Find it. Print It. Keep It.
Recently, NPR reported that DOGE staff have access to both view and edit farmer data in USDA systems. Unfortunately, this means that government staff unfamiliar with these systems could unintentionally — or without a full understanding of the implications — alter or erase important information from sensitive documents.
Get Hard Copies Now
Farmers: If you have a loan, cost-share agreement, or other program enrollment with FSA or NRCS, now is a good time to request a hard copy of your records. Request documents from your county office covering the past two years for all active loans, cost shares, and program enrollments. There may be a small printing fee, typically around 20 cents per page.
Each year, FSA and NRCS mail tax documents to direct loan borrowers and farmers who have received USDA payments. These include your loan status, payment history, and personal info. If you’ve kept these documents, you probably already have many of your key records on paper.
Check Your Status, and Change Your CCC-860 If Needed
Last week, USDA released a final rule — without public notice or comment — stating that it “will no longer employ the race- and sex-based ‘socially disadvantaged’ designation to provide increased benefits.” This rule does not change permanent law — only where USDA has discretion to apply the definition. We will share more analysis soon about what programs or benefits this rule will, or won’t, impact.
If you are a farmer of color or a woman who previously submitted a CCC-860 form — and you also qualify as a beginning*, limited resource*, or veteran* farmer or rancher — we recommend that you submit a new CCC-860 to your local FSA office. This helps make sure your current status is clearly and accurately reflected in your USDA record.
Safeguarding your records and verifying the accuracy of your USDA file are essential steps you can take now.
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“Beginning farmers” have not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years, and are substantially involved in the operation
“Limited resource farmers’” gross farm sales and household income are below the limits identified in this quick tool for the past two years.
A “veteran farmer or rancher” has served in the Armed Forces and has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years total.