What's up at the FSA Office?

by Joyce Davidshofer, Allamakee County Executive Director

CRP Annual Payments
The annual CRP payments are currently being issued. The process takes time. Hopefully all payments will be issued within the next couple of weeks.

Deadline to certify forage, pasture, grass and seed crops is December 15
Forage (alfalfa), pasture, grass, and fall seed crops certification are required to be certified by December 15, 2015 for the spring 2016 crop year. Late file fees will apply and no waivers will be granted. The late file fee will be $46 per farm.
If you have any questions in regards to this deadline,  contact the Allamakee County FSA Office at 563-568-2148.

USDA Commodity Loans Available to Allamakee County Producers
Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers that USDA offers interim financing at harvest time to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell commodities when market prices are at harvest-time lows. The programs, known as Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs) and Loan Deficiency Payments (LDPs), were authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill for the 2014-2018 crop years.
A producer who is eligible to obtain a marketing loan but agrees to forgo the loan may obtain a loan deficiency payment if such a payment is available. The programs provide financing and marketing assistance for wheat, feed grains, soybeans and other oilseeds, pulse crops, rice, peanuts, cotton, wool and honey. For eligibility, producers must control the commodity or a title to the commodity until the loan is repaid.
Allamakee County Loan Rates are as follows:
Corn - $1.87 per bushel
Oats - $1.43 per bushel
Soybeans - $4.99 per bushel
Barley - $1.70 per bushel
FSA is now accepting applications for all eligible commodities. For expedited service, interested producers are encouraged to schedule an appointment. Other program restrictions may apply, including limits on total payments or gross income thresholds. Consult with the Allamakee FSA office for further details. For more information, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/pricesupport.

Farm Storage Facility Loans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) provides low-interest financing for producers to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities. FSA is authorized to implement the program through the USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).
The maximum loan amount is $500,000 per loan request. Loan terms are 7, 10 or 12 years depending on the amount of the loan. Each applicant will be charged a nonrefundable $100 application fee. Contact the Allamakee County FSA Office for more information.

Microloan Program
Microloans are a special subcategory of direct operating loans that provide flexible access to credit for small farming operations, including specialty, niche and local food producers. The Microloan Program simplifies the loan application process and reduces the paperwork burden substantially. It provides additional flexibility regarding certain loan eligibility requirements, reduces documentation requirements, and streamlines financial planning for small operations. Eligible applicants may obtain a microloan for up to $50,000. For more information, contact Vicky Hinsenbrock Farm Loan Manager at 563-382-8777.