Manager's Comments
The deadline for the Livestock Forage Program, ELAP-Water Hauling and ELAP-Feed Hauling programs are January 31, 2022. This means there is only 8 more working days left before the deadline. If anyone has livestock that were grazed this summer and has not already completed an application, they need to call us now to schedule an appointment and complete the application process. We will be holding a short virtual information meeting today, January 19th at 1:00 pm for anyone that has not yet applied and would like additional information on these programs. If you would like to attend, please click on this link Click here to join the meeting to access the meeting. The meeting will be less than an hour and cover the basics of each of the three programs and the application process.
Dates, Deadlines, Interest Rates, and CCC Loan Rates
Important Dates and Deadlines
Jan. 31-Deadline to Apply for Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)
Jan. 31-Deadline to apply for water and feed transportation assistance through ELAP
Jan. 31- Deadline to Apply for Loan or LDP for Mohair, Unshorn Pelts (LDP Only) or Wool Feb. 4-Deadline to apply for Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP)
Feb. 4-Deadline to submit late-filed Organic Certification Cost Share Program applications for 2020 and 2021
Feb. 18-Deadline for Dairy Margin Coverage and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage Program
Feb. 25-Deadline for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Mar. 15-Enrollment/Election Period ends for 2022 ARCPLC Program
Mar. 15-Deadline to Purchase 2022 NAP Coverage for Spring-Seeded Crops
Farm Loan Program Interest Rates
2.125% - Farm Operating Loans, Direct
3.000% - Farm Ownership Loans, Direct
2.500% - Farm Ownership, Joint Financing
1.500% - Farm Ownership Loans, Beginning Farmer Down Payment
Farm Storage Facility Loan Program Interest Rates
0.875% - Farm Storage Facility Loans, 3-Year
1.250% - Farm Storage Facility Loans, 5-Year
1.375% - Farm Storage Facility Loans, 7-Year
1.500% - Farm Storage Facility Loans, 10-Year
1.625% - Farm Storage Facility Loans, 12-Year
January 2022 Commodity Loan Interest Rates
1.250% - Commodity Loans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Minnesota is holding a public Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) webinar with the University of Minnesota Extension at 2 p.m. on Jan. 26, 2022. Farmers and others involved in agriculture will have an opportunity to learn more about the ARC/PLC programs and factors to consider when making elections for the 2022 crop year.
The ARC and PLC programs provide financial protections to farmers from substantial drops in crop prices or revenues and are vital economic safety-nets for most American farms. Producers can elect coverage and enroll in crop-by-crop ARC-County or PLC, or ARC-Individual for the entire farm, for the 2022 crop year. Although election changes for 2022 are optional, enrollment (signed contract) is required for each year of the program. If a producer has a multi-year contract on the farm and makes an election change for 2022, it will be necessary to sign a new contract. The webinar will highlight program information and review coverage options.
You can join the Minnesota FSA and University of Minnesota Extension ARC/PLC webinar through the following link:
Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2:00 p.m. (CST) ARC/PLC Webinar for Minnesota
Click HERE to join the Jan. 26, 2 p.m. Minnesota Webinar
Participants can register in advance or the day of the webinar. The webinar will be recorded and posted for future viewing at z.umn.edu/farmbill2022.
Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to participate in this meeting should contact Daniel Mahoney at (651) 602-7710, or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339, and daniel.mahoney@usda.gov by January 20, 2022.
FSA is currently accepting applications for ARC/PLC enrollment through March 15, 2022. To learn more about ARC/PLC visit fsa.usda.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center.
Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email and other digital tools. Because of the pandemic, some USDA Service Centers are open to limited visitors. Producers should contact their Service Center to set up an in-person or phone appointment. Additionally, more information related to USDA’s response and relief for producers can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
Beltrami, Clearwater and East Polk Counties U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that County Committee elections are over and the ballots have been counted.
For Beltrami County Chad Smischney of Northome was elected to represent local administrative area (LAA) #2. For Clearwater County Keith Gebhardt of Leonard was elected to represent local administrative area (LAA) #2. For East Polk County Kyle Vig was elected to represent local administrative area (LAA) #2
County committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA. They help deliver programs at the county level and work to serve the needs of local producers. All recently elected county committee members will take office in January 2022 and will be joining the existing committee. Every FSA office is required to have a county committee, which are made up of local farmers, ranchers and foresters elected by local producers.
County committee members impact the administration of FSA within a community by applying their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make important decisions on commodity support programs, conservation programs, indemnity and disaster programs, emergency programs and eligibility.
County committee members serve local producers through their decision making and help shape the culture of a local FSA office. They also ensure the fair and equitable administration of FSA farm programs in their counties and are accountable to the Secretary of Agriculture. Members conduct hearings and reviews as requested by the state committee, ensure underserved farmers, ranchers and foresters are fairly represented, make recommendations to the state committee on existing programs, monitor changes in farm programs and inform farmers of the purpose and provisions of FSA programs. They also assist with outreach and inform underserved producers, such as beginning farmers, ranchers and foresters, about FSA opportunities.
For more information, visit the FSA website at fsa.usda.gov/elections or contact the Beltrami, Clearwater or East Polk County office.
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, East Polk producers should contact the West Polk office at 218-281-2809 ext. 2 and Beltrami/Clearwater producers should call the Beltrami County office at 218-751-1942 ext. 2.
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