July 2025 Arkansas Newsletter - July, 2025.
In This Issue:
Greetings,
We are wrapping up our financial assistance obligations for FY25. I am so proud of the NRCS staff and partners who have worked so diligently this year, getting financial assistance dollars in the hands of Arkansas producers much faster than the past several years. Thank you to all our staff and partners for their hard work and thank you to all the producers who put their faith in us to design conservation solutions for their operations.
This year also happens to be NRCS’s 90th anniversary, and what a legacy we’re celebrating. For nine decades, we’ve been helping farmers and ranchers take care of their land, and in the process, we’ve helped change the face of conservation across the country. I’m so proud of how far we’ve come—from our beginnings during the Dust Bowl to the modern, science-based, people-focused agency we are today. It’s incredible to think about the impact we’ve made together, and I’m excited to see where the next chapter takes us. Let’s keep the momentum going for another 90 years and beyond.
Thank you!
Amanda Mathis
NRCS Arkansas State Conservationist
Flowing grain in a storage bin or gravity-flow wagon is like quicksand — it can kill quickly. It takes less than five seconds for a person caught in flowing grain to be trapped.
The mechanical operation of grain handling equipment also presents a real danger. Augers, power take offs, and other moving parts can grab people or clothing.
These hazards, along with pinch points and missing shields, are dangerous enough for adults; not to mention children. It is always advisable to keep children at a safe distance from operating farm equipment. Always use extra caution when backing or maneuvering farm machinery. Ensure everyone is visibly clear and accounted for before machinery is engaged.
FSA wants all farmers to have a productive crop year and that begins with putting safety first.
Ask USDA is now available as a tool for FSA customers to ask questions about FSA programs and services.
Ask USDA, available at ask.usda.gov provides information for all USDA programs. Ask USDA allows USDA customers to search for and read answers about FSA programs and services in the same location as they read about other USDA programs and services.
Customers are able to submit questions through email, chat, and phone if they need more information. This improved customer service approach provides a one-stop shopping experience that covers all of USDA’s many programs.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) celebrated 25 years of the agency’s popular Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) this May. For a quarter century, family-owned agricultural operations have received low-interest financing through the program to enhance or expand their operations and manage marketing of the commodities they produce by building or upgrading permanent and portable storage facilities and purchasing needed handling equipment.
The FSFL program was created in May 2000 to address existing on-farm grain storage needs. Since the program’s inception, more than 40,000 loans have been issued for on-farm storage, increasing storage capacity by one billion bushels. While many producers primarily associate the program with grain storage, over the past 25 years the eligible storage has expanded to include a wide variety of facilities and related equipment - new or used and permanent or portable - including hay barns, bulk tanks, and facilities for cold storage. Drying, handling and storage equipment is also eligible, including skid steers and storage and handling trucks.
Eligibility
Eligible commodities for storage loans include grains, oilseeds, peanuts, pulse crops, hay, hemp, honey, renewable biomass commodities, fruits and vegetables, floriculture, hops, seed cotton, wool, maple sap, maple syrup, milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, eggs, unprocessed meat and poultry, rye and aquaculture. Most recently, controlled atmosphere storage was added as an eligible facility and bison meat has been also added to the list of eligible commodities.
FSFL is an excellent financing program to address on-farm storage and handling needs for small and mid-sized farms, and for new farmers. Loan terms vary from three to 12 years. The maximum loan amount for storage facilities is $500,000. The maximum loan amount for storage and handling trucks is $100,000.
In 2016, FSA introduced a new storage loan category, the microloan, for loans with an aggregate balance up to $50,000. Microloans offer a 5% down payment requirement, compared to a 15% down payment for a regular FSFL, and microloans waive the regular three-year production history requirement.
How to apply
Loan applications should be filed in the administrative FSA county office that maintains a producer’s farm records. Producers can contact their FSA County Office to make an appointment. Beginning farmers who haven’t worked with FSA can visit farmers.gov/your-business/beginning-farmers for more information or view the New Farmers Fact Sheet.
For more information, visit the FSFL webpage, view the fact sheet and our Ask the Expert Blog, or contact your FSA County Office.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices.
Authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025, these economic relief payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. To streamline and simplify the delivery of ECAP, FSA will begin sending pre-filled applications to producers who submitted acreage reports to FSA for 2024 eligible ECAP commodities soon after the signup period opens on March 19, 2025. Producers do not have to wait for their pre-filled ECAP application to apply. They can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to apply using a login.gov account or contact their local FSA office to request an application once the signup period opens.
Eligible Commodities and Payment Rates
The commodities below are eligible for these per-acre payment rates:
- Wheat - $30.69 Eligible oilseeds:
- Corn - $42.91 • Canola – $31.83
- Sorghum - $42.52 • Crambe – $19.08
- Barley - $21.67 • Flax - $20.97
- Oats - $77.66 • Mustard - $11.36
- Upland cotton & Extra-long staple cotton - $84.74 • Rapeseed -$23.63
- Long & medium grain rice - $76.94 • Safflower - $26.32
- Peanuts - $75.51 • Sesame - $16.83
- Soybeans - $29.76 • Sunflower – $27.23
- Dry peas - $16.02
- Lentils - $19.30
- Small Chickpeas - $31.45
- Large Chickpeas - $24.02
Producer Eligibility
Eligible producers must report 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres to FSA on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form. Producers who have not previously reported 2024 crop year acreage or filed a notice of loss for prevented planted crops must submit an acreage report by the Aug. 15, 2025, deadline. Eligible producers can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap for eligibility and payment details.
Applying for ECAP
Producers must submit ECAP applications to their local FSA county office by Aug. 15, 2025. Only one application is required for all ECAP eligible commodities nationwide. ECAP applications can be submitted to FSA in-person, electronically using Box and One-Span, by fax or by applying online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap utilizing a secure login.gov account.
If not already on file for the 2024 crop year, producers must have the following forms on file with FSA:
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Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.
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Form CCC-901, Member Information for Legal Entities (if applicable).
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Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.
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Form CCC 943, 75 percent of Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching, or Forestry Certification (if
applicable).
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AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification.
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SF-3881, Direct Deposit.
Except for the new CCC-943, most producers, especially those who have previously participated in FSA programs, likely have these forms on file. However, those who are uncertain and want to confirm the status of their forms or need to submit the new CCC-943, can contact their local FSA county office.
If a producer does not receive a pre-filled ECAP application, and they planted or were prevented from planting ECAP eligible commodities in 2024, they should contact their local FSA office.
ECAP Payments and Calculator
ECAP payments will be issued as applications are approved. Initial ECAP payments will be factored by 85% to ensure that total program payments do not exceed available funding. If additional funds remain, FSA may issue a second payment.
ECAP assistance will be calculated using a flat payment rate for the eligible commodity multiplied by the eligible reported acres. Payments are based on acreage and not production. For acres reported as prevented plant, ECAP assistance will be calculated at 50%.
For ECAP payment estimates, producers are encouraged to visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to use the ECAP online calculator.
When changes in farm ownership or operation take place, a farm reconstitution is necessary. The reconstitution — or recon — is the process of combining or dividing farms or tracts of land based on the farming operation.
To be effective for the current fiscal year, farm combinations and farm divisions must be requested by August 1 of the fiscal year for farms subject to the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program. A reconstitution is considered to be requested when all of the required signatures are on FSA-155 and all other applicable documentation, such as proof of ownership, is submitted.
Total Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and non-ARC/PLC farms may be reconstituted at any time.
The following are the different methods used when doing a farm recon:
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Estate Method — the division of bases, allotments and quotas for a parent farm among heirs in settling an estate
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Designation of Landowner Method — may be used when (1) part of a farm is sold or ownership is transferred; (2) an entire farm is sold to two or more persons; (3) farm ownership is transferred to two or more persons; (4) part of a tract is sold or ownership is transferred; (5) a tract is sold to two or more persons; or (6) tract ownership is transferred to two or more persons. In order to use this method, the land sold must have been owned for at least three years, or a waiver granted, and the buyer and seller must sign a Memorandum of Understanding
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DCP Cropland Method — the division of bases in the same proportion that the DCP cropland for each resulting tract relates to the DCP cropland on the parent tract
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Default Method — the division of bases for a parent farm with each tract maintaining the bases attributed to the tract level when the reconstitution is initiated in the system.
For questions on your farm reconstitution, contact your local county office.
Using the correct signature when doing business with FSA can save time and prevent a delay in program benefits.
The following are FSA signature guidelines:
- Married individuals must sign their given name.
- Example—Mary Doe and John Doe are When signing FSA forms, each must use their given name, and may not sign with the name of their spouse. Mrs. Mary Doe may not sign documents as Mrs. John Doe. For Farm Loan Purposes, spouses may not sign on behalf of the other as an authorized signatory, a signature will be needed for each. For a minor, FSA requires the minor's signature and one from the minor’s parent. There are certain exceptions where a minor’s signature may be accepted without obtaining the signature of one of the parents. Despite minority status, a youth executing a promissory note for a Youth Loan will incur full personal liability for the debt and will sign individually.
Note: By signing a document with a minor, the parent is liable for actions of the minor and may be liable for refunds, liquidated damages, or other penalties, etc.
When signing on one’s behalf the signature must agree with the name typed or printed on the form or be a variation that does not cause the name and signature to be in disagreement. Example - John W. Smith is on the form. The signature may be John W. Smith or J.W. Smith or J. Smith. Or Mary J. Smith may be signed as Mrs. Mary Joe Smith, M.J. Smith, Mary Smith, etc.
FAXED signatures will be accepted for certain forms and other documents provided the acceptable program forms are approved for FAXED signatures. Producers are responsible for the successful transmission and receipt of FAXED information.
Examples of documents not approved for FAXED signatures include:
- Promissory note
- Assignment of payment
- Joint payment authorization
- Acknowledgement of commodity certificate purchase
Spouses may sign documents on behalf of each other for FSA and CCC programs in which either spouse has an interest, unless written notification denying a spouse this authority has been provided to the county office. Spouses cannot sign on behalf of each other as an authorized signatory for partnerships, joint ventures, corporations or other similar entities. Likewise, a spouse cannot sign a document on behalf of the other in order to affirm the eligibility of oneself.
Any member of a general partnership can sign on behalf of the general partnership and bind all members unless the Articles of Partnership are more restrictive. Spouses may sign on behalf of each other’s individual interest in a partnership, unless notification denying a spouse that authority is provided to the county office. Acceptable signatures for general partnerships, joint ventures, corporations, estates, and trusts must consist of an indicator “by” or “for” the individual’s name, individual’s name and capacity, or individual’s name, capacity, and name of entity.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) updates to the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Farm Loan Programs are officially in effect. These changes, part of the Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans rule, are designed to increase financial flexibility for agricultural producers, allowing them to grow their operations, boost profitability, and build long-term savings.
These program updates reflect USDA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the financial success and resilience of farmers and ranchers nationwide, offering critical tools to help borrowers manage their finances more effectively. What the new rules mean for you:
- Low-interest installment set-aside program: Financially distressed borrowers can now defer up to one annual loan payment at a reduced interest rate. This simplified option helps ease financial pressure while keeping farming operations running smoothly.
- Flexible repayment terms: New repayment options give borrowers the ability to increase their cash flow and build working capital reserves, allowing for long-term financial planning that includes saving for retirement, education, and other future needs.
- Reduced collateral requirements: FSA has lowered the amount of additional loan security needed for direct farm loans, making it easier for borrowers to leverage their existing equity without putting their personal residence at risk.
These new rules provide more financial freedom to borrowers. By giving farmers and ranchers better tools to manage their operations, we’re helping them build long-term financial stability. It’s all about making sure they can keep their land, grow their business, and invest in the future.
If you’re an FSA borrower or considering applying for a loan, now is the time to take advantage of these new policies. We encourage you to reach out to your local FSA farm loan staff to ensure you fully understand the wide range of loan making and servicing options available to assist with starting, expanding, or maintaining your agricultural operation.
To conduct business with FSA, please contact your local USDA Service Center.
There are options for Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan customers during financial stress. If you are a borrower who is unable to make payments on a loan, contact your local FSA Farm Loan Manager to learn about your options.
Derrick Young and Thomas Armstrong inspire today’s youth to pursue a future in agriculture thanks to help from their local NRCS field service center.
By Claire Kausch, NRCS Arkansas Public Affairs Specialist
In an ever-changing world, two things are for certain: we need food, and we need hard-working, driven people to grow it. Derrick Young and his uncle, Thomas Armstrong, are fourth and third generation farmers respectively, and their hope is that their passion for agriculture is passed down for many more generations to come. But they know that this passion isn’t inherent, it’s inherited.
Being Raised on Hard Work
The pair own and operate Armstrong and Young Farm Services, LLC in Brinkley, Arkansas, more than 1,941 acres of land, but their experience with farming goes all the way back to their childhoods. Both were born and raised on a farm and told stories of long, arduous hours spent working on their family operation and waking up early on weekdays to complete farm chores before they were dismissed to go to school.
Young and Armstrong started their LLC after Young retired from his impressive two-decade career with the United States Marine Corps.
“When I reflect on the leadership aspects that were expected of me in the military, I realize that my grandfather already instilled many of them in me at a young age: waking up early, rising to the occasion to do the work that was needed,” Young explained. “The Marines had just fine-tuned those traits that were already there.”
Sharing Values with the Youth of Today
Rising to the occasion is what Young and Armstrong now empower future generations to do, wanting to pass these values of hard work and ambition that they learned in childhood and early adulthood down to the youth of today. They are doing this the way they know best: through agriculture. The family held a field day on their land for school children from Marianna, Forrest City, and Helena to visit their farm, see their equipment, and learn about what it means to be a farmer or landowner. They plan to host another field day soon.
“We hope that the next generation can look at the technological improvements in agriculture in the last several years and realize that agriculture isn’t what it used to be—it’s been innovated,” Armstrong said.
He explained that he’s noticed a decline over the years in the number of kids that have an affiliation with agriculture in their families in comparison to the community he grew up in. He believes that, without familiarity with the industry, it’s less likely a child becomes a farmer when they grow up. But by introducing the youth to agriculture at their field days, Armstrong and Young have already noticed that excitement being reinvigorated in the younger generations in their communities—even claiming to know a 13-year-old that said he wants to farm now that he’s been to their field day.
“Farming is the backbone of America. You have to have farmers. So, our hope is to encourage the next generation to take on agriculture,” said Young. “At one point (this land here was in rough condition), but we’ve transformed it into a thing of pride, and we plan to hand it off to the next generation as something that’s better, more efficient, and more productive.”
Leaning on Local Resources
Such a transformation takes time, money, and a lot of hard work. For the pair, these obstacles were overcome by teaming up with the Monroe County Conservation District and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). With their assistance, Armstrong and Young secured Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contracts to help cover the costs of Irrigation Pipeline (430), Irrigation Reservoir (436), Irrigation Water Management (449), Pumping Plant (533), and other practices to help protect, conserve, and improve the land.
“We couldn’t have done this without the NRCS,” said Young, looking out at their land.
“It’s a collaborative effort,” added Armstrong. “And at the end of the day, everyone’s goal is to do what’s best for you and the land.”
By Jessica Roles, NRCS Arkansas State Public Affairs Specialist
Growing up in a small Arkansas town, Edgar Montgomery reminisced of the days working with his father Martin (Gent) Montgomery on the farm – driving the tractor, picking cotton and more, all while learning the rhythm of the seasons. But it wasn’t until later in life that Edgar decided to follow that spark his father had and turn his new passion into a profession.
With a dream of growing and selling his produce at local farmers markets, Edgar began mapping out a plan. But starting a farm from scratch isn’t easy. Land, equipment, knowledge – it all comes at a cost. That’s when he found a partner who would help bring his vision to life: the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
From the beginning, NRCS district conservationists, soil scientists and others worked alongside Edgar to understand his goals and guide him through conservation-focused practices that would lay a strong foundation for his farm. The first big step was a high tunnel system – a tool that would change the game for his vegetable production.
“When you’re fortunate enough to inherit a family farm, you can just let it go to seed or you can do something with it,” said Montgomery, “The NRCS helped me build the high tunnel and get a start on my farming. It’s its own ecosystem so it makes it much easier to manage. The high tunnel allows me to grow earlier in the Spring and keep going later into Fall.”
Using the high tunnel also means more potential for vegetables and fruit, a longer market season, and better income. Plus, it protects the crops from all kinds of weather.
NRCS helped Edgar design and install the high tunnel through their High Tunnel System Initiative, part of the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). It wasn’t just about putting up a structure however, it was about teaching Edgar how to manage it efficiently, rotate crops, and maintain healthy soil.
“They didn’t just say, ‘Here’s your tunnel, good luck.’ They stuck with me, made sure I understood what to plant and when, how to manage moisture, how to build soil health – it was real support,” Edgar said.
Now, Edgar grows a colorful variety of vegetables and fruit: tomatoes, peppers, squash, and watermelons. Eventually he wants to spend weekends setting up a booth to sell his product at local farmer’s markets, proudly offering fresh-picked produce to the community. He hopes that shoppers will walk away not only with a bag of crisp fruits and veggies, but also a sense of connection – to the land, to the farmer, and to a community built on sustainability and health.
Edgar’s farm has become a small but growing hub of activity and inspiration. He hopes to have additional high tunnels and pollinator plants in the future.
“NRCS helped me turn my vision into a real, working farm,” he said. “They’re not just about land and water – they’re about people. They invest in your success.”
For Edgar Montgomery, farming is more than a business, it’s a calling to his origins and a vision rooted in care, service, and the joy of watching something grow. Thanks to his determination and the support of NRCS, his future, and his vegetables, are thriving.
NRCS is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. We began our celebration by posting a blog and an interactive timeline about NRCS history and a video about how we’ve helped farmers over the years. We’ve also been sharing some historical photos on social media that show how our mission has changed and stayed the same over the years.
Now, we’d like for you to join us in our celebration. We’d like to hear your stories and see photos of your operation – Then and Now.
Does your agricultural operation have a fascinating history you’d like to share? Are there interesting stories about how your operation came to be or how it’s evolved? Do you have photos of your operation from its beginnings to the present day? If so, we want to hear from you!
This summer, we want to highlight how things have changed on your operation over the years in our #ThenAndNow campaign on NRCS and Farmers.Gov social media.
Here’s how to participate:
- Find a few historical photos of your operation from when it began - Then.
- Using your smartphone or digital camera, take photos of your operation - Now.
- In a few sentences, tell us: how has your operation changed over the years? How has it expanded, modernized equipment and practices, or transformed with conservation?
- Include your name, the location of your operation, and links to any social media accounts you manage to promote your operation.
- Submit the above to SM.FPAC.NRCS.Facebook@usda.gov by Friday, August 1, 2025.
Please note that by submitting your photo/video, you are granting USDA permission to use these materials for outreach and education purposes.
Follow NRCS on X and Facebook, and Farmers.Gov on Facebook, X, and Instagram. We look forward to seeing and sharing your stories!
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) approved changes to improve insurance coverage for American livestock producers. These updates will take effect for the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP), Livestock Gross Margin (LGM), and Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) insurance programs beginning with the 2026 crop year.
Livestock Risk Protection
LRP provides protection for livestock producers looking to insure against declining market prices. This program offers coverage levels ranging from 70% to 100% of the “expected ending values” (expected price at the end of the insurance period).
The changes to LRP include:
• Modifying the termination date to Sept. 30 and the premium billing date to the first day of the second month after the end date of endorsement.
• Adding two new types of LRP coverage:
• Feeder Cattle - Unborn Calves will provide coverage for beef or beef/dairy cross calves sold within two weeks after birth.
• Fed Cattle - Cull Cows will provide coverage for dairy cull cows with a coverage limitation of 13 weeks.
• Allowing coverage based on a forward contract or purchase agreement.
• Additional record requirement includes a copy of the purchase agreement and proof of delivery.
• Adding drought exemption for Feeder Cattle that will be based on the Drought Monitor’s Drought Severity and Coverage Index (DSCI).
• Adding additional record requirements for Feeder Cattle:
• Applicable when livestock are purchased and not marketed within 60 days of the end date.
• The sex of the feeder cattle must be verified in the marketing or purchase records.
Livestock Gross Margin
LGM provides protection to cattle, dairy and swine producers against unexpected decreases in gross margin (market value of livestock or milk minus input costs). The program calculates the expected gross margin for a period using future market prices and pays an indemnity to the extent that the actual gross margin is less than the expected gross margin.
The changes to LGM include:
• Modifying the termination date to Aug. 31 and the premium billing date to the first day of the second month after the Specific Coverage Endorsement ended.
Dairy Revenue Protection
For dairy producers, DRP provides protection against a decline in revenue (yield and/or price) on the milk produced from dairy cows on a quarterly basis. The expected revenue is based on futures prices for milk and dairy commodities, and the amount of covered milk production elected by the dairy producer.
The changes to DRP include:
• Modifying the DRP termination date to Jan. 31 and the premium billing date to the first day of the third month after the end date of endorsement.
• Modifying the program to give additional flexibilities to producers impacted by an animal disease when they have suffered an eligible loss.
• RMA is increasing the minimum declarable butterfat test to 4.00 pounds, increasing maximum declarable butterfat test to 6.00 pounds and increasing minimum declarable protein test to 3.20 pounds.
More Information
LRP, LGM and DRP are available to livestock producers in all states and counties. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online at the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov or by contacting their RMA Regional Office. RMA’s Basics for Beginners provides
information for those new to crop insurance.
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USDA Service Centers
Arkansas USDA-FSA
700 West Capitol Room 3416, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
FSA State Executive Director – William (Ty) Davis
FSA Phone: 501-301-3000 | FSA Fax: 855-652-2082
www.fsa.usda.gov
www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Arkansas/index
Arkansas USDA-NRCS
700 West Capitol Room 3416, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
NRCS State Conservationist - Amanda Mathis
NRCS Phone: 501-301-3149
www.nrcs.usda.gov
www.ar.nrcs.usda.gov
USDA-RMA / Jackson, Mississippi Regional Office
803 Liberty Road, Jackson, MS 39232-9000
RMA Regional Director – Roddric Bell
RMA Phone: 601-965-4771 | RMA Fax: 601-965-4517
Jackson, Mississippi | RMA (usda.gov)
Please contact your local Office for questions specific to your operation or county. To find contact information for your local office visit the website below: Get Started at Your USDA Service Center | Farmers.gov
Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this meeting/event should contact Rita Smith-Clay at 501-301-3200 or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.
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