar 7, 2018 02:00 PM

(MEMPHIS, TN, March 7, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced at the 66th Annual Mid-South Farm and Gin Show the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking action to assist cotton producers through a Cotton Ginning Cost Share (CGCS) program in order to expand and maintain the domestic marketing of cotton.
Perdue Names Appointees to the Tennessee USDA Farm Service Agency State Committee

Wed Jan 24, 2018 10:10 AM

Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 17, 2018- U. S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced the individuals who will serve on the Tennessee USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee. The state committee is responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving appeals from the agriculture community, and helping to keep producers informed about FSA programs.
USDA Processing Pending Conservation Reserve Program Acceptance of Most 2018 Offers Temporarily Suspended

Mon Oct 23, 2017 09:54 AM

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it will process many pending eligible offers for land enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and it will temporarily suspend accepting most new offers until later in the 2018 fiscal year.
USDA Issues Farm Safety Net and Conservation Payments

Mon Oct 23, 2017 09:47 AM

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2017 –Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced that over $9.6 billion in payments will be made, beginning this week, to producers through the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Conservation Reserve (CRP) programs. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing approximately $8 billion in payments under the ARC and PLC programs for the 2016 crop year, and $1.6 billion under CRP for 2017.
Deadline to Enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC)

Fri Jul 21, 2017 05:38 PM

Tennessee Producers Have until Aug. 1 to Enroll in ARC/PLC

NASHVILLE, TN, July 13, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tennessee Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director (SED) Tyeisha Samples reminds farmers and ranchers that they have until Aug. 1 to enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and/or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2017 crop year. These programs trigger financial protections for participating agricultural producers when market forces cause substantial drops in crop prices or revenues.
Tennessee Producers Have Until Aug. 1, to Submit FSA County Committee Nominations

Fri Jul 21, 2017 05:27 PM

NASHVILLE, TN, July 17, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Executive Director for Tennessee, Tyeisha Samples, today reminded farmers and ranchers that they have until Aug. 1, 2017, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA county committees.
USDA Designates 24 Counties in Missouri as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States

Fri Jul 21, 2017 05:16 PM

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2017 — In response to a request from Kimberly Viers, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Missouri, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 24 counties in Missouri as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by excessive rainfall and flooding that occurred from April 24, 2017, through May 11, 2017.
USDA Designates 23 Counties in Arkansas as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States

Tue May 30, 2017 11:52 AM

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2017 — In response to a request from Clayton Parr, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Arkansas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 23 counties in Arkansas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by excessive rain, flash flooding, flooding, hail, high winds and lightning that occurred from April 1, 2017, and continues.
Low Interest Emergency Physical Loss Loans Available for 37 Arkansas Counties with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States

Tue May 23, 2017 04:38 PM

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.), May 23, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Chris Beyerhelm today announced that physical loss loans are available for 37 counties in Arkansas. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by excessive rain, flash flooding, flooding, hail, high winds, lightning and tornadoes that occurred on April 1, 2017, and continuing, may be eligible for emergency loans.
Low Interest Emergency Physical Loss Loans Available for Five Missouri Counties with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States

Wed Apr 19, 2017 05:09 PM

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 13, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Chris Beyerhelm today announced that physical loss loans are available for five counties in Missouri. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by high winds and tornadoes that occurred from Feb. 28 through March 1, 2017, may be eligible for emergency loans.
USDA Announces 2017 Cotton Loan Rate Differentials

Wed Apr 19, 2017 04:57 PM

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the 2017-crop loan rate differentials for upland and extra-long staple cotton.
USDA Designates Nine Counties in North Carolina as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States

Fri Mar 10, 2017 10:07 AM

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2017 — In response to a request from Lorraine Dillard, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in North Carolina, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 9 counties in North Carolina as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Those counties are:
USDA Designates 102 Counties in Georgia as Primary Natural Disaster Area with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States

Fri Mar 10, 2017 09:58 AM

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2017 — In response to a request from Dianne Westmoreland, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Georgia, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 102 counties in Georgia as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Those counties are:
USDA Designates 66 Counties in Tennessee as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States

Fri Mar 10, 2017 09:47 AM

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2017 — In response to a request from Tyeisha Samples, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Tennessee, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 66 counties in Tennessee as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Those counties are:
USDA Designates 69 Counties in Mississippi as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States

Fri Mar 10, 2017 09:31 AM

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2017 — In response to a request from Richard Carnegie, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Mississippi, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 69 counties in Mississippi as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Those counties are:
USDA Designates 67 Counties in Alabama as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States

Thu Mar 9, 2017 06:05 PM

In response to a request from Jacqueline McCloud, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Alabama, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 67 counties in Alabama as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Those counties are:
USDA Expands Grasslands Conservation Program to Small-Scale Livestock Producers Helping Dairy, Beef and Other Producers Protect Working Grasslands in 43 States

Wed Jan 25, 2017 03:50 PM

WASHINGTON, Jan.13, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that USDA will accept over 300,000 acres in 43 states that were offered by producers during the recent ranking period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands enrollment with emphasis placed on small-scale livestock operations. Through the voluntary CRP Grasslands program, grasslands threatened by development or conversion to row crops are maintained as livestock grazing areas, while providing important conservation benefits. Approximately 200,000 of the accepted acres were offered by small-scale livestock operations.
USDA Invests $1.7 Billion to Protect Sensitive Agricultural Lands through Conservation Reserve Program

Fri Nov 4, 2016 05:12 PM

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will issue nearly $1.7 billion in payments to more than half of a million Americans who have contracts with the government to protect sensitive agricultural lands. The investment, part of the voluntary USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), will allow producers to protect almost 24 million acres of wetlands, grasslands and wildlife habitat in 2016.
USDA Designates 2 Counties in Tennessee as Primary Natural Disaster Areas

Fri Nov 4, 2016 05:02 PM

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Cumberland and Roane counties in Tennessee as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by a recent drought.
USDA Announces Enrollment Period for Safety Net Coverage in 2017

Fri Nov 4, 2016 04:52 PM

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that producers on farms with base acres under the safety net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, can begin visiting FSA county offices starting Nov. 1, 2016, to sign contracts and enroll for the 2017 crop year. The enrollment period will continue until Aug. 1, 2017.
USDA Designates 3 Counties in Alabama as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States

Fri Nov 4, 2016 04:42 PM

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Lauderdale, Macon and Russell counties in Alabama as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by a recent drought.
USDA Designates 2 Counties in North Carolina as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States

Fri Nov 4, 2016 04:42 PM

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Graham and Jackson counties in North Carolina as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by a recent drought.
USDA Announces Availability of Additional Farm Loan Funding

Tue Sep 13, 2016 11:12 PM

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that additional funding will be made available to assist more than 1,900 approved applicants who are awaiting farm operating loans. The funds, which were reprogrammed by FSA with the approval of Congress, will leverage up to $185 million in additional lending for direct and guaranteed farm operation loans and will allow the agency to address up to 30 percent of its projected shortfall of funds until the next federal fiscal year resumes on Oct. 1.
USDA Designates 3 Counties in Tennessee as Primary Natural Disaster Areas

Mon Sep 12, 2016 10:00 AM

WASHINGTON, Sep. 2, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Bledsoe, McMinn and Monroe counties in Tennessee as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by a recent drought.
USDA Announces Safety Net Assistance for Milk Producers Due to Tightening Dairy Margins May/June 2016 Average Margins Below $6

Wed Aug 10, 2016 03:59 PM

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced approximately $11.2 million in financial assistance to American dairy producers enrolled in the 2016 Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy). The payment rate for May/June 2016 will be the largest since the program began in 2014. The narrowing margin between milk prices and the cost of feed triggered the payments, as provided for by the 2014 Farm Bill.
USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program Results

Thu May 5, 2016 01:00 PM

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the enrollment of more than 800,000 acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Through CRP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) helps farmers offset the costs of restoring, enhancing and protecting certain grasses, shrubs and trees that improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and strengthen wildlife habitat. Farmers’ and ranchers’ participation in CRP continues to provide numerous benefits to our nation, including helping reduce emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and providing resiliency to future weather changes.
USDA Offers New Loans for Portable Farm Storage and Handling Equipment

Fri Apr 29, 2016 01:00 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 29, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide a new financing option to help farmers purchase portable storage and handling equipment. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Administrator Elanor Starmer announced changes to the Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program today during a local and regional food roundtable in Columbus, Ohio. The loans, which now include a smaller microloan option with lower down payments, are designed to help producers, including new, small and mid-sized producers, grow their businesses and markets.
USDA Establishes New Partnerships to Link Underserved Farmers to FSA Programs

Wed Apr 27, 2016 01:00 PM

WASHINGTON, April 27, 2016 – The U.S. Department Agriculture (USDA) today announced cooperative agreements with 55 partners to educate farmers and other producers that have been underserved by USDA programs historically about Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs that provide financial, disaster or technical support. Nearly $2.5 million will go to nonprofits, associations, universities, and foundations that will provide training and information on agricultural best practices, local networking opportunities, and more.
USDA Reminds Dairy Producers of Nov. 20 Deadline Enrollment Opportunities Ending for 2016 Margin Protection Program

Thu Nov 12, 2015 01:00 PM

WASHINGTON, Nov, 9, 2015 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that almost half of all dairy farms in America have made their annual elections for 2016 coverage under the Margin Protection Program, and reminded producers who have not yet enrolled that they have until Nov. 20, to select coverage.
FSA County Committee Elections to Begin; Producers to Receive Ballots Week of Nov. 9

Fri Nov 6, 2015 01:00 PM

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2015 – Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country for the 2015 FSA County Committee elections on Monday, Nov. 9, 2015. Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by Dec. 7, 2015, to ensure that their vote is counted.
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden Announces New USDA Commitments to Help Build Up Next Generation of Farmers and Ranchers

Fri Oct 30, 2015 01:00 PM

LOUISVILLE, October 29, 2015—Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced a commitment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prioritize $5.6 billion over the next two years within USDA programs and services that serve new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Deputy Secretary Harden also announced a new, tailored web tool designed to connect burgeoning farm entrepreneurs with programs and resources available to help them get started.
USDA Issues Safety-Net Payments to Farmers Facing Market Downturn

Wed Oct 28, 2015 01:00 PM

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2015 — The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that beginning today, nearly one half of the 1.7 million farms that signed up for either the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs will receive safety-net payments for the 2014 crop year.
Farmers to Receive Documentation of USDA Services Local Offices Issue Receipts for Services Provided

Wed Oct 28, 2015 01:00 PM

(NASHVILLE, TN), Oct. 15, 2015 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Gene Davidson reminds agricultural producers that FSA provides a receipt to customers who request or receive assistance or information on FSA programs.
USDA Designates 45 Counties in Mississippi as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States

Fri Oct 2, 2015 01:00 PM

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 45 counties in Mississippi as primary natural disaster areas in two separate disasters.
USDA Commits $2.5 Million to Expand New Farmer Education

Fri Oct 2, 2015 01:00 PM

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 22, 2015 – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that $2.5 million in grants is now available for projects to educate new and underserved farmers about more than 20 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency programs that can provide financial, disaster or technical assistance to the agricultural community.