Resources for Resilient Farms

16 posts

FSA Announces Updated Schedule for County Committee Elections

January 8, 2026
Because of last fall’s federal government shutdown, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has updated the schedule for County Committee elections, which help guide how USDA programs are delivered locally. Ballots are expected to arrive the week of January 5, 2026, with a return deadline of February 2, 2026.
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Why and When should you apply to the NRCS?

August 29, 2025
NRCS provides funding and technical support through programs like EQIP and CSP to help you make conservation improvements on your farm. Applications are accepted year-round, but each state sets a ranking deadline — applying early improves your chances of being funded in 2026. Now’s a great time to plan projects like pasture improvements, cover crops, or wildlife habitat and get your application started.
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Webinar: USDA FSA Online Application Guidance

August 27, 2025
Are you looking to apply for an FSA Loan online but don't know where to start? NYFC and RAFI gave a webinar on September 4, 2025, which demonstrated a walk-through on how to access and complete the FSA Loan application online, as well as the requirements for completing the application. Please spread the word!
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Deadlines Extended for CSP and EQIP

March 15, 2023
The deadlines have been extended for USDA's CSP and EQIP program assistance with Inflation Reduction Act Funding: Southeast U.S .and Caribbean Area Applications Are due in March or April. This blog will walk you through what you need to know and provide contact for RAFI-USA technical assistance providers.
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stack of paper

FSA Forms to Have on File and Why

February 22, 2023
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides a wide range of programs and services for farmers, such as farm loans, disaster relief programs, and conservation programs. In this blog, we share the benefits of having an active FSA record and some tips for how to do so.
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RAFI Expands Service to U.S. Caribbean Territories

February 9, 2023
In the past two months, RAFI-USA staff have visited our new partner organizations in the U.S. Caribbean territories with whom we are working on an NRCS cooperative agreement. Read about how on-farm conservation efforts vary from the U.S. mainland to the Caribbean.
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RAFI-USA Enters Conservation Cooperative Agreement with USDA

May 31, 2022
RAFI-USA has been awarded funding to work with USDA in expanding access to conservation assistance for climate-smart agriculture and forestry. This support will help farmers of color in the SE U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Island access NRCS technical and financial assistance programs focused on key conservation priorities.
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beef cattle

USDA’s Farmer Fairness Portal: An FAQ

March 21, 2022
Learn about the USDA's Farmer Fairness Portal to report an experience or observation of a possible violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act or other federal fair competition laws in the livestock sector.
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Cattle Feeding

USDA's Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program

March 1, 2022
Learn more about the USDA’s Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program which provides $1 billion in guaranteed loans to “facilitate financing for the start-up or expansion of activities in the middle of the food supply chain, particularly the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of food, to increase capacity and help create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain.”
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