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Posts Tagged ‘farm service agency’
Monday, February 6th, 2012
Officials from the Farm Service Agency are protesting plans to shut down more than 130 FSA offices nationwide. The closures are part of a larger effort by the Department of Agriculture to reduce budget waste and trim nearly $3 billion of spending by the end of the year.
As part of the USDA’s efforts to reduce spending, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack recently announced the “Blueprint for Stronger Service Plan,” which would shut down more than 200 USDA and FSA offices.
According to Vilsack, the offices in question are non-vital. “Of the 131 offices on the list, 35 currently have no employees,” he said. “The balance of the offices have either one or two employees and are within 20 miles of another FSA office. The work of these offices will be assigned to the adjoining county office, and personnel given the opportunity to transfer as well.”
FSA employees, however, are concerned that the cuts could hinder the organization’s work. Many FSA officials point out that the organization has been on the receiving end of budget cuts for over a decade, leaving the agency severely understaffed. These closures may only serve to exacerbate that short handedness.
In addition, some FSA workers have pointed out that the closures may not even save much money. Given the selection of lightly staffed, smaller offices, the shutdowns may save very little money. Some employees suggest that modernizing the FSA and filling employment shortages could make the agency operate more efficiently, saving money in the long-term.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: farm service agency, tom vilsack, usda
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Sunday, November 13th, 2011
According to recent studies by the Associated Press, farmers across the country are declining federal disaster loans. While this fact alone does not necessarily demonstrate larger systematic problems with federal agricultural assistance programs, it raises some important questions.
Over the last year, nearly every state in the country has experienced some variety of severe weather. From flooding along the Mississippi River, to heavy rain in the Midwest, to droughts in the Southwest and Kansas, and hurricanes in the East Coast, farmers across the country have been battered by storms.
In spite of these major crop losses, few farmers have accepted federal disaster aid. Studies of Farm Service Agency loans reveal that only about 300 disaster loans have been made this year, totaling about $33 million. Compare this figure to the over $1 billion lost due to droughts in Texas alone.
Many farmers reject disaster aid because they simply don’t need it. Citing high crop prices and generous crop insurance programs, some farmers have the resources to recover on their own, with many having saved up from years of high crop prices.
Others cite high interest rates on federal disaster loans. FSA disaster loans carry an interest rate of 3.75 percent, significantly higher than standard FSA rates. Hoping to avoid falling deeper into debt, some farmers are simply holding out for FSA disaster grants, which do not have to be repaid.
In light of the reluctance to take advantage of disaster loans, some groups have pushed for their elimination in the upcoming Farm Bill. With Congress eager to cut up to $2 trillion from the federal budget, the disuse of disaster loans could spell their end.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: disaster loans, drought, farm service agency, texas
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Thursday, September 8th, 2011
Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared the entire state of Arkansas a disaster area. The declaration follows months of extreme weather in the state and across the South. Since the summer, Arkansas has experienced a string of severe and devastating weather extremes. Crops in the state have been battered by everything from drought, rain, floods, and hail.
The extreme weather is particularly harmful in Arkansas, where the largest and most significant industry in the state is agriculture. Given the importance of farming in the state, Arkansas can ill afford these sorts of damaging weather patterns without prompt assistance from the federal government.
The disaster declaration will make federal disaster funds available to struggling Arkansas farmers. Money from the Farm Service Agency, largely in the form of emergency loans, and funds from the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program will help farmers endure this recent disaster.
According to Arkansas Senator John Boozman, “The devastation we experienced in Arkansas earlier this year is on par with some of the most destructive recent natural disasters in our nation… This designation ensures our farmers and ranchers who were adversely affected by the recent tornadoes and flooding are eligible for assistance. It is an important step forward for our agriculture community.”
In addition to relieving farmers, the USDA’s declaration highlights the precarious situation that many farmers and ranchers find themselves in. While agricultural profits and crop prices are higher than ever, the extreme weather of the spring and summer demonstrate that even good times can rapidly come to an end.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: arkansas, farm service agency, John Boozman, usda
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Saturday, August 13th, 2011
Texas is still suffering from the worst drought in its history. The drought, which began in April, has held the state in its grip for months, withering crops, killing livestock, and threatening the economic sustainability of the state’s agricultural sector.
Texas is frequently wracked by poor weather and drought conditions. Previous to this year, the worst drought occurred in 2006 and cost the state over $4 billion in lost revenue (overall, Texas agriculture is a $100 billion industry). However, many state agricultural officials fear that this drought could top the 2006 losses. In 2006 the drought was contained in the southern part of the state. This most recent drought, however, is impacting over 90 percent of the state, leading many to worry about record financial losses.
The damage report is already staggeringly high. Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released estimates for Texas’s 2011 crop harvests. Cotton production is expected to be over 40 percent lower than last year (particularly bad news since cotton is one of Texas’s most lucrative cash crops). Corn is expected to drop by 41 percent, while wheat, along with soybeans, will be down by over 60 percent.
In addition to crop losses, Texas’s cattle industry is feeling the squeeze. Given their excessive water requirements, many Texas cattle ranchers have found themselves forced to sell their herds.
In response to the drought, Farm Service Agency officials have visited Texas while pledging their support. FSA Administrator Bruce Nelson has pledged that the agency will offer its full support in helping farmers through this rough time.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: drought, farm service agency, texas, usda
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Sunday, July 10th, 2011
As severe spring weather begins to recede throughout the United States, farmers in North Dakota and across the plains are worried about the long-term ramifications of the heavy rains and flooding. The severe weather prevented crop planting and damaged valuable cropland. While many parts of the Midwest are now recovering, with Midwestern farmers planting record corn crops, large parts of North Dakota are still facing an uphill struggle.
While the rains may have subsided, countless acres of prime farmland are still submerged across North Dakota. Current estimates place about 6.5 million acres of land underwater or damaged by the rain. The inability to seed land due to excessive moisture and flooding has many farmers worried, particularly because of the short weather window for planting later in the year.
In addition, many farmers are worried because their situation does not fit neatly into current disaster relief programs. Currently, five counties have been approved for disaster funding. However, many prevented planting programs are geared towards droughts rather than excessive moisture, leaving many farmers in a sort of limbo regarding their losses.
While some farmers are worried about red tape, others are worried about the long-term damage that could be done to flooded land. Until the waters recede, it won’t be possible to fully estimate the financial damage done by the rains. Until then, state officials have urged farmers to contact their local Farm Service Agency.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: farm service agency, flooding, north dakota
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011
New York Congressman Richard Hanna recently unveiled a bill in the House of Representatives to create jobs in upstate New York. The bill, known as the HARVEST Bill, focuses on seven areas: High-tech manufacturing, Agriculture, Reforming taxes, Veterans in the workforce, Education, Strengthening small businesses, and Transportation and infrastructure. The agricultural portion of the bill would expand farmer’s access to Farm Service Agency loans and supports the Agricultural Credit Expansion Act.
While Hanna’s bill represents a national attempt to grow jobs in New York State, local leaders are also banking on agricultural production to help the state out of its recent economic problems. The last few months have proven unexpectedly positive for New York agriculture. Favorable weather has boosted maple syrup production, up 81 percent from last year. Currently, only Vermont produces more maple syrup nationwide than New York.
In addition, New York’s struggling dairy industry is experiencing a statewide boom, with growth in the sector at a fifty year high. Part of the cause of this boom has been recent efforts at local agricultural production and consumption, particularly milk consumption, which has benefited New York dairy farmers. Also, the recent popularity of Greek yogurt, with two major brands headquartered in New York, has helped propel the dairy market forward.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: farm service agency, New York, Richard Hanna
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Friday, June 10th, 2011
The Farm Service Agency will begin accepting nominations for county committee positions between June 15 and August 1. Farm Service Agency county committees serve as an important link between local agricultural producers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition to serving as a general link between local and federal agricultural programs and agencies, the county committees control the distribution of funds, deliver FSA services, and decide what kind of agricultural programs will be offered at the local level.
Given the importance of this role, it is vital to encourage as much participation in nominations and elections as possible. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is urging all farmer and agricultural producers to take part in the election process by nominating themselves or other qualified farmers.
In addition, Vilsack is urging women and minority farmers to get involved in the process. Partly due to the bad press the USDA has received in the wake of discrimination lawsuits, Vilsack has made an effort to diversify the USDA and agricultural production in general. Diversifying the FSA and increasing the number of minority farmers sitting in county committees will, Vilsack hopes, help create a more divers and representative agricultural industry.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: farm service agency, tom vilsack
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Thursday, April 14th, 2011
Louisiana doctor Daniel Estes Crook was recently sentenced in federal court for defrauding the Farm Service Agency. Crook was convicted of making false statements to the FSA in order to receive federal disaster benefits. Prosecutors claimed that Crook fraudulently claimed significant losses in the wake of a 1998 drought, resulting in over $400,000 in disaster payments, all illegally obtained. Crook was sentenced this week to two years in prison and over $300,000 in fines.
While FSA fraud is relatively rare, Crook’s conviction is part of a recent trend, with Virginia farmer Timothy Stancill pleading guilty last month to defrauding several national crop insurers for more than $200,000. Stancill faces up to five years for making false statements and up to thirty years for defrauding the crop insurance program.
The penalties facing both men reaffirm the commitment of the FSA and the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to helping American farmers. While fraud is fortunately rare, harsh penalties for fraud help deter future acts while protecting the reputations of both organizations. The FCIC reported over $40 billion in claims over the last twenty years and remains an important tool for farmers. FSA disaster benefits also remain vital to farmers struggling in the wake of severe weather throughout the country.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: farm service agency, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
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Thursday, March 10th, 2011
Farmers and agricultural businesses nationwide are striking back against bad publicity. The ongoing disconnect between American consumers and American agriculture (recent estimates claim that only 1 in 1,000 Americans grow over 80% of the food we consumer) have led many farmers and ranchers to worry about their larger national image. This disconnect, combined with recent movies like Food Inc., tend to encourage negative opinions about agriculture and food production.
In light of these negative views, American farmers are attempting to take control of the national narrative and present food production in a more positive light. Monsato Company, a multinational agricultural biotechnology company, had recently begun a massive ad campaign touting the values of American farmers and reestablishing local connections with food production in American minds. Other agribusinesses are mounting similar ad campaigns.
In addition to agribusinesses, local and state governments are making efforts to improve their image. In Colorado, the Farm Service Agency is planning an Agriculture Day celebration in mid March to remind Coloradans of the importance of agriculture in their daily lives.
In addition to humanizing agriculture, the Colorado FSA, as well as agribusinesses, is attempting to rebuild the image of agricultural production among a population inundated with negative depictions of food production and disconnected from agriculture in their daily lives. Agriculture Days and ad campaigns are seeking to demystify food production and reassure consumers that the farmers and ranchers who grow their food care not only about them as neighbors and fellow citizens, but are acting as responsible producers.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: farm service agency, Food Inc., Monsato
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Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011
The United States Department of Agriculture announced Linn and Curry counties in Oregon as disaster areas.
The primary natural disaster counties are eligible for emergency funding due to losses from flooding, excessive rain and below normal temperatures from April 15 through June 30, 2010.
“President Obama and I understand these conditions caused severe damage to cranberries, squash and honey,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This action will provide help to hundreds of farmers who suffered significant production losses.”
Farmers and ranchers in surrounding Benton, Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jefferson, Josephine, Lane, Marion and Polk counties may also qualify as contiguous counties as well as Del Norte County producers in California.
Producers have eight months to file loan applications documenting actual losses to crops, land and livestock. The Farm Service Agency will also examine the producers’ ability to repay the loan and the producers’ qualifications.
Contact your county Farm Service Agency or USDA office for an application.
For more information on emergency funding contact Farm Plus at 866-929-5585 or visit online at www.farmplusfinancial.com.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: farm service agency, obama, oregon, usda
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