South Dakota USDA Newsletter - August 17, 2026
In This Issue:
Greetings from the South Dakota FSA State Office,
The summer of 2026 has proven to be a challenge for all of us. The drought, heat, wind and other weather events have once again pushed us to the limit. The extreme heat has been very stressful on livestock operations in South Dakota and neighboring states. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) understands the emotional stress this difficult situation puts on producers and families. FSA’s Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) offers some relief for this unfortunate loss. If losses occur, document and report your losses to your local county FSA office. Hopefully, this program provides some relief for producers who experienced tragic losses.
You can tell that summer is coming to a close when county fairs and Dakotafest are happening. We wish all 4-H and FFA members the best of luck as you participate in your local achievement days, county fairs and the State Fair. FFA and 4-H members should check out FSA Youth Loans for their next livestock project.
FSA will have a booth (#3602) at Dakotafest in Mitchell, South Dakota on Aug. 18-20, 2026. Please stop by to visit with FSA staff. You’re also invited to attend the Dakotafest Data Modernization Listening Session led by USDA Under Secretaries Luke Lindberg and Dr. Lauren Stump on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 1:15 p.m. in the South Dakota Farm Bureau tent. Please register to attend the event.
As the summer ends, we hope to see you all at the State Fair! FSA is hosting a booth in the Value-Added Ag Center Day Sponsor Tent on Thursday, Sept. 3, and is participating in a mini session on USDA resources for specialty crop producers at noon.
We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events. Please contact your local FSA office at any time with questions or make an appointment online with your FSA county office.
Roger Chase
State Executive Director, South Dakota FSA
Top of page
Greetings,
First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt regards to the producers across South Dakota (SD) who have experienced animal mortality during the hot, dry conditions this season. These challenging circumstances place tremendous pressure on families, operations, and communities, and NRCS stands ready to support producers as they navigate the impacts of extreme weather.
Many parts of the state faced difficult weather conditions this summer, connecting with others in trying times can be beneficial. Our state continues to have great opportunities for learning and networking regarding natural resource management and agriculture. This August, please consider attending the 2026 Leopold Conservation Award Recipient Tour which will be held on Thursday, August 20th at the Anderson Ranch near Meadow, SD. Also, the 2026 Small Scale Ag School, hosted by the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition on Friday, August 28 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in Huron, SD. This event offers hands-on learning and producer-led discussions designed to support farmers and ranchers in building resilient, sustainable operations.
Looking ahead to September, be sure to stop by the Day Sponsor Tent at the SD State Fair during Value Added Ag Day on Thursday, September 3 at 12 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear “Farm Mom Phenom” Kelly Johnson speak on behalf of NRCS and FSA about the wonderful services and assistance received throughout her journey, and how these programs have helped grow and strengthen her operation. Later in September, the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition will host the 2026 Soil Health School September 15-17 at David Kruger’s Farm near Twin Brooks, SD, and the Abbey of the Hills near Marvin, SD. More details can be found here: 2026 Soil Health School Flyer.
Visit your local service center to ask about upcoming learning opportunities, discuss your goals, and learn how an NRCS specialist or program can support your efforts. Thank you to all SD farmers, ranchers, land managers, landowners, and conservation partners who are moving the needle of conservation in our state.
Sincerely,
Jessica Michalski
Acting State Conservationist, South Dakota NRCS
Top of page
August 20, 2026 - Leopold Conservation Award Recipient Tour
August 28, 2026 - 2026 Small Scale Ag School
September 3, 2026 - Farm Mom Phenom with USDA at the Day Sponsor Tent at the SD State Fair - 12:00 p.m.
September 7, 2026 - Labor Day Holiday - USDA Service Centers Closed
September 15, 2026 - 2026 Soil Health School
September 30, 2026 - Deadline to apply for Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage 1, Stage 1 Quality and Stage 2
August 2026
|
Farm Operating Loans — Direct
|
5.250% |
|
Farm Ownership Loans — Direct
|
6.000% |
|
Farm Ownership Loans — Direct Down Payment, Beginning Farmer or Rancher
|
2.000% |
|
Emergency Loans
|
3.750% |
|
Farm Storage Facility Loans (7 years)
|
4.375% |
Top of page
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers disaster assistance and low-interest loan programs to assist you in your recovery efforts following drought. Available programs and loans include:
-
Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) - provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters including qualifying drought (includes native grass for grazing).
-
Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) – provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who suffered grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned or cash leased land
-
Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) - offers payments to eligible producers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather. Drought is not an eligible adverse weather event, except when associated with anthrax, a condition that occurs because of drought and directly results in the death of eligible livestock.
-
Tree Assistance Program (TAP) – provides assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers for qualifying tree, shrub and vine losses due to natural disasters including excessive wind and qualifying drought.
-
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) - provides emergency relief for losses due to feed or water shortages, disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, which are not adequately addressed by other disaster programs.
-
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) - provides emergency funding for farmers and ranchers to implement emergency water conservation measures including water systems for livestock and existing irrigation systems for orchards and vineyards.
-
Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) - provides landowners and nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) stewards with financial assistance to restore damaged NIPF acres.
To establish or retain FSA program eligibility, you must report prevented planting and failed acres (crops and grasses). Prevented planting acreage must be reported on form FSA-576, Notice of Loss, no later than 15 calendar days after the final planting date as established by FSA and Risk Management Agency (RMA).
For more information on these programs, contact your local County USDA Service Center or visit fsa.usda.gov/disaster.
Top of page
Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs) and Loan Deficiency Payments (LDPs) provide financing and marketing assistance for wheat, feed grains, soybeans, and other oilseeds, pulse crops, rice, peanuts, cotton, wool and honey. MALs provide you with interim financing after harvest to help you meet cash flow needs without having to sell your commodities when market prices are typically at harvest-time lows. A producer who is eligible to obtain a loan, but agrees to forgo the loan, may obtain an LDP if such a payment is available.
FSA is now accepting requests for 2026 MALs and LDPs for all eligible commodities after harvest. Requests for loans and LDPs shall be made on or before the final availability date for the respective commodities.
Commodity certificates are available to loan holders who have outstanding nonrecourse loans for wheat, upland cotton, rice, feed grains, pulse crops (dry peas, lentils, large and small chickpeas), peanuts, wool, soybeans and designated minor oilseeds. These certificates can be purchased at the posted county price (or adjusted world price or national posted price) for the quantity of commodity under loan, and must be immediately exchanged for the collateral, satisfying the loan. MALs redeemed with commodity certificates are not subject to Adjusted Gross Income provisions.
To be considered eligible for an LDP, you must have form CCC-633EZ, Page 1 on file at your local FSA Office before losing beneficial interest in the crop. Pages 2, 3 or 4 of the form must be submitted when payment is requested.
Marketing loan gains (MLGs) and loan deficiency payments (LDPs) are no longer subject to payment limitations, actively engaged in farming and cash-rent tenant rules.
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) provisions state that if your total applicable three-year average AGI exceeds $900,000, then you’re not eligible to receive an MLG or LDP. You must have a valid CCC-941 on file to earn a market gain of LDP. The AGI does not apply to MALs redeemed with commodity certificate exchange.
For more information and additional eligibility requirements, contact your local County USDA Service Center at or visit fsa.usda.gov.
Top of page
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.
Top of page
Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans require applicants to have a satisfactory credit history. A credit report is requested for all FSA direct farm loan applicants. These reports are reviewed to verify outstanding debts, see if bills are paid timely and to determine the impact on cash flow.
Information on your credit report is strictly confidential and is used only as an aid in conducting FSA business.
Our farm loan staff will discuss options with you if you have an unfavorable credit report and will provide a copy of your report. If you dispute the accuracy of the information on the credit report, it is up to you to contact the issuing credit report company to resolve any errors or inaccuracies.
FSA’s farm loan staff will guide you through the process, which may require you to reapply for a loan after improving or correcting your credit report.
For more information on FSA farm loan programs, contact your local County USDA Service Center or visit fsa.usda.gov.
Top of page
Caden and Jori Smiley ranch near Red Owl, South Dakota, carrying on a lifelong connection to agriculture. Both involved in the conservation community, Caden grew up on his family’s ranch in the same area, while Jori spent much of her childhood helping at her grandparents’ place near Lead. When Caden returned to the family ranch around 2016, he took over full responsibility for managing the ranch. After the West River Grazing School, hosted by the South Dakota Grassland Coalition, who is supported by a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Cooperation Agreement, they soon realized there were opportunities to improve their land, and they were eager to get started.
That new perspective led them to work more closely with NRCS field office staff to restore productivity to their farmland, advancing soil health, and improving plant diversity. Together, they identified next steps for enhancing water resources on the property and collaborated on a comprehensive, producer‑driven grazing plan.
“Helping producers like the Smileys build soil health and achieve their regenerative goals is what makes this job meaningful,” said local Soil Conservation Technician, Cody Skogen. “The Smileys understand the importance of soil health and what it does not only for the ground they run on, but also the product they produce.”
Living in the Sulphur Creek area, water is a limited resource. “Sulfur Creek is notorious for water not being desirable- other than a couple weeks in the spring, you don’t want cattle drinking it and it is difficult to cross,” said Faith Service Center District Conservationist, Hanna Hostutler. Luckily, the Smileys have existing waterlines near their property and through financial assistance with NRCS, plan to drill a well to bring water to the site while utilizing the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
Aside from water, another element of their conservation plan to improve soil health and forage quality with NRCS involves introducing virtual fencing and cross fencing, with the average collar starting at around $90/head for the initial investment, then a yearly fee after that. Due to living in a remote area with minimal cellular service, they invested in satellite e-collars for practicality. In addition, cross fencing has allowed them to rotate their cattle every one to three days using polywire, which ensures livestock stay on fresh forage while also shifting their calving dates to better match natural cycles. Jori explains that they’re working to move away from the mindset of “this is just how we’ve always done it” and instead seek ways to improve each year. “Caden is the big-picture person, always thinking outside the box,” she added.
Their efforts are already regenerating the land. The Smileys have documented increases in both plant and wildlife diversity across their pastures, which is a trend they hope will continue. “It’s encouraging to see that diversity coming back,” Caden said. “It’s fun to see the wildlife and birds we have coming in.” With a current plan and continued partnership with NRCS, the Smileys are focused on restoring their land and ensuring it remains productive and resilient for the next generation of ranchers.
Top of page
Local Working Groups (LWGs) are where conservation decisions begin, and producers play the leading role. These groups bring together farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, conservation districts, Tribal representatives, and local organizations to ensure USDA conservation programs address the real needs of the community.
Your Voice Matters
LWGs depend on producers to identify the resource concerns that matter most on working lands. By sharing your experiences, you help shape conservation priorities, recommend funding levels, and guide which practices best support local agriculture. Every meeting is open to the public and held at least once a year, giving you a direct and accessible way to stay informed and involved.
How Local Working Groups Work
- LWGs develop a conservation needs assessment based on local input.
- They identify priority resource concerns and recommend practices and funding needs.
- Recommendations are sent to NRCS and the State Technical Committee within 14 days.
- NRCS responds in writing within 90 days to ensure transparency and follow through in decision making.
- Meetings are publicly noticed in local newspapers so all producers have the chance to participate.
Working Together for Better Outcomes
Producers are the backbone of LWGs, but collaboration with conservation districts, agencies, and Tribal partners strengthens the process. This teamwork helps coordinate conservation efforts across counties and ensures all voices, including those from historically underserved communities, are part of shaping local priorities.
Why It Matters
When producers participate, conservation programs become more targeted, more effective, and more supportive of real-world agriculture. LWGs make sure your insights guide how resources are invested and help NRCS build programs that support strong and resilient working lands.
Top of page
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds agricultural producers that the final date to apply for or make changes to their existing crop insurance coverage is quickly approaching for fall planted crops. Sales closing dates vary by crop and location, but the next major sales closing dates are Sept. 1 and Sept. 30.
Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2027 crop year. Crop insurance coverage decisions must be made on or before the applicable sales closing date. The USDA’s Risk Management Agency lists sales closing dates in the Actuarial Information Browser, under the “Dates” tab.
Producers can also access the RMA Map Viewer tool to visualize the insurance program date choices for acreage reporting, cancellation, contract change, earliest planting, end of insurance, end of late planting period, final planting, premium billing, production reporting, sales closing, and termination dates, when applicable, per commodity, insurance plan, type and practice. Additionally, producers can access the RMA Information Reporting System tool to specifically identify applicable dates for their operation, using the “Insurance Offer Reports” application.
Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Producers may select from several coverage options, including yield coverage, revenue protection and area risk plans of insurance.
Crop insurance options include Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and Micro Farm. Whole-Farm Revenue Protection provides a risk management safety net for all commodities on the farm under one insurance policy and is available in all counties nationwide. Micro Farm aims to help direct market and small-scale producers that may sell locally, and this policy simplifies record keeping and covers post-production costs such as washing and value-added products.
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.
Top of page
To ease financial pressures and strengthen risk management options for American farmers, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is announcing temporary premium payment flexibilities and the reinstatement of the option to purchase additional 5% prevented planting coverage.
Payment Flexibilities
RMA is authorizing Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to provide producers with up to 60 additional days to pay crop insurance premiums, administrative fees, and amounts due under Written Payment Agreements with scheduled premium billing dates between July 1, 2026, and Sept. 30, 2026.
During this extended period, AIPs may waive interest charges. Interest will begin accruing for unpaid premium and administrative fees only after the end of the additional 60-day period or upon reaching the policy’s termination date, whichever occurs first.
To further support these efforts, RMA will defer collection of unpaid producer premiums and administrative fees from AIPs and waive associated interest beginning with the August monthly accounting cycle.
Prevented Planting Coverage
Additionally, RMA is reinstating the option for insured producers to purchase an additional 5% prevented planting coverage beginning with crops associated with the Aug. 31, 2026, filing date for the 2027 and succeeding crop years. This added coverage enhances producers’ ability to manage risk in situations where extreme weather or other conditions prevent normal planting.
These actions underscore RMA’s commitment to supporting farmers and ranchers by providing needed flexibility and strengthening coverage options during a challenging period for American agriculture. AIPs will notify affected policyholders directly regarding these relief measures.
Producers should contact their local crop insurance agent or visit the RMA website for guidance on how these updates may affect coverage options.
Top of page
USDA in South Dakota
200 4th Street SW
Huron, SD 57350
FSA Phone: (605) 352-1160
NRCS Phone: (605) 352-1200
RMA Phone: (406) 651-8450
|
|
South Dakota Farm Service Agency
South Dakota Natural Resources Conservation Service
|
|
Farm Service Agency
State Executive Director:
Roger Chase
Deputy State Executive Director:
Ryan Vanden Berge
Administrative Officer:
Theresa Hoadley
Program Managers:
Owen Fagerhaug - Conservation
Logan Kopfmann - Disaster Relief
Donita Garry - Program Delivery
Bridget Weber - Farm Loan Program
South Dakota State Committee:
Mark Gross | Chair
Chance Davis | Member
Douglas Noem | Member
Betsy Pravecek | Member
Brian Top | Member
|
Natural Resources Conservation
Service
Acting State Conservationist:
Jessica Michalski
Assistant State Conservationists:
Jessica Michalski - Ecological Sciences
James Reedy - Engineering
Nathan Jones - Soils
Val Dupraz - Programs
Deke Hobbick - Compliance
Denise Gauer - Management & Strategy
|
|
South Dakota FSA State Committee Meeting: August 25, 2026, 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. CT at Federal Building, 200 4th Street SW, Huron, SD 57350.
- Questions? Contact Jean Wharton at jean.wharton@usda.gov.
- If you need to request an accommodation, please contact Jean Wharton at (605) 352-1160 or jean.wharton@usda.gov by August 18, 2026, to request accommodations (e.g., an interpreter, translator, seating arrangements, etc.) or materials in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape - captioning, etc.).
|
| Get Started at Your USDA Service Center |
|
