A Few Reminders for Farmers
As I prepare this column, all eyes at the Capitol are on the governor’s office to see what, if any, bills he may veto. The governor must approve or reject legislation passed in 2019 prior to July 14. So far, most indications are that nearly every bill the General Assembly passed will be approved. If the governor does strike down any of our work, we’ll head back to Jefferson City in September for a veto session.
Until then, I’ll be around the district, meeting with local groups and listening to your concerns. If you don’t see me, I’m likely working on the farm, catching up on chores, tending cattle and trying to get crops raised after the rainy spring we’ve had. As I focus on my farm, I also try to dig through all the mountain of information that clogs every farmer’s email and overflows our recycle bins. One item, a recent electronic mailing from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), included some useful reminders.
As our kids spend the summer months gearing up for fairs and working on their FFA and 4-H projects, don’t forget that the USDA has a loan program for youths involved in agriculture. The FSA’s Youth Loan Program helps youth, age 10-20, establish and operate income-producing projects in connection with agricultural groups, such as FFA and 4-H.
The program is intended to provide farm kids practical business and educational experience. Projects must be coordinated with the organization’s advisor, who must endorse the loan application, and the enterprise must generate enough income to repay the loan. The loans are only available when an applicant has not been able to get financing elsewhere. The maximum loan is $5,000. For more information, contact your FSA county office or go to USDA’s website.
Speaking of your local FSA office, now is the time to submit the names of outstanding agricultural leaders in your area to serve on the FSA County Committee. Each committee is composed of locally elected agricultural producers who provide input into the fair and equitable administration of FSA programs in the county. Members serve three-year terms, with one-third of the members facing reelection each year.
Agricultural producers who participate in FSA programs are eligible to seek a seat on the county committee. Individuals may nominate themselves or others. In addition, organizations representing underserved (minority and women) farmers or ranchers may submit names. Nominations are due into your local USDA office by Aug. 1. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters in November.
Finally, the FSA is currently cleaning up its database of producers. If you have any unreported changes of address, phone number, email or incorrect name of business name, please contact your local USDA office. Producers participating in FSA and NRCS programs are required to report changes in their farming operation to the county committee in writing and update their Farm Operating Plan.
It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at https://www.senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.