The law of harvest is to reap more that you sow. Sow an act, and you reap a habit. Sow a habit, and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny.
Even though the first day of autumn is not until September 22, many harvests are already in full gear across the country! As I write these comments, it is 103 degrees here at FVC headquarters in Waco, Texas and I am looking at Northern New York frost dates that can start as soon as 13 days!
I hope that all our Farmer Veterans reap more than they have sown and have a break-even or profitable year. After you have provided for your families, and sold your products, please remember those in your local communities that are suffering this year with food insecurity.
The increase in food costs and inflation in general has dwindled many family’s savings and maxed out their credit cards. Remember that in the act of giving, we rediscover the joy of serving others with love and empathy.
FEDERAL APPOINTMENT TO USDA BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS
Wednesday of this past week, I was appointed to my third federal appointment. Under President Obama I completed duties for the USDA Foreign Agricultural Services, under President Trump’s administration I served on the USDA Environmental Protection Agency, and now for the Biden Administration, I will work on the Advisory Committee for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers.
My contribution to this will represent the members of Farmer Veteran Coalition. I will be working closely with our Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, Advisory Board, Regional Directors, and State Chapter Presidents to address issues that affect our membership. If you have any issues you would like to bring to my attention, please write to me at support@farmvetco.org.
My term is for two years, and there is much to do. Since USDA considers a producer a Beginning Farmer and Rancher during the first ten years of an agribusiness’s life cycle, this work affects most of FVC’s membership − making your feedback imperative.
USDA ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT CHANGES MADE TO THE FSA’S FARM LOAN PROGRAM
Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans Rule
There are three notable changes within the rule:
- FSA is creating a new low-interest installment set-aside program for distressed borrowers, allowing them to defer up to one annual loan installment per qualified loan at a reduced interest rate.
- FSA is providing all loan applicants access to flexible repayment terms, increasing profitability to build working capital reserves and savings.
- FSA is reducing loan security and collateral requirements, enabling borrowers to leverage their own financial equity.
The rule posted for public comment on August 7. The public comment period runs for 60 days. More information about the rule can found at Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans (usda.gov).
The rule goes into effect on September 25 with public comment ending on October 6. Public comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov. Please be reminded that these significant changes are new and FSA’s local loan officials in your area will need several weeks to get comfortable with these impactful and meaningful new agriculture financing policies.
This rule establishes some of the most significant changes in the last 40 years.
FVC National Call Center is working with the national FSA outreach staff regarding stakeholder training and outreach materials concerning the rule. We will provide more information as it becomes available to us.
Additionally, FSA has 12 no-cost legislative proposals pending in the fiscal year 2025 president’s budget to further remove barriers to farm loan lending.
These are all good first steps to help farmers and ranchers to become financially viable and positioning them to make strategic investments to help scale their operations.
Happy Fall, y’all,
Jeanette
