USDA News Release

Farmer in tractor below flag — For more than 30 years, and in partnership with organizations nationwide, USDA's 2501 Program has helped reach underserved farmers and ranchers.

USDA Announces $22 Million to Support Underserved and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers

June 7, 2024

With USDA's 2501 Program funding, organizations conduct education, training, farming demos, and ag conferences to help underserved and veteran producers operate successful farms.

Desktop computer and cell phone with FarmRaise app on screen

USDA Partners with FarmRaise on Financial Tools and Resources for Agricultural Producers

June 7, 2024

A newly launched online tool assists livestock producers who suffered losses from severe weather, providing guidance on required loss documentation and a portal to submit their information to FSA county offices.

Woman farmer near grain bin — In addition to highlighting the importance and achievements of women in the ag industry, the International Year of the Woman Farmer initiative will support ongoing UN efforts to address gender equity, food security and poverty.

U.S. Paves Way for UN to Declare 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer

May 15, 2024

The worldwide observance will call attention to the vital role that women play in global food and agricultural production, as well as raise awareness of the unique challenges they face in the ag industry.

Solar panels in front of corn field — Numerous Nebraska businesses have received assistance from USDA's Rural Energy for America Program so far this year to establish clean energy facilities and increase domestic fertilizer production. Learn more about these initiatives below.

USDA Invests $124 Million in Clean Energy and Fertilizer Projects

April 11, 2024

Three Nebraska businesses are among the award recipients of USDA's renewable energy program, which helps fund projects that will lower energy costs, generate new income and create jobs for the ag industry.

Wind turbine on farm — To learn more about USDA programs geared toward helping farmers add renewable energy to their operations, view this webinar series.

New Initiative to Help Farmers Reduce Costs with Underutilized Renewable Technologies

March 15, 2024

The new initiative will provide funds for hundreds of farmers to deploy smaller-scale wind projects, small-scale hydropower, geothermal, biomass-based and other clean energy.

Tractor spraying fertilizer — USDA’s REAP and FPEP programs were devised to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of clean energy, modernize equipment, adopt new technologies, build production plants and more.

USDA Invests $207 Million in Clean Energy and Domestic Fertilizer Projects

February 15, 2024

One of the program fund recipients is a Nebraska-based business that plans to construct a fully automated fertilizer facility.

Farmers Can Now Enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs for 2024 Crop Year

January 4, 2024

Extended for an additional year, the ARC and PLC programs will provide assistance to producers facing commodity market volatilities throughout the 2024 crop year.

Tractor planting field — To help prevent farm foreclosures, USDA will cover approximately $80 million in delinquencies for an estimated 210 borrowers whose qualifying guaranteed loans were flagged for liquidation as of Nov. 30, 2023. USDA will also provide approximately $128 million for an estimated 1,120 borrowers with currently outstanding direct Emergency Loans as of Nov. 30, 2023.

USDA Provides $208 Million to Help Prevent Guaranteed Borrower Foreclosure, Assist Emergency Loan Borrowers

December 15, 2023

Borrowers can submit requests in person at their local FSA office or via the assistance portals on farmers.gov by Dec. 31, 2023.