Idaho State Office FSA Newsletter - August 30, 2026
In This Issue:
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August 31: Review ARC/PLC Base Allocation Summary
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September 7: Labor Day Office Closed
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September 30: Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) Deadline
Click here to learn more about local deadlines and ongoing programs.
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We have again had a high number of devastating wildfires in the state and across the West. The amount of destruction is absolutely demoralizing. So many producers have lost livestock, pasture, infrastructure, and property. Amid all this turmoil I would like to point out a few bright spots that have hopefully helped relieve some of the pain.
Earlier this month, Secretary Rollins visited Idaho to assess the fire situation and talk with stakeholders. It was a short visit but very impactful. Secretary Rollins, Secretary Burgum of the Interior, Senator Risch, Congressman Simpson, and Congressman Fulcher met with other state and national leaders to discuss wildfire prevention and response. I observed their roundtable discussion about wildfires and our administration and leaders in Idaho get it. They understand that we need to lower fuel loads to have a chance at fighting these fires going forward.
Another encouraging thing that has come from these fires is the amount of community support and kindness that has developed to help those in need. There have been benefit dinners, auctions, donations, and much more. It is wonderful to see. Tough times can tear us apart or pull us together, so it’s great to see us remember what community is about and help our neighbors.
The last thing that I will mention is that FSA has several programs that can help producers recover from wildfires. FSA has programs that can help with livestock, pasture, hay, and fencing losses in addition to assistance for helping with the cost of feed, livestock, and water transportation. If you have been impacted by wildfires in any way, reach out to your local FSA office to report losses and see which FSA programs can help your recovery efforts. We want to do all we can to keep agriculture productive in Idaho.
Respectfully,
Kevin Andrus
State Executive Director
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced eligible landowners have from June 1 until Aug. 31, 2026, to review and consider base acre increases on farms enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, as authorized by provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The Act provides landowners with the opportunity to increase base acres in preparation for enrollment in ARC and PLC beginning with the 2026 and future crop years. Nationwide, up to 30 million new base acres can be added by eligible farms.
ARC and PLC are cornerstone commodity safety net programs that provide financial protection to farmers when market prices or revenues decline. These programs help producers manage risk and maintain the economic viability of their operations amid challenging market and weather conditions.
FSA began notifying eligible landowners, by direct mail, that Base Allocation Summaries outlining potential base acre increases will be available for review beginning June 1, 2026. These Base Allocation Summaries can be accessed online at fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc using a Login.gov account. Landowners who do not currently have a Login.gov account are encouraged to contact their local FSA county office to obtain their Base Allocation Summary beginning June 1, 2026. The Base Allocation Summary should be reviewed and any necessary actions completed by Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.
Farm operators often maintain detailed historical planting records. Early communication between landowners and farm operators will ensure the Base Allocation Summary is accurate and all necessary actions are completed by the deadline.
To be eligible for new base acres, a current covered commodity must have been planted or prevented from being planted on the farm during the 2019 through 2023 crop years. The farm’s average planted and prevented planted acres during that period must exceed the total existing base acres for all covered commodities in effect on Sept. 30, 2024, excluding unassigned base acres. FSA farm total base acres cannot exceed the farm’s total cropland acres. If eligible requests exceed the nationwide cap of 30 million acres, USDA will apply an across-the-board, prorated reduction to all approved new base acres.
For additional information, producers should contact their local FSA county office or visit U.S. Department of Agriculture online at fsa.usda.gov/state-offices.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for farmers to apply for Stages 1 and 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to Sept. 30, 2026. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing greater flexibility for farmers who experienced quality losses on eligible crops.
Now, when applying for this key program, farmers who experienced quality-related discounts can use verifiable and reliable documentation to show quality losses due to natural disasters occurring 2023 and 2024. Farmers also now have the flexibility to use a quality loss percentage for crops having a final use that is different from their intended use.
SDRP provides more than $16 billion in disaster relief payments to producers who suffered revenue, quality or production losses to crops, trees, bushes, or vines due to qualifying disaster events in calendar years 2023 and 2024. These payments are authorized under the American Relief Act, 2025.
Producers with indemnified losses can apply through SDRP Stage 1, which leverages Federal Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) data as the basis for calculating payments. Producers with non-indemnified (including shallow losses), uncovered (uninsured), and quality losses can apply for Stage 2 assistance. Eligible producers can receive SDRP payments for both Stages 1 and 2, if applicable, and for one or both calendar years 2023 and 2024, depending on losses.
Required Documentation for SDRP Quality Losses
FSA is now allowing producers to use verifiable and reliable documentation to demonstrate quality-related discounts on production impacted by natural disasters.
For quality losses, producers are required to provide third-party verifiable documentation of the grading factors or nutrient tests and acceptable production records that illustrate eligible affected production. Verifiable documentation must be dated within 30 days of harvest. FSA county committees can consider grading factors or nutrient tests taken more than 30 days after harvest if the test or grading factor represents crop condition at the time of harvest.
Verifiable third-party documentation for one producer can be considered verifiable for all producers with similar documentation, providing flexibility for vertically integrated operations that serve as the buying point for multiple operations, including their own.
For producers with documentation that includes expected price, actual price received due to quality discounts, and quantity of affected production, FSA county committees have the flexibility to use knowledge of the disaster event and impact on other producers to determine documentation is reliable.
Flexibility for Quality-Related Discounts
To address quality-related economic impacts for SDRP Stage 1 and Stage 2 insured and NAP crops that were intended for fresh but sold as processed or could not be sold in a recognized market, FSA updated policy for crops with a final use different from the intended use (secondary use) and for crops not sold in a recognized market (salvage value). In these cases, producers will be required to provide acceptable production records documenting the actual production and price received.
Stage 1 Quality Loss Applications with Missing Production Data
For SDRP Stage 1 quality losses, some applications were not generated because the pre-quality adjusted production information used to calculate the Quality Loss Percentage was unavailable. Although this production information will not be available before the SDRP application deadline of Sept. 30, 2026, producers are still required to file an application by the deadline.
Once FSA receives missing production data, impacted producers will be notified and provided with adequate time to review and re-sign SDRP applications.
Online Quality Loss Calculator
For assistance determining quality loss percent, producers can use the quality loss calculators on the SDRP webpage.
For more information on SDRP, visit fsa.usda.gov/sdrp. Producers can request an application or make an appointment online with their FSA county office.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making significant improvements to its disaster assistance and commodity loan programs as outlined in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. As part of the commitment to put Farmers First, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is strengthening disaster assistance support for livestock producers, orchardists and nursery tree growers, increasing Marketing Assistance Loan rates, and expanding Marketing Assistance Loans to better help cotton and sugar producers.
Cumulatively, the changes outlined in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act provide a significant investment in American agriculture. Last month, FSA announced expanded payment limitation and payment eligibility provisions and the opportunity to increase base acres on eligible farms. FSA also previously announced that producers will benefit from increased reference prices for major commodities starting this fall. Additional policy enhancements for FSA disaster and commodity loan programs are taking effect.
Disaster Assistance Programs
USDA is expanding disaster assistance coverage and increasing benefits to help producers recover from eligible losses.
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Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP): ELAP helps producers with losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events, and qualifying conditions that are not covered by other USDA disaster assistance programs. Retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026, ELAP is providing benefits to farm-raised fish losses due to birds that feed on fish and has established a payment rate of $600 per acre of farm raised fish. Also, effective for 2026 losses, FSA will use a normal mortality rate of 15% for eligible honeybee colony losses.
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Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP): LFP provides financial assistance to livestock producers who suffer eligible grazing losses due to a qualifying drought or fire. Retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026, the threshold has been lowered for producers to qualify for a one-month payment with payments now triggering after four consecutive weeks of qualifying severe drought (D2 on the U.S. Drought Monitor) conditions instead of eight weeks. And producers may receive a two-month payment if D2 drought conditions continue for seven out of eight consecutive weeks during the normal grazing period.
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Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP): LIP helps livestock owners and contract growers who suffer livestock losses beyond normal mortality levels due to eligible adverse events. Starting this year, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026, LIP rates increase to 100% for predation from animals listed as endangered or protected (compared with 75% of market value), and producers have the option to document regional price premiums that exceed the national average market price for eligible livestock losses. Additionally, LIP will also cover unborn livestock losses that occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2024. In most cases, the payment will be automatic for 2024 and 2025 losses based on LIP data on file with FSA with no action required by the producer.
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Tree Assistance Program (TAP): TAP helps orchardists and nursery tree growers replant or rehabilitate trees, bushes, and vines that were lost due to an eligible natural disaster. Retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026, FSA is removing the 15% normal mortality rate, increasing the reimbursement rate for activities like pruning and removal, and extending the implementation period to 24 months with an option to extend.
Marketing Assistance Loans
Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs) help producers manage cash flow needs and provide marketing flexibility until market prices improve. Producers who choose to forego an MAL can receive a Loan Deficiency Payment (LDP) that provides immediate financial support without taking out a loan. Both are reauthorized through crop year 2031 and, starting in 2026, loan rates will increase for all eligible commodities. FSA is improving MALs for cotton and sugar producers by:
- Increasing cotton storage credit cap starting with the 2026 crop.
- Updating prevailing world market price for upland cotton, using the three lowest-price growth quotes instead of five. This change is retroactive to July 4, 2025.
- Calculating a new prevailing world market price for extra-long staple cotton, which will be announced weekly, similar to upland cotton.
- Authorizing refunds of upland cotton loan redemptions when the Adjusted World Price (AWP) declines within 30 days of the loan repayment date. Producers who request an LDP may be eligible for an additional LDP disbursement if a lower AWP is announced. This change is retroactive to July 4, 2025.
- Extending sugar program through 2031 and increasing raw cane and refined beet sugar loan rates. Additionally, sugar marketing allotments will be adjusted for beet sugar processors.
For more information on these updates to FSA programs, visit the respective program webpage. Producers interested in applying for disaster assistance, Marketing Assistance Loans, or other FSA programs should contact their local FSA office.
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a program administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to conserve farmland for future generations while providing habitat for wildlife, reducing soil erosion, and improving water quality. Regular maintenance on CRP acres is needed to ensure the acreage continues to provide conservation benefits and remains in compliance with the CRP contract.
Regular Maintenance
Producers with CRP contracts are required to control all weeds, insects, pests, and other undesirable species to the extent necessary to ensure that the approved conservation cover is adequately protected and to ensure there is no adverse impact on surrounding land. Mowing is one of the allowable practices for weed control, but mowing for aesthetic purposes is never permitted. The Conservation Plan states the required weed control methods for each site.
Once a stand has been certified as fully established, participants are required to maintain plant diversity and stand density according to the Conservation Plan and offer (CRP-2) for the life of the contract. Stands that do not meet practice specific plant diversity or density requirements may be considered non-compliant. Refer to your conservation plan or contact FSA if you have any questions or concerns about the vegetative cover requirements.
Maintenance activities cannot occur during the primary nesting season for birds without written prior approval from the local county office. The primary nesting season in Idaho is April 1 through August 1.
Mid-Contract Management
Regular maintenance for weed and pest control is separate from the Mid-Contract Management (MCM) requirement. MCM ensures plant diversity and wildlife benefits while ensuring protection of the soil and water resources. Such activities are site-specific and are for the purpose of enhancing the approved cover.
MCM must be completed between years four and six of a 10-year contract and between years seven and nine of a 15-year contract. The Conservation Plan will state what year MCM must take place.
Noncompliance with Maintenance Requirements
Failure to adequately maintain the stand may result in noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the CRP contract. Noncompliance can result in adverse actions up to and including termination of the CRP contract. Contracts that are out of compliance are ineligible to re-enroll, unless the stand is brought back into compliance prior to the enrollment deadline.
For general information about CRP, visit the Conservation Reserve Program webpage. For information about specific contracts, reach out to the local FSA office.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture is putting farmers first by offering a new option to schedule appointments online with their local County Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. Following a successful pilot program, FSA is using a digital appointment platform across the agency to allow producers to conveniently make farm program or farm loan program appointments online.
Appointments can be scheduled through FSA’s digital platform, Microsoft Bookings, using a mobile device, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. To assist producers in finding their local FSA office to make an appointment, FSA has also launched a new FSA County Office locator that is searchable by state and by county. Each county office contact page has a unique link for producers to make an appointment online and shows contact information for the local FSA office and the farm loan team. Scheduled appointments may be in-person or virtual with the local FSA office depending on producer preference.
Producers can conveniently schedule appointments for a variety of services with both farm program and farm loan staff. The Microsoft Bookings-based system will automatically send a confirmation email to the producer along with reminder emails for upcoming appointments.
Producers still have the option to call their local County FSA Office or visit in person to make an appointment.
Farm Service Agency (FSA) is committed to providing our farm loan borrowers the tools necessary to be successful. FSA staff will provide guidance and counsel from the loan application process through the borrower’s graduation to commercial credit. While it is FSA’s commitment to advise borrowers as they identify goals and evaluate progress, it is crucial for borrowers to communicate with their farm loan staff when changes occur. It is the borrower’s responsibility to alert FSA to any of the following:
- Any proposed or significant changes in the farming operation
- Any significant changes to family income or expenses
- The development of problem situations
- Any losses or proposed significant changes in security
If a farm loan borrower can’t make payments to suppliers, other creditors, or FSA on time, contact your farm loan staff immediately to discuss loan servicing options.
For more information on FSA farm loan programs, contact your local County USDA Service Center or visit fsa.usda.gov.
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Idaho FSA State Office
9173 West Barnes Drive, Ste. B
Boise, Idaho 83709
Phone: 208-378-5650
Fax: 855-516-8875
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Idaho State Executive Director
Kevin Andrus ~ 208-378-5656 Kevin.Andrus2@usda.gov
Deputy State Executive Director
Nick Treasure ~ 208-378-5671 nicholas.treasure@usda.gov
Farm Program Chief
Kyla Pearson ~ 208-378-5667 kyla.pearson@usda.gov
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Administrative Officer
Brandi May ~ 208-378-5670 brandi.may@usda.gov
Farm Loan Chief
Susan R. Smith ~ 208-378-5664 susan.r.smith@usda.gov
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Idaho FSA State Committee
Roy Bunderson, Bloomington ~ Committee Chair
Glen Dalling, Hamer ~ Member
Brian Jemmett, Caldwell ~ Member
Marie Mustoe Linehan, Genesee ~ Member
Kenneth Roberts, Donnelly ~ Member
Next State Committee Meeting: TBA
Note: To check the status of your FSA Farm Loan (FLP) account, call 1-888-518-4983 or check with your local office. To find contact information for your local office go to www.fsa.usda.gov/id
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