USDA Press Release

Vilsack Awards $45 Million in Grants to Help Agricultural Producers, Small Rural Businesses

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.
 

Farm Service Agency Reminds Producers of Acreage Reporting Deadline

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:

USDA Launches Relending Program to Reduce Rural Poverty Nationwide

October 11, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today unveiled an innovative partnership with community development organizations from across the country, providing $401 million of Community Facilities program funds to recipients with a track record of successful programs to help reduce poverty in some of the nation’s poorest and most isolated rural communities.

USDA Announces Support for Rural Cooperative Businesses, Organizations

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.
 

Farm Service Agency Reminds Producers of Acreage Reporting Deadline

October 3, 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:

USDA Investments to Improve Drinking Water and Waste Infrastructure

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.
 

USDA Rural Development Announces Decreased Interest Rate

September 1, 2016 – Texas USDA Rural Development has announced the implementation of an interest rate decrease for the Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program effective September 1, 2016.  The new rate of 2.875% will be at an all-time low. 

“USDA Rural Development is pleased to assist rural Texans in meeting their housing needs, a critical goal to the long term sustainability of our communities,” said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development State Director. 

Back-To-School Food Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers

August 18, 2016 - Back to school, back to the books, back in the saddle, or back in the car for those of us shuttling students to and from school. The new school year means its back to packing lunches and after school snacks for students, scouts, athletes, dancers, and all the other children who carry these items to and from home. One ‘back’ you do not want to reacquaint children with, however, is foodborne bacteria.

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