What's up at the FSA Office?

by Cindy Mensen, Acting Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148

ATTENTION FARMERS - REMINDER:
January 2: Office Closed for New Year’s Holiday

2017 ARC-Co Program Sign-up
Sign-up for the 2017 farm program, Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC-CO) has begun.  Farmers who have a risk in what is planted on the farm are eligible to sign contracts for their commensurate share.  These shares should match what you present to crop insurance agents when buying coverage for your 2017 crops.

Farm Loan Programs
The Farm Service Agency has a microloan program to better serve the unique, financial operating needs of beginning, niche and small family farm operations.  This program is designed to help farmers with credit needs of $50,000 or less.  The loan features a streamlined application process built to fit the needs of new and smaller producers.

Eligible applicants can apply for maximum amount of $50,000 to pay for initial start-up expenses such as hoop houses to extend the growing season, essential tools and annual expenses such as seed, fertilizer, utilities, land rents, marketing, and distribution expenses.  Please feel free to contact our FSA office for further information on the microloan program by calling 563-568-2148.

Farm Stored Facility Loans
Did you have enough storage for your crop this year?  If you are interested in putting up a bin or buying piece of equipment to transport your grain or hay, consider the Farm Stored Facility Loan (FSFL) program for your needs.

Items such as grain carts and augers are now eligible items in addition to storage or drying facilities.  Interest rates are very low and vary depending on the amount borrowed and the useful life of the equipment or structure.  FSFL rules were recently amended to include used items as well as new for loan collateral.