Edmunds County Tribune -

DATES TO REMEMBER

November 28 — Thanksgiving Day-office closed.

December 2 — Final day to return ballots for the Edmunds COC Election in LAA #3.

December 6 — Deadline for 2019 MFP Signup.December 13-Deadline for 2020 Dairy Margin Coverage Program enrollment.

February 29 — Deadline to sign LIP application for payment and provide documentation.

Eligible voters in Local Administrative Area (LAA) 3, who did not receive a ballot can obtain one from their local USDA Service Center.

David Palmer is nominated in Edmunds County, to serve as COC member for a second 3-year term beginning January 1, 2020.  He and his wife Carla reside in LAA #3.  They have a cow/calf operation and have produced wheat, soybeans, corn and alfalfa for 31 years. David is currently Chairman of the COC.  He is also a Richland Church Elder and the ClearLake Township Clerk.

ARC/PLC Election and Enrollment. Beginning in December, we will be setting up appointments to discuss the ARC/PLC program.  To access decision tools provided by The University of Illinois and Texas A & M, you can visit https://www.fsa. usda.gov/programs-and services/arcplc_program/index?active=resources

Marketing Assistance Loans are being offered for all eligible crops grown in 2019 to eligible producers.  MALs provide producers interim financing after harvest to help them meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are typically at harvest-time lows. MAL loans are disbursed at the current interest rate and mature 9 months after disbursement.    

Market Facilitation Program (MFP).  If you have not completed an MFP application, please call our office to set up an appointment before the December 6th deadline.

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).  Producers with NAP policies must report their hay production to the FSA office when they have completed haying.

Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).  A notice of loss must be made within 30 days of when the loss becomes apparent. A notice of loss can be made in person, by telephone, fax, or email. An application for payment and supporting documentation must be provided by February 29, 2020.

Rural Energy for America Program

Ready to Lower Your Energy Costs?

USDA South Dakota Rural Development helps finance the cost of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for rural small businesses and agricultural producers. Rural Energy for America Program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase or install renewable energy system or make energy efficiency improvements. For example:

• Install energy efficient lighting;

• Upgrade refrigeration systems;

• Improve insulation, duct work, windows, and other building upgrades;

• Lower heating and cooling costs with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades;

• Install solar panels or wind turbines;

• Purchase anaerobic digesters;

• Establish other renewable energy systems including geothermal or hydropower; and

• Convert biomass to energy.

Contact Jolene Pravecek today at (605) 655-3516 to discuss your project.

Communication is Key in Lending

Farm Service Agency (FSA) is committed to providing our farm loan borrowers the tools necessary to be a success. A part of ensuring this success is providing guidance and counsel from the loan application process through the borrower’s graduation to commercial lending institutions. While it is FSA’s commitment to advise borrowers as they identify goals and evaluate progress, it is crucial for borrowers to communicate with their farm loan staff when changes occur. It is the borrower’s responsibility to alert FSA to any of the following:

• Any proposed or significant changes in the farming operation;

• Any significant changes to family income or expenses;

• The development of problem situations;

• Any losses or proposed significant changes in security

In addition, if a farm loan borrower cannot make payments to suppliers, other creditors, or FSA on time, contact your farm loan staff immediately to discuss loan servicing options.

For more information on FSA farm loan programs, visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.