FSA Offices Reopened Thursday, NAFB Happy

The USDA reopened its FSA offices Thursday, despite the ongoing shutdown.  American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John Newton said the move was welcomed news.

“Well, I think its an opportunity for farmers and ranchers across the county to get in to their county FSA office and get started on all the paperwork that’s needed to have a successful planting season in 2019.”

FSA offices will provide many normal services to farmers and ranchers, including necessary operating loans, crop insurance, crop disaster assistance and more.

“USDA’s Farm Service Agency makes about $25 billion a year in direct operating loans and real estate loans to farmers and ranchers, to young and beginning farmers, so opening those offices up and allowing the FSA officials to make those agricultural loans is very important. We also have the Market Facilitation trade assistance packages that FSA officials can begin to process.”

Newton added, the best thing for farmers and ranchers right now, would be an immediate end to the shutdown.

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