Beech Tree News Network

Lexington, KY – June 7, 2012 — John W. McCauley, Executive Director for the USDA Kentucky Farm Service Agency (FSA), announced that 567 offers were determined acceptable during the 43rd Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup. Approximately 18,093 acres will be enrolled under signup 43.

Nationwide, USDA accepted enrollment of 3.9 million acres bringing the total program enrollment to 29.6 million acres.

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2012—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that he intends to appoint voting members from socially disadvantaged (SDA) communities to serve on county committees in county jurisdictions that lack fair SDA representation. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), which works collaboratively with county committees, published an interim rule today in the Federal Register that is open for public comment for 60 days.

Events Held Nationwide Yesterday To Showcase Successful Healthcare, Education and Public Safety Investments; New Projects Announced in 21 States

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released a report highlighting the ways in which infrastructure investments in rural communities help create jobs and boost economic development, and he announced additional investments that will create jobs and promote economic growth across the nation.

Lexington, April 9, 2012— The USDA Farm Service Agency announced the sign-up deadline for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has been extended to April 13.

After the CRP general sign-up ends on April 13, FSA will evaluate offers based on cost and the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI). The EBI takes into consideration variables such as wildlife habitat, water quality protection, soil erosion reduction, air quality protection and other enduring benefits. Accepted offers will become effective October 1, 2012.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Bruce Nelson today announced that the sign-up deadline for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has been extended to April 13, 2012.

Lexington, April 2, 2012—The Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director John W. McCauley announces the February payment rate for the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program. The February MILC payment rate is $0.3895043 per hundredweight. This is the first time there has been a payment for MILC since April 2010.

Lexington, March 29, 2012—Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director John W. McCauley today reminded landowners, farmers and ranchers that the opportunity to enroll in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up 43 ends on Friday, April 6, 2012. Producers who want to offer eligible land for CRP's competitive general sign-up may enroll at the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office where their farm records are maintained.

Lexington, KY, March 27, 2012 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director John W. McCauley today reminded producers that the 2012 deadline to enroll in the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payment (DCP) program is June 1.

On March 13, 2012, President Obama amended disaster declaration M4057 to include five Kentucky Counties as disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and associated flooding that occurred from February 29, 2012, through March 3, 2012. Those counties are Grayson, Larue, Ohio, Russell, and Trimble.

Lexington, KY, March 15, 2012 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced comprehensive outreach efforts are underway to assess damage and assist rural Midwest and Southern communities in the wake of recent deadly storms.

"These storms struck the very heart of rural America," said Vilsack. "USDA regional and local staff members are on the front lines, have worked each day since the storms hit, and for many it's personal: they live and work alongside the victims. I've directed our expertise and resources be put to the fullest possible use."