The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) helps America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners invest in, improve and expand their agricultural operations. FSA programs also assist producers in recovering from the impacts of natural disasters and market fluctuations. The Agency’s roots trace back to the Great Depression when the Farm Security Administration was established. Although the name and mission have changed over the years, FSA remains committed to America’s farmers and ranchers.
Biologicals, Soil Health and Crop Productivity
If you have ever used biologicals on your farm and fields—or even thought about testing them out on a strip trial—you’re probably not alone. Agricultural biologicals have emerged in the past 10 to 15 years as an increasingly popular aid to promote nutrient uptake during a crop’s early growth stages, activate its natural defenses against pest pressure and support yield objectives.
Use the SD Spray Tool for Inversion Detection and Weather for Pesticide Application
May is a busy month as fieldwork progresses and pesticide applications are a critical component for the management of most farm operations. Weeds, insects, and diseases are all best treated early in their development before there is significant damage or yield loss.
CFAP and WHIP+ Informational Webinar for Producers
Join us for a short Zoom webinar presentation by FSA on Thursday, May 28, 2020 for information on CFAP and WHIP+.
farmdoc Webinar – ARC/PLC Decisions for South Dakota
Monday, February 17th, 2020
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CST
Weather or Not: Looking Ahead to the 2020 Growing Season
This coming year does not look as difficult as this year, but I don’t think we’ll be flipping the switch, either, to a drier trend.”
USDA Opens Signup for Market Facilitation Program
Enrollment Now Open through Dec. 6
Market Facilitation Program – 2019 County Per Acre Payment Rate
Assistance through the Market Facilitation Program is based on a single county payment rate multiplied by a farm’s total plantings of MFP-eligible crops in aggregate in 2019. Those per-acre payments are not dependent on which of those crops are planted in 2019. A producer’s total payment-eligible plantings cannot exceed total 2018 plantings. County payment rates range from $15 to $150 per acre, depending on the impact of unjustified trade retaliation in that county.
Disaster Resources Available for Producers
The past few weeks have been tough on producers across the Midwest, including many here in South Dakota. Below you will find a disaster resource put together by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. The document includes resources, largely offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, that might be available to producers in the state of South Dakota that have been impacted by the blizzard and/or flooding.
Bushels and Beyond
It’s hard to resist the lure of big numbers on the yield monitor. High soybean yields are a good thing for South Dakota farmers, but soybean quality is taking on increasing importance. Soybean industry leaders are pressing the issue because quality ingredients are what soybean end users want.