Accessing Credit Often Cited As Top Concern for New Farmers and  Ranchers

 

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2014?On Tuesday, April 1, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden will host a Google+ Hangout to discuss types of agricultural credit and ways to access them in support of new farmers and ranchers. The discussion will cover credit and financial options from USDA as well as outside partners including the Farm Credit Council. The Hangout will also feature farmers and ranchers who have successfully accessed credit from these sources as they describe their experiences and offer advice to others. USDA is soliciting discussion questions via social media using #NewFarmers.

 

Tuesday, April 1, 2014
4 p.m. EDT

 

WHAT: Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden will host a Google+ Hangout to discuss types of agricultural credit and ways to access them in support of new farmers and ranchers.

Participants:

  • Gary Matteson, Farm Credit Council, Vice President for Young, Beginning, Small Farmer Programs and Outreach
  • Chris Beyerhelm, USDA's Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Chief
  • Shirley Malek, goat and sheep cheese producer in Gilmanton, N.H.
  • Megan Kinsey, a squash, grape, and corn farmer in Sunnyside, Wash.
  • Matt and Jolene Nierling, beginning farmers who operate a dairy operation in northeast Iowa

 

WHERE:        Live on the USDA Google+ page or on www.usda.gov/live. Add your questions in advance or share your story on social media by using the #NewFarmers on Twitter, Google+, YouTube or Facebook.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

Farm Loan Program Modifications Create Flexibility for New and Existing Farmers and Ranchers Alike

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced increased opportunity for producers as a result of the 2014 Farm Bill. A fact sheet outlining modifications to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Programs is available here.

"Our nation's farmers and ranchers are the engine of the rural economy. These improvements to our Farm Loan Programs will help a new generation begin farming and grow existing farm operations," said Secretary Vilsack. "Today's announcement represents just one part of a series of investments the new Farm Bill makes in the next generation of agriculture, which is critical to economic growth in communities across the country."

The Farm Bill expands lending opportunities for thousands of farmers and ranchers to begin and continue operations, including greater flexibility in determining eligibility, raising loan limits, and emphasizing beginning and socially disadvantaged producers.

Changes that will take effect immediately include :

  • Elimination of loan term limits for guaranteed operating loans.
  • Modification of the definition of beginning farmer, using the average farm size for the county as a qualifier instead of the median farm size.
  • Modification of the Joint Financing Direct Farm Ownership Interest Rate to 2 percent less than regular Direct Farm Ownership rate, with a floor of 2.5 percent. Previously, the rate was established at 5 percent.
  • Increase of the maximum loan amount for Direct Farm Ownership down payments from $225,000 to $300,000.
  • Elimination of rural residency requirement for Youth Loans, allowing urban youth to benefit.
  • Debt forgiveness on Youth Loans, which will not prevent borrowers from obtaining additional loans from the federal government.
  • Increase of the guarantee amount on Conservation Loans from 75 to 80 percent and 90 percent for socially disadvantaged borrowers and beginning farmers.
  • Microloans will not count toward loan term limits for veterans and beginning farmers.

Additional modifications must be implemented through the rulemaking processes. Visit the FSA Farm Bill website for detailed information and updates to farm loan programs.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).


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More than 175,000 homes purchased; 120,000 broadband connections made; 1,000 community facilities funded

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2014 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued a report highlighting the impact of more than $33 billion in USDA investments to support rural businesses, infrastructure and housing in 2013.

"This report tells the story of how USDA support has made a tremendous difference in the lives of rural Americans," said Vilsack. "Our investments help create jobs and opportunity for rural residents, provide affordable housing, support modern infrastructure, and build essential community facilities. I am proud of the role that USDA has played to grow rural economies and help make rural America a place of opportunity, innovation and economic growth."

USDA Rural Development's $193 billion portfolio is making lasting investments in rural communities. The report highlights several initiatives that are helping to address persistent rural poverty, expand health care for Mississippi Delta residents, and develop stronger partnerships between government, private-sector and community-based organizations.

Since the start of the Obama Administration, USDA business programs have provided more than 18,000 guaranteed loans, direct loans and grants to help more than 74,000 businesses create or save more than 375,000 jobs. USDA is increasingly becoming the lender of choice for many Native American tribes throughout the country.

USDA programs support research into new energy sources and help protect the environment. During the two last quarters of fiscal year 2013, USDA made payments to operators of 56 anaerobic digesters that produced almost 173 million kilowatt hours of electricity - enough to power more than 17,000 homes annually. For example, Clover Hill Dairy in Campbellsport, Wis., received a $6,200 payment through the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program to operate its anaerobic digester, which was commissioned 2007. The digester produces 2.7 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy per year. The dairy's herd provides the manure to produce biogas, which fuels the generators that produce electricity. The excess electricity is purchased by a local utility and delivered to customers.

USDA broadband infrastructure loans awarded in FY 2013 will result in new or upgraded broadband service for about 120,000 rural households, businesses and community institutions once the projects are completed. The Department also continued to make great strides to bring distance learning and telemedicine infrastructure to rural areas. In 2013, one-third of USDA's distance learning grants went to rural areas where the minority population is 30 percent or higher. Another third went to areas were poverty rates have been consistently high over long periods. All of the awards went to rural areas where residents lacked access to medical services.

Rural Development is a key player in the recovery of the nation's housing market, particularly in rural areas. For many realtors, USDA Rural Development loans account for most of their business. In 2013, nearly 163,000 rural families became homeowners through loans from private lenders that were guaranteed by USDA, and more than 7,000 families bought homes through direct loans from USDA.

USDA's homeownership program is complemented by assistance that helps rural residents find affordable rental housing. Tenants pay no more than 30 percent of their income on rent for decent, safe housing. Last year, USDA provided rental assistance to nearly 280,000 rural residents. Including the residents who get rental assistance, more than half a million rural Americans live in rental housing financed or directly supported by USDA.

USDA's Rural Housing Service invested in more than 1,000 essential community infrastructure projects with $1.4 billion in direct loans, guaranteed loans and grants in Fiscal Year 2013.

In other areas, the report indicates that USDA's Rural Utilities Service helped meet the power needs of 8.7 million rural customers last year by providing nearly $5 billion in loans to electric utilities. These loans helped build and expand transmission and distribution systems. During fiscal year 2013, USDA helped bring new and improved electric infrastructure to more than 80,000 Native Americans and Alaska Natives and invested a record amount - $275 million - on infrastructure projects benefitting them.

One of the many examples of how USDA investments are helping rural businesses and communities is the bio-based startup company Laurel Biocomposites, LLC, in Laurel, Neb. USDA partnered with Security Bank in Laurel to provide a $5 million loan guarantee that helped Laurel Biocomposites buy equipment and provide working capital for its first year of operation. Today, the company is operating one production line and is expected to begin full-scale production later this year. When full-scale production begins, the company plans to double its work force from seven currently to 13 to 15 workers on the plant floor.

The Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative in Madison, Wis., is using a $150,000 USDA Value Added Producer Grant to help start a regional fresh produce food hub and packinghouse to improve producers' access to local wholesale markets. The hub will create private-sector jobs and aggregate local produce sold under the "Wisconsin Farmed" brand.

Eleven families in Reedley, Calif., became homeowners in 2013 after moving into houses they jointly built through USDA's Mutual Self-Help Housing program. The group worked with oversight from Self-Help Enterprises, a pioneer in the "Sweat Equity" concept of homebuilding.

For additional information on Rural Development projects, please visit Rural Development's new interactive web map featuring program funding and success stories for the past four fiscal years. The data can be found at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RDSuccessStories.html.

View the report here.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.

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$6 Million in Fiscal Year 2014, Up to $30 Million Over Next Five Years Available

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2014 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will make $6 million in grants available this year, and up to $30 million total over the next five years as part of a new initiative to provide solutions to agricultural water challenges. The grants will be used to develop management practices, technologies and tools for farmers, ranchers, forest owners and citizens to improve water resource quantity and quality.

"Cutting edge research holds the key to tackling the complex challenges posed by prolonged drought and ensuring the future food security of our nation," said Secretary Vilsack. "These grants will help arm America's farmers and ranchers with the tools and strategies they need to adapt and succeed, and build on ongoing, cross-governmental efforts to provide relief to those impacted by severe drought."

Today's announcement builds on USDA efforts to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners mitigate the impacts of drought, including implementation of the livestock disaster assistance programs provided through the 2014 Farm Bill and $40 million in additional conservation dollars.

NIFA has identified three critical topics that will be funded through this new challenge area: 1) ensuring the water security of surface and ground water needed to produce agricultural goods and services; 2) improving nutrient management in agricultural landscapes focused on nitrogen and phosphorous; and 3) reducing impacts of chemicals and the presence and movement of environmental pathogens in the nation's water supply. NIFA's approach will link social, economic, and behavioral sciences with traditional biophysical sciences and engineering to address regional scale issues with shared hydrological processes, and meteorological and basin characteristics.

NIFA is expected to make $30 million available over the next five years for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) water challenge area, with the expectation that the new projects awarded this fiscal year would receive additional funding in the following four years. All additional funding is contingent on future congressional appropriations and achievement of project objectives and milestones.

Building on its investment in water research, NIFA will also fund projects through the National Integrated Water Quality Program (NIWQP), which addresses critical water resource issues including water quality protection and water conservation. The RFA for this program is expected to be released in the spring of 2014.

The NIWQP supports research, education and Extension projects and programs that address critical water resource issues in agricultural, rural and urbanizing watersheds. These projects reflect the growing need to combine knowledge from biological and physical sciences with social and economic sciences to address complex water issues.

The NIWQP focuses on addressing water issues at the watershed scale. Projects funded by the NIWQP are outcome-oriented, aiming to increase awareness and change behaviors related to water resource management.

Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. More information is available at: www.nifa.usda.gov.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).


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WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2014–On Monday, February 24 at 3 PM ET, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Harden will host a Google+ Hangout to highlight USDA's commitment to new farmers to build the new generation of agriculture. There are great challenges and opportunities for new and beginning farmers and ranchers as the average age of farm operators continues to rise and more diverse farmers are entering the industry. During the Hangout you will learn from Deputy Secretary Harden and two farmers who will share their experiences in agriculture.

Monday's Hangout will launch a series of outreach and education efforts led by Deputy Harden focusing new and beginning farmers. After the Hangout, we'll ask you to tell us which topics we should cover in future outreach events.

Participate in the Hangout on Monday by watching it live on the USDA Google+ page or on usda.gov/live. Submit discussion questions in advance via the G+ Event page, Twitter, YouTube or Facebook using #NewFarmers.

WHAT: USDA Google+ Hangout on the Changing Face of Agriculture

WHEN: Monday, February 24, 3 PM ET

WHERE: Watch live on USDA Google+ page or via www.usda.gov/live

WHO: USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden

Kate Danner, corn and soybean farmer, Aledo, Ill.

Alejandro Tecum, Adelante Mujeres, Forest Grove, OR

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2014–Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today made the following statement on the 2012 Census of Agriculture preliminary results:

"The preliminary data released today provide a snapshot of a strong rural America that has remained stable during difficult economic times.

We have slowed significantly the loss of farmland, which has totaled 72 million acres since 1982. New tools provided in the 2014 Farm Bill will help to further slow and reverse this trend.

The data confirm that farm income is at a record high. However, the prolonged drought and lack of disaster assistance have made it more difficult for livestock producers and mid-sized farms to survive. The 2014 Farm Bill guarantees disaster assistance and provides additional stability for farmers and ranchers.

A bright spot in the data is the slight increase in young farmers and the stable number of small farms and large-scale farms. This reflects our work to grow both local and regional food systems and exports, but we must do more for mid-sized operations. The 2014 Farm Bill will expand support for beginning farmers and new market opportunities for all producers.

Finally, the data illustrate the strength of diversity in crop production, markets, people and land use across the agricultural sector. While the aging nature of the farming population is a concern, we are hopeful that as we attract and retain the next generation of talent into rural America, this trend can also be reversed."

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2014?On Monday, February 24th at 3 PM ET, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Harden will host a Google+ Hangout to highlight USDA's commitment to new farmers to build the new generation of agriculture. There are great challenges and opportunities for new and beginning farmers and ranchers as the average age of farm operators continues to rise and more diverse farmers are entering the industry. During the Hangout you will learn from Deputy Secretary Harden and two farmers who will share their experiences in agriculture.

 

Monday's Hangout will launch a series of outreach and education efforts led by Deputy Harden focusing new and beginning farmers. After the Hangout, we'll ask you to tell us which topics we should cover in future outreach events.

 

Participate in the Hangout on Monday by watching it live on the USDA Google+ page or on usda.gov/live. Submit discussion questions in advance via the G+ Event page, Twitter, YouTube or Facebook using #NewFarmers.

 

WHAT: USDA Google+ Hangout on the Changing Face of Agriculture

WHEN: Monday, February 24, 3 PM ET

WHERE: Watch live on USDA Google+ page or via www.usda.gov/live

WHO: USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden

Kate Danner, corn and soybean farmer, Aledo, Ill.

Alejandro Tecum, Adelante Mujeres, Forest Grove, OR

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2014?On Monday, February 24th at 3 PM ET, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Harden will host a Google+ Hangout to highlight USDA's commitment to new farmers to build the new generation of agriculture. There are great challenges and opportunities for new and beginning farmers and ranchers as the average age of farm operators continues to rise and more diverse farmers are entering the industry. During the Hangout you will learn from Deputy Secretary Harden and two farmers who will share their experiences in agriculture.

 

Monday's Hangout will launch a series of outreach and education efforts led by Deputy Harden focusing new and beginning farmers. After the Hangout, we'll ask you to tell us which topics we should cover in future outreach events.

 

Participate in the Hangout on Monday by watching it live on the USDA Google+ page or on usda.gov/live. Submit discussion questions in advance via the G+ Event page, Twitter, YouTube or Facebook using #NewFarmers.

 

WHAT: USDA Google+ Hangout on the Changing Face of Agriculture

WHEN: Monday, February 24, 3 PM ET

WHERE: Watch live on USDA Google+ page or via www.usda.gov/live

WHO: USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden

Kate Danner, corn and soybean farmer, Aledo, Ill.

Alejandro Tecum, Adelante Mujeres, Forest Grove, OR

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2014 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that up to $35 million will be provided during the next three years to help landowners conserve grasslands and wetlands in the Prairie Pothole region. The announcement was made on the Secretary's behalf by Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Robert Bonnie.

Farmers, ranchers and conservation partners will have access to a mix of financial and technical assistance opportunities through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to restore wetlands and grasslands.

"This region of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Montana provides critical breeding and nesting habitat for more than 60 percent of the nation's migratory waterfowl," Bonnie said of the Prairie Pothole region. "Our goal is to help landowners manage their working lands in a way that's compatible with agricultural production and good stewardship of the soil, water and habitat resources of the area so we are really talking about keeping working lands working."

The wetlands and grasslands that characterize the region provide vital water storage to reduce regional flooding, improve water quality, and have tremendous potential to store carbon in soils, which reduces the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, one of the leading greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.

The funding comes in a couple of pieces, including:

  • Environmental Quality Incentives Program: The agency's largest conservation program will help producers with expiring Conservation Reserve Program contracts keep their lands as working grasslands or haylands through implementation of prescribed grazing and other conservation practices.
  • Ducks Unlimited-NRCS partnership for carbon credits: NRCS is working with North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana to create a carbon credit marketing system for landowners who agreed to avoid tilling grasslands. This work started in 2011 in North Dakota as part of a Conservation Innovation Grant, but now it's being expanded to the three states. Through this system, interested landowners can keep their land in grass, continue grazing and haying, and generate verified carbon credits that place a conservation easement on their land. These credits can be sold or traded into existing voluntary carbon markets.

NRCS also is providing additional technical assistance to complete certified wetland determinations, needed by producers to meet conservation compliance requirements first put in place in 1985.

Additionally, the 2014 Farm Bill has expanded opportunities for conserving grasslands and wetlands, including those in the Prairie Pothole region. To find out more about USDA's efforts to work with producers in the region click here. USDA also recently solicited proposals for Conservation Innovation Grants.

For more information on these opportunities, visit a local NRCS field office or the NRCS website.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).


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WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2014 -- The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release new 10-year agricultural projections on Feb. 13, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. EST. USDA's Agricultural Projections to 2023 will be posted to the Office of the Chief Economist's (OCE) website at www.usda.gov/oce and available in MS Word and PDF formats. Projections data will be available as Excel spreadsheets here.

USDA publishes the projections each year in February. The projections are developed by interagency committees in USDA, with the Economic Research Service (ERS) having the lead role in the preparation of the report. The new projections cover crop and livestock commodities, agricultural trade and aggregate indicators, such as farm income, through 2023. The projections do not represent a USDA forecast, but a conditional, long-run scenario based on specific assumptions about farm policy, weather, the economy and international developments. Normal weather is assumed throughout the projection period. The projections were prepared during October through December 2013, with the 2008 Farm Act assumed to be extended and remain in effect through the projection period. Therefore, the projections do not reflect the Agricultural Act of 2014.

Background on USDA's long-term projections and past issues of the report are available on the ERS website at www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/agricultural-baseline-projections.aspx.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).


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