I have the tremendous opportunity to work with some of the greatest employees in the federal government and we have the pleasure to serve and work for the American farmer – the original environmentalist, who cares for the land and our natural resources like no other. On behalf of Indiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) employees, we all are proud to be partners with the men and women who farm in the great state of Indiana. Agriculture is an honorable profession, and we are privileged to do our part to help. We salute you – the American Farmer – on Earth Day, April 22, 2024.
Our nation’s farmers work hard to provide food and clothing for our country and the world. Their dedication to the land and all-things conservation is an inspiration to all of us as Americans, and to the next generation of farmers. Without them, we would not have the abundant food, fiber, feed, and fuel supplies that we not only depend on, but often take for granted.
Agriculture involves sacrifice, dedication and hard work. As a young person growing up on the family farm, I mostly remember the sacrifice of sleep. Getting up early and working hard until sundown is not something that always comes naturally; rather, it usually must be learned – a lesson I learned from my parents and grandparents, and that my husband and I have worked to instill in our children.
The sacrifices and work ethic you learned while you were young continues as you get older. For those who start farming later in life, they quickly encounter the long hours, the hard work, and the risks associated with farming - caring for a sick animal, changing a machinery part, determining when to plant based on the weather, or financing next year’s costs. These risks feed and clothe our families and friends.
USDA studies indicate that the agriculture sector is a bright spot in terms of economic stability and growth, with strong, global demand for U.S. agricultural products. Generation after generation of agricultural producers in Indiana get up early every day to keep this sector of the economy viable, by providing jobs and income for both rural and urban families and communities. And they do it all while caring for the environment in which agriculture exists so this and the next, and the next generation will have a plentiful and healthy planet.
In 1960 each U.S. farmer provided food for about 25 people. Today, each U.S. farmer feeds more than 166 people worldwide, an increase of over 560%. Research and new technologies have boosted production, but someone still has to go outside, work in the elements and make things grow. Without regard for the wind, rain, snow, freeze, fire, and drought, day-in and day-out, farmers can be found tending to the crops, managing their herd, and making ends meet – in the environment.
Agriculture is America’s number one export, and critical to sustaining a healthy economy. Here in Indiana, agriculture is a leading driver of our state’s economy; with our state being a national leader in poultry production. However, Indiana also ranks in the top ten states in: popcorn, tomatoes for processing, ice cream production, mint production, pork production, corn, soybeans and several fruits and vegetables. Moreover, the diversity of crops and livestock on our over 53,000 Hoosier farms ensures economic growth and stability for Indiana’s economy.
While it is easy to take agriculture for granted, we should never lose sight of the importance of a safe, abundant and affordable food supply. For this, we as a nation are fortunate. Please take the time to recognize and appreciate the men and women in agriculture who selflessly improve our quality of life and care for our Earth like no other.
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Register for a free webinar series for military veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses on how to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare for a career in agriculture. This webinar series is designed to provide information about USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher programs and resources for the military community.
Each week we will cover different topics, including:
Tuesday, April 23, 2024: USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison Overview, Boots to Business, and Veteran Business Outreach Center
Tuesday, April 30, 2024: Veterans Administration Loans, Rural Development Loans
Tuesday, May 7, 2024: Urban Agriculture, USDA Beginning Farmer Programs
Tuesday, May 14, 2024: Natural Resources Conservation Service Programs
Tuesday, May 21, 2024: Farm Service Agency Loans and Programs, Risk Management Agency Programs
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The New LIP Tool and the Farm Loan Informational Video Resources were Developed in Partnership with FarmRaise and the Farm Service Agency
USDA unveiled a new, online Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) Decision Tool and farm loan resources available to agricultural producers and cooperators who help producers access USDA disaster assistance, farm loans and other federal farm programs. The new LIP tool and the farm loan informational video resources were developed in partnership with FarmRaise and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). These tools are now available at farmraise.com/usda-fsa.
Current FarmRaise Tools and Resources
FarmRaise, Inc. has created an online, educational hub -- called Farm Service Agency 101 – comprised of videos, and resources that enable cooperators and the agricultural producers they serve to learn about and access major FSA programs.
The newly launched LIP Decision Tool assists livestock producers who suffered losses from eligible adverse weather events and other causes of loss as well as cooperators who are helping disaster-impacted livestock producers navigate available federal disaster assistance programs. The optional decision tool gives producers guidance on what is needed to gather and submit required loss documentation, reducing the amount of time needed to complete applications and enabling FSA county office staff to deliver much-needed assistance faster. Using this tool, however, is not an application for benefits or a determination of eligibility.
Through use of the LIP tool, livestock producers can provide supporting documentation, inventory numbers, and loss numbers to FSA county offices. Doing so, in advance of the initial county office visit, will help FSA staff serve customers more effectively and efficiently. Producers will also need to complete an application for LIP assistance and, upon request, may be asked to provide additional supporting documentation.
LIP offers payments to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by qualifying adverse weather events. LIP also covers losses due to eligible diseases and attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law. This includes attacks by wolves and predatory birds.
In addition to the new LIP Decision Tool, the FarmRaise educational hub offers several, easily navigated farm loan programs how-to videos designed to introduce producers to FSA’s many farm loan programs options and guide them through the application process.
More FSA program resources and tools will soon be added to the FarmRaise educational hub. Cooperators and agricultural producers are encouraged to visit the FarmRaise educational hub often to access all available resources.
About the Partnership
USDA cooperators are organizations on the frontlines of access and often are the first point of contact connecting farmers to USDA programs. The partnership between FarmRaise, Inc. and FSA, through a cooperative agreement, aims to improve producer participation and customer experience in USDA programs through education and technical assistance to young, beginning, and small-scale to mid-sized producers, producers with disabilities, and veterans.
By developing a digital educational hub that delivers free, user-friendly, producer and cooperator-tested resources USDA and FarmRaise, Inc. will help FSA expedite program delivery to agricultural producers. The hub offers how-to videos and visual aids that educate producers about FSA programs and prepares them for submitting applications for program participation.
More Information
For more information about FSA farm and farm loan programs, visit fsa.usda.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center - farmers.gov/service-center-locator. To learn more about FarmRaise, visit FarmRaise.com.
2024 Indiana FSA Important Deadline Dates
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