How can I contact the United States Department of Agriculture?
The USDA can be contacted through their website or at the following address:
United States Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20250
Information Hotline: (202) 720-2791
You can find your local USDA offices here. You can also use this tool to locate your local USDA Service Center.
Where can I find information on farm loan programs through the USDA?
FSA makes direct and guaranteed farm ownership (FO) and operating loans (OL) to family-size farmers and ranchers who cannot obtain commercial credit from a bank, Farm Credit System institution, or other lender. For additional information on these programs, please visit the USDA webpage on Farm Loan Programs.
What services can the Farm Service Agency (FSA) provide for me?
For generations, farmers and ranchers have relied on the Farm Service Agency for assistance on a wide range of areas from economic analysis of crop seasons to aerial photographs used to determine land boundaries. FSA can assist you with a wide range issues through their website.
Where can I find information regarding agricultural sustainability?
It is important to consider alternative farming options for the future. The Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC) specializes in locating and accessing information related to alternative enterprises and crops as well as alternative cropping systems. Visit their website for even more information on such practices.
Where can I find information on water use in the United States?
The U.S. Geological Survey provides reports on water usage in the United States as well as state by state. Updated data concerning the estimated use of water in the United States is not expected until 2013. Previous reports can be found through the United States Geological Survey.
Where can I find information regarding disaster assistance for farmers?
Farming is one of the few businesses primarily at the mercy of Mother Nature. When natural disasters occur, farmers can lose their entire crop or livestock operation. In those extreme cases, there are several programs administered by the Farm Service Agency to assist those affected. Take a look at the key requirements and funding levels of programs offered by the FSA. Find out if your farm is a part of a current emergency disaster designation by visiting this website. For more information about the emergency declaration process, visit the webpage on emergency disaster designation and declaration process.
What is the Conservation Reserve Program and how can I learn more?
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program for agricultural landowners. Through CRP, you can receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource conserving covers on eligible farmland.
This program encourages farmers to take highly erodible or environmentally sensitive cropland out of production for ten years or more reducing run off fertilizer, top soil, and providing great hunting and bird-watching opportunities.
What conservation resources does the State of Illinois supply?
The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides a list of resources in Illinois. Resources include the IL Department of Agriculture and the agricultural departments for universities in Illinois.
How can I determine the pH levels of my water?
Many industrial and domestic water users are concerned about the hardness of their water. Hard water requires more soap and synthetic detergents for home laundry and washing and contributes to scaling in boilers and industrial equipment. Additional information regarding water hardness and alkalinity can be found on the U.S. Geological Survey’s website.
What information and research does the USDA provide to yield better crops?
Crop Production covers a variety of areas, such as yields and weather. The USDA supplies reports, research, and programs regarding these topics on their website.
Is there software available for Animal Waste Management?
Animal Waste Management software is available for download on NRCS’s website. Useful handbooks and rules can also be located on the page.
Where can I find additional information on animal production?
Animal production ranges from raising cattle to dairy resources. The USDA works with farmers to provide them with the latest information and resources to best assist them in these areas.
Where can I find Crop and Livestock Policies?
The Risk Management Agency (RMA) has listed Crop Polices and Livestock Policies on their website. The RMA also has an updated list of insurance companies for Crop Insurance and Livestock Insurance. Additionally, the USDA information, reports, as well as tools and calculators regarding crop and livestock insurance through their website.
How do I know if I am following regulations properly?
With countless regulations enforced by federal and state governments, keeping up with current law can be difficult. The Code of Federal Regulations concerning USDA policies can be helpful in identifying and effectively complying with all regulations. Additionally, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) also has a compilation of Federal Register Notices.
