The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) requires all foreign owners of U.S. agricultural land to report their holdings to the Secretary of Agriculture. Foreign persons who have purchased or sold agricultural land in the county are required to report the transaction to FSA within 90 days of the closing. Failure to submit the AFIDA form could result in civil penalties of up to 25 percent of the fair market value of the property. County government offices, realtors, attorneys and others involved in real estate transactions are reminded to notify foreign investors of these reporting requirements. The data gained from these disclosures is used in the preparation of periodic reports to the President and Congress concerning the effect of such holdings upon family farms and rural communities. Click here for more information on AFIDA.

Farm Service Agency (FSA) farm loans are considered progression lending. Unlike loans from a commercial lender, FSA loans are intended to be temporary in nature. Our goal is to help you graduate to commercial credit, and our farm loan staff is available to help borrowers through training and credit counseling.

The FSA team will help borrowers identify their goals to ensure financial success. FSA staff will advise borrowers on developing strategies and a plan to meet your goals and graduate to commercial credit. FSA borrowers are responsible for the success of their farming operation, but FSA staff will help in an advisory role, providing the tools necessary to help you achieve your operational goals and manage your finances.

For more information on FSA farm loan programs, contact the Stevens County USDA Service Center at 620-544-2261 or visit fsa.usda.gov.

Did you know the cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is the same as having 10 air conditioners operating 20 hours every day? In addition to their cooling power, trees provide other benefits. Trees growing along the banks of rivers and streams keep the soil and nutrients on your land and ensure the water running off is cleaner downstream. These same trees also help prevent floods by slowing down water during periods of heavy rain. As the water slows, it helps recharge underground aquifers that supply fresh water for drinking wells and irrigation.

A native deciduous tree planted in the right location can keep your house or barn temperature regulated. To maximize your energy savings, plant your large deciduous trees on the east, west and northwest of your building.  Doing so can help you reduce your air conditioning needs by 30 percent and heating needs by 20-50 percent depending on your location.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service works with farmers and ranchers to plant trees as part of conservation work. For more information, contact your Seward County USDA Service Center at 620-624-2421 or visit nrcs.usda.gov.