USDA Programs Empower Arkansas Farmer

Posted on February 7, 2018 by cassiebable

Brittany Caskey was able to obtain financing through FSA’s farm loan programs to purchase equipment. She utilized FSA’s guaranteed loan program, where a private bank financed part of Caskey’s operating expenses and FSA provided a guarantee against a possible financial loss. Photo credit: Rochanda Harlin

By Cheryl Brooks, Farm Loan Officer, Cross County, Arkansas & Dana Rogge, Public Affairs Specialist

From the time Brittany Caskey was a toddler, she lived her life in the dirt and on tractors, learning from an early age the kind of work it takes to make things grow.

In the small community of Hunter, in Woodruff County Arkansas, Caskey grew up with a dream of becoming a farmer. In 2017, the 26-year-old’s dream came to fruition with help from USDA.

In late 2016, the farmer who employed both Caskey and her father decided to retire, leaving her with the decision to find employment on another farm, or pursue her dream of managing her own operation.

“I had always wanted to farm. I love the outdoors, just the farm life in general. I saw my chance after my boss retired,” Caskey said. “Many said I couldn’t do it and would never make a farmer, but I’m the type that if you tell me I can’t, I will find a way.”

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USDA Works to Support the Next Generation of Agriculturalists

Posted on February 2, 2018 by cassiebable

California Beginning farmer, Meredith Bell, owner and operator of Autonomy Farms, was hit by a flood that left her farm underwater for two months. She was able to financially recover from her poultry losses through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

By Farm Service Agency Acting Administrator Steve Peterson

Through many programs and opportunities, USDA provides support to beginning farmers and ranchers, veterans and people transitioning from other industries to agriculture.

According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, there are a little over 469,000 new farmers across the country.  The 2012 Census also shows that the average age of farmers continues to rise, with the average age being 58. We realize that now, more than ever, it is important to provide those interested in a career in agriculture with the tools they need to succeed so they are equipped to fill the shoes of those who have spent their lives caring for our land and forests and producing our food and fiber. Continue reading →

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Farm Loan Programs – Making a Difference for Thousands in Rural America across the Country

Posted on January 24, 2018 by cassiebable
By Jim Radintz, Deputy Administrator for Farm Loan Programs, Farm Service Agency

Ryan Kuster cuts first crop hay of 2016 for his family’s beef cattle.

Capital is the lifeblood of any farming and ranching operation, and in the recently completed fiscal year the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Loan Programs pumped $5.9 billion in support to a diverse group of producers across America, which was the second highest total in Farm Service Agency (FSA) history. Over $2.5 billion of that total was direct and guaranteed operating loans, and another $3.5 billion was allocated for direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans. The $5.9 billion in new lending continued the recent growth in FSA’s farm loan portfolio. By the end of the fiscal year, FSA was providing credit, either directly or guaranteed through commercial lenders, to 120,000 family farmers across the country.

 

Though their family no longer dairy farms, the effects of the dairy operation are felt today even as Ryan’s family has switched to a beef and crop operation. This calf was born a full year after all the Holstein cattle were sold.

As impressive as these statistics are, the true value of the programs is in the stories of the lives these loans change for the better, and the opportunities they provide. For example:

  • Chelten and Stephen Hasty are beginning farmers with a cow/calf operation in Gasconade and Warren counties in Missouri. The Hastys used the FSA Farm Ownership and Operating Loan Programs to help build their cattle business. They sell a variety of meat products, including beef sticks and jerky, and beef cuts processed from cattle they raise.
  • After a brewing hobby turned into wine crafting, Hillary and Diane Dean dreamed about expanding their modest hobby into a business venture. With the help of FSA’s Microloan Program, Hillary and Diane opened Blue River Valley Winery in Oklahoma in 2015. They sold more than 15,000 bottles of their handcrafted wine in 2016 and currently grow muscadine grapes, along with other grape varieties. They also purchase juice from several vineyards across the country to keep up with demand.
  • Ryan and Travis Kuster grew up on their family’s operation, Kuster Farms, in Wisconsin. While still working with their father, Ryan and Travis are starting an operation of their own. “FSA’s operating loans can keep a farming operation running during the low and high times that there are with farming,” said Ryan. “It has helped me take out a large amount to operate, which I never could have done alone.”
  • Koua Thao, formerly of Laos, aims to grow his already successful farming operation in Miller County, Arkansas, with some help from USDA. In January 2005, Thao used a USDA FSA Guaranteed Farm Ownership loan of $30,000 to purchase a hen breeding farm with two henhouses on 40 acres. Last year, Thao wished to diversify his farming operation, so he obtained a microloan to purchase 22 cows and one bull.
  • Lauri Roberts, owner of Farming Turtles in Rhode Island, acquired a Farm Ownership Loan and two Farm Operating Loans, allowing her to obtain property and greenhouses needed to grow and expand her microgreen business. Products from her operation are sold in multiple supermarkets in Rhode Island, New York City and the New England area. Her microgreens are also featured on numerous restaurant menus in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Lauri Roberts acquired an FSA Farm Ownership Loan and two Farm Operating Loans, allowing her to obtain the property and the greenhouses needed in order to grow and expand her business into what it is today.

These are just five of the literally thousands of loan success stories from across the country. Since FSA provides credit when applicants cannot qualify for commercial loans, it’s clear that the achievements of these operations, and many others, would not have been possible without the help of FSA.

No matter what your current situation is, I encourage you to check out our loan programs. In the 2017 fiscal year, over 25,300 of the loans we made were to farmers classified as “beginning” or “socially disadvantaged”. Almost 1,400 loans went to veterans and of the 6,900 microloans we made, over 1,100 went to female applicants.

Ryan Kuster waits for his brother Travis to start the grain bin auger so they can empty the remainder of the previous year’s corn crop.

Whether you have a driving passion to raise vegetables, grain, livestock or run a dairy, chances are we have a loan program that is right for you. FSA also recently partnered with the national organization SCORE to help interested producers draft a business plan and obtain training and mentorship that will aid in assisting the producer in becoming successful with their production agriculture venture.

The first step is to reach out to any of the over 2,100 FSA offices across the country. We’re here to help you achieve your agricultural goals.

Ryan Kuster had to jump over a fence and lasso one of his cows that got out. Luckily Rosie followed him right back in!

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USDA Disaster Program Helps West Virginia Farmer Bounce Back After Production Loss

Posted on January 12, 2018 by cassiebable

Terri Jo currently has four hives producing honey.

By Roger Poling, West Virginia Farm Service Agency Lewis-Upshur-Gilmer County Executive Director

Terri Jo Bennett operates a small, diverse farm, where she raises and sells several varieties of berries, maple syrup, eggs and honey.

In June of 2003, Bennett, along with her husband, Dale, and three children, moved from downtown Buckhannon to an 85 acre family farm in Tallmansville, an unincorporated community in Upshur County West Virginia.  A year later, she purchased a brood of black Sex Link chicks (Also known as Rock Red).  That fall, after they began laying, she started selling eggs to local stores, restaurants and neighbors to help offset the cost of feed.  Continue reading →

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USDA Farm Loans Help Nebraska Beginning Farmer Beef Up His Operation

Posted on December 20, 2017 by cassiebable

Hank participated in FSA’s Youth Loan program to buy two head of cattle for his own cattle operation in 2015.

By Lauren Moore, FSA Public Affairs Specialist

Hank Schaardt grew up on his family’s cattle operation and feedyard in Pawnee County, Nebraska, where he dreamed to one day have a bigger hand in operations and to carry on his family’s legacy.

“Agriculture is what I know,” he said. “This is what I’ve always wanted to do. I just can’t see myself working in an office. I love the outdoors too much.” Continue reading →

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USDA Employees in Texas Panhandle Tour Local Cotton Gin

Posted on December 15, 2017 by cassiebable

USDA employees toured Adobe Walls Gin in Hansford County, Texas, which is in the process of expanding with the construction of a second gin.

By Cassie Bable, Farm Service Agency Public Affairs Specialist

The Texas Panhandle, like the rest of the state, saw an increase in the number of acres planted to cotton this year due to the decline in grain prices. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees across the panhandle took an even closer look at cotton production and processing when they toured Adobe Walls cotton gin in Spearman, Texas. Employees from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) visited with gin manager, Jerrell Key, about this year’s cotton crop and toured the facility. Continue reading →

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Battlefields to Beehives – USDA Helps West Virginia Veteran Grow His Farm into a Success

Posted on December 8, 2017 by cassiebable

Since opening his operation, Sugar Bottom Farms, Grandon has participated in a variety of FSA farm programs and loan programs.

By Lauren Moore, Farm Service Agency Public Affairs Specialist

Eric Grandon never thought he would be a farmer.

After joining the Army at 19, he served in four peace-time missions in the Middle East and two combat missions, Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. After retiring from his military service, he was introduced to the Veterans and Warriors Agriculture program, through the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and eventually opened an agricultural operation of his own.

“I’ve only been farming for four years. When I retired from the National Guard, I had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and I didn’t do anything for two years,” said Grandon. “I met James McCormick, the director of the Veterans and Warriors Agriculture program, and he recommended that I try agriculture. I loved it.” Continue reading →

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USDA Farm Service Agency Program Helps a New York Fish Farm Stay Afloat

Posted on November 30, 2017 by cassiebable

After suffering production losses in 2016, Sanford contacted his local FSA  office and learned about the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP).

By Lynnette Wright, FSA Public Affairs Specialist, New York

Challenging weather hit upstate New York hard in the summer of 2016. Extreme heat, coupled with one of the worst droughts in recorded history, brought many impacted producers to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for disaster assistance, including owners of a walleye fish farm.

Sanford’s Bait Farm is located in Wolcott, New York, about 40 miles east of Rochester. Stephen Sanford has been farming fish for over 30 years. One of his main “crops” is walleyed pike, a member of the perch family. Walleye fishing is a popular hobby in upstate New York. The fish are flakey, firm with few bones and are sought after by many upstate New York restaurants. Continue reading →

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USDA Offers Opportunities to America’s Veterans as they Seek Careers in Agriculture

Posted on November 9, 2017 by cassiebable

Thomas and Anita Roberson (both U.S. Army Vets) operate Botanical Bites & Provisions in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Robersons operate a 10-acre farm where they produce vegetables, fruit, honey and flowers. USDA Photo by Preston Keres

By Scott Whittington, USDA Farm Service Agency

Thousands of veterans leave the military every year, but there’s a new “service” they can provide. Over the next few decades, the world will need to increase its food production to keep up with a growing population. Career options available to American vets in the agriculture sector include owning/operating your own farm, or working in one of the many areas that supports the nation’s rural fabric. Continue reading →

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FSA Facility Loan Gives Washington State Producers Marketing Advantage

Posted on November 3, 2017 by cassiebable

A Farm Storage Facility Loan helped the Belisles purchase and install a cooler that increased their apple storage capacity by 210 bins. They now have more flexibility when it comes to marketing their apples.

By Cassie Bable, FSA Public Affairs Specialist

John and Dorie Belisle own and operate BelleWood Acres in northwest Washington State, just outside of Bellingham, the last town from the Canadian border. The Belisles and their family planted their first apple orchard in 1996 and have 31 acres of high density trees, which pencils out to about 25,000 trees. Continue reading →

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