National Young Farmers’ Fall Update

In August, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA), under the leadership of Secretary Vilsack and FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux, published a final rule in the Federal Register that includes a variety of updates to the FSA Farm Loan Programs (FLP) regulations. These updates reflect the same thoughtful and creative approach this Administration and USDA has taken regarding FSA programs in recent years. 

The August announcement is part of a larger set of efforts underway at the agency to align program expectations and requirements with the best possible long-term outcome for farms served by the agency, and to streamline and automate customer-facing business processes. 

On September 25, the loan program’s updates formally took effect following a comment period. Earlier this week the Agency also announced the new Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network, which, through the use of cooperative agreements, is designed to equip distressed borrowers with individualized assistance to promote financial stability. FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said that “the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network underscores our dedication to farmers and ranchers receiving the tailored support they need. These partnerships also illustrate that USDA acknowledges the importance of these advocates and sees them as part of the solution to ensure program access for all farmers, ranchers, and producers.”