November 1, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing more than $300 million to help hundreds of small businesses across the country save money on their energy costs by adopting renewable sources or implementing more efficient energy options. Vilsack made the announcement at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, yesterday during a meeting with several local business owners who will make use of these loans and grants.

October 31, 2016 – Funding will help beginning, veteran, and socially-disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to expand businesses. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is providing more than $45 million to help farmers, ranchers, small businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide develop new product lines. USDA is investing in 325 projects through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.
 

October 18, 2016 - In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Nacogdoches USDA Service Center to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline.  Reporting deadlines vary by crop.

The deadline to report pasture and hay acreage for 2017 is November 15, 2016.  Timely reporting of your grass acreages will prevent you from incurring late file fees.

The following exceptions apply to the above acreage reporting date:

October 6, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced October 4, 2016 that USDA is awarding 29 grants totaling $5.8 million to help rural cooperatives create jobs and support business expansion. The funds are being provided through the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program, which helps fund non-profit groups, such as rural cooperative development centers and higher education institutions.
 

September 13, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making investments to improve water and waste infrastructure for 168 small towns across the country. The investment, totaling $283 million, is made through USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, which provides assistance and financing to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems for communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.