USDA News Release

Tractor in field at sunset provides financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. — The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program

USDA Extends Application Deadline for Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to Jan. 13

October 6, 2023

The deadline extension is intended to allow more time for farmers currently in harvest season to get assistance and training, and apply for the program.

Corn field during drought — By the close of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, USDA, through the delivery of FSA programs, will have invested more than $19 billion in America’s agricultural producers with more economic support on the way in fiscal year 2024.

USDA to Begin Issuing $1.75 Billion to Ag Producers Through Critical Emergency Relief Programs

September 28, 2023

This week, FSA will issue more than $581 million in 2021 and 2022 drought and wildfire emergency relief to eligible ranchers, and $1.17 billion in crop disaster assistance.

Farmers shaking hands in field — To see if you qualify for USDA's new Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program, visit USDA.

USDA Launches Program to Address Workforce Challenges for Farmers, Ranchers

September 22, 2023

Ag employers can begin applying for a new pilot program that aims to help address workforce needs, promote a safe work environment, and support expansion of lawful migration pathways for workers.

Soybean field — U.S. soybean acreage is down 4% from last year, and corn acreage is up 7%. View Nebraska's planted acreage in this report.

USDA Forecasts U.S. Corn Production Up, Soybean and Cotton Production Down from 2022

September 14, 2023

According to NASS's Sept. 12 report, U.S. soybean production is down 3% in 2023, while corn production is up 10%.

Dry bean field in Nebraska Panhandle — Dry edible bean field in western Nebraska. (Photo by Gary Stone)

USDA Announces Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Funding Awarded to Nebraska

September 1, 2023

Some of the projects to be funded by the grant feature research on mitigating adverse effects of diseases in dry beans, evaluating the effectiveness of tomato varieties, and the development of new irrigation technology.

Tractor in field at sunset — Since August 2022, USDA has provided approximately $1.15 billion in assistance to more than 20,000 distressed borrowers as a part of an ongoing effort to keep borrowers farming and remove obstacles that currently prevent many borrowers from returning to their land.

USDA to Provide Additional Financial Assistance to Farm Loan Borrowers Facing Risk

August 24, 2023

The additional funds are expected to aid another 3,500 eligible Farm Loan Program borrowers through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Corn in drought — To help producers prepare for program delivery, USDA has announced the forms that will be required to participate in ERP and ELRP for 2022 losses — AD-2047, CCC-902, CCC-901, AD-1026. For more information, see the section 'How Producers Can Prepare' below. .

USDA Previews $3.7 Billion Emergency Assistance Program for 2022 Natural Disaster Losses

May 19, 2023

Through a streamlined application process, USDA intends to send pre-filled applications directly to eligible crop producers in early summer.

Solar panel irrigation on farm — The $1 billion in REAP grant funds will be awarded to eligible applicants quarterly through the end of September 2024. To ensure small projects have a fair opportunity to receive grants, 20% of available funds are being set aside annually for requests of $20,000 or less.

USDA Announces $1 Billion in Grants Available to Farmers, Ranchers for Installing Renewable Energy Systems

April 28, 2023

The new funds have been designated for agricultural producers and rural small businesses, to assist with financing renewable energy systems or to make energy-efficiency improvements.