USDA News Release

Tractor in field at sunset — To submit a request for USDA FSA assistance, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center.

USDA November 2023 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

November 17, 2023

USDA FSA's website features the Loan Assistance Tool, an interactive online, step-by-step guide that assists producers through the farm loan process.

Wheat seeds in sack — USDA’s Agricultural Projections to 2033 report will be released in February 2024, and will feature full discussion of the commodity supply and use projections, and projections for farm income and global commodity trade.

USDA Announces Early Release of Select Commodity Tables for Agricultural Projections to 2033

November 3, 2023

The tables to be released on Nov. 7 will include 10-year projections for major U.S. crops and livestock products.

Tractor planting at sunset — All sessions of the 2024 Agricultural Outlook Forum will be livestreamed, and virtual attendance is free. See registration link below for more information.

Registration Now Open for USDA’s 100th Agricultural Outlook Forum

November 2, 2023

At the 2024 forum, more than 100 experts from government, industry and academia will share insights on commodity and food price outlooks, U.S. and global agricultural trade developments, ag innovations, climate change and the bioeconomy.

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.