Take advantage of FSA programs before planting

We are starting to see signs of spring. The 2026 Dairy Margin Coverage dairy risk management program signup is complete. Thank you to all the producers who helped make the signup and production review a success. We had no more than completed signup by the February deadline when we were processing January margin payments March 1. The January margin covered the premium due for most producers who elect to have their premium taken from eligible payments. We await the April 1 announcement about the February margin rate.

If you have not yet signed up for the Farmer Bridge Program, please contact the office now. This is not an automatic payment, and they were not mailed out. Now is a great time to call your office and ask about FBA, the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program and other program opportunities.

As you prepare for spring planting, are you prepared for your forage harvest? Do you need new forage boxes? Are you in need of an ag bagger or a bale wrapper? Maybe you need a semi-truck with a forage box, new or used. The Farm Storage Facility Loan program from Farm Service Agency might be able to help you. Loan terms range from 3-12 years.

Please see the information below. Contact your office prior to any purchase or starting the construction process.

Applying for FSFL loans

The FSA FSFL program provides low-interest financing to help you build or upgrade storage facilities and to purchase portable (new or used) structures, equipment and storage and handling trucks.

Eligible commodities include corn, grain sorghum, rice, soybeans, oats, peanuts, wheat, barley, minor oilseeds harvested as whole grain, pulse crops (lentils, chickpeas and dry peas), hay, honey, renewable biomass, fruits, nuts and vegetables for cold storage facilities, controlled atmosphere storage, floriculture, hops, malted small grains, maple sap, maple syrup, rye, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, meat and poultry (unprocessed), eggs, and aquaculture (excluding systems that maintain live animals through uptake and discharge of water).

Qualified facilities include grain bins, bulk milk tanks, hay barns and cold storage facilities for eligible commodities.

Loans up to $50,000 can be secured by a promissory note/security agreement, loans between $50,000-$100,000 may require additional security and loans exceeding $100,000 require additional security.

You do not need to demonstrate the lack of commercial credit availability to apply. The loans are designed to assist a diverse range of farming operations, including small and mid-sized businesses, new farmers, operations supplying local food and farmers markets, non-traditional farm products and underserved producers. For more information, contact your local U.S. Department of Agriculture service center.

Quick reminder: If you have rented new land or purchased land, please let FSA know as soon as possible. A copy of the lease or recorded ownership deed is required. This will save you time later when you would rather be on the tractor.

Most importantly, make safety your number one priority this spring. Be proud of what you have accomplished this year. We certainly are proud of you.

Farm Service Agency is an equal opportunity lender. Complaints about discrimination should be sent to: Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., 20250. Visit www.fsa.usda.gov for application forms and updates on USDA programs.