Flash Newspaper

09/23/2024

09/23/2024

https://theflashonline.com/site/?p=94675&preview=true

R.I.P.

HAROLD GALLAGHER

1927-2024

APPLE RIVER, IL – Harold J. Gallagher, 96, of Apple River passed away on Friday, September 20th, 2024, at Liberty Village, Freeport, with family by his side. He was born on December 20th, 1927, in Warren Township to William and Mary (Bourquin) Gallagher.

Harold married Ilene M. Dittmar on January 15th, 1949, at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. She proceeded him in death on March 14th, 1986. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he had served as an elder and trustee.

Harold worked at various jobs during his lifetime including Illinois Central Railroad, Atwood Manufacturing while also farming, and IL State Highway Department at Stockton for 21 years before retiring in 1991. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends, playing euchre, mowing, painting, going to auctions, dancing at Hideaway Acres and spending time at the Casinos with his companion of 33 years, Winnifred Luke, who passed May 13th, 2024.

He is survived by his sons: Mark (Mary) Gallagher, Rock City, Greg (Joanne) Gallagher, Apple River, and his daughter Marcia (Ken) Thompson, Freeport; six grandchildren: Chris (Larissa) Gallagher, Jeremy Gallagher, Shaun (Anne) Gallagher, Erin (Gary) Conaway, Derek (Angel) Thompson, Ashley (Sam) Jorgenson, and eleven great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his wife, four brothers: Francis, Laverne, Leo, and Orville, and one sister Alberta. Private family service will be held.

Burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Warren. A memorial fund has been established in his name.

Special thanks to the staff at the memory unit at Liberty Village for their care and compassion during his stay.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.

09/23/2024

https://theflashonline.com/site/prairie-farms-recognized-among-best-of-the-best-in-2024-wde-championship-dairy-product-contest/

PRAIRIE FARMS RECOGNIZED AMONG ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ IN 2024 WDE CHAMPIONSHIP DAIRY PRODUCT CONTEST

September 18th, 2024

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Prairie Farms Dairy was a big winner in the World Dairy Expo Dairy Product Contest, which unveiled the 2024 award winners on September 5th. Prairie Farms Dairy and its family of companies won 65 awards in 37 of the contest's 93 classes. Once again, Prairie Farms received more awards than any other company, making Prairie Farms Dairy the reigning contest champion. The final tally was 19 first-place awards, 23 second-place awards, and 23 third-place awards.

"I would like to thank the Wisconsin Dairy Products Association for hosting the World Dairy Expo competition platform. Winning 65 awards is a great honor, and not only did we top last year's number of WDE awards, but we also retained our place as the competition's most-awarded dairy," said Matt McClelland, Prairie Farms CEO/EVP. "The hard-working dairy farmers who founded our cooperative in 1938 would be proud to see our milk and dairy products compete and win on the world stage. The awards are a true measure of the decades-long commitment of our farm families and employees to making the highest quality dairy products in America. The immeasurable pride behind each award belongs to them, and I am inspired every day by their effort."

The Prairie Farms family of companies were unstoppable in seven categories, claiming all top spots:

1. Lactose Free White Milk: 1st, 3rd Prairie Farms - Hammond, Lousiana, 2nd Prairie Farms – Anderson, Indiana.

2. 2% Chocolate Milk: 1st Hiland Dairy - Kansas City, Missouri, 2nd Prairie Farms - Fort Wayne, Ind., 3rd Prairie Farms – Anderson, Indiana.

3. Fat Free Chocolate Milk: 1st Hiland Dairy - Conroe, Texas, 2nd Prairie Farms - Fort Wayne, Indiana, 3rd Prairie Farms – Rockford, Illinois.

4. Flavored UHT Milk Awards: Prairie Farms - Battle Creek, Michigan 1st, 2nd, 3rd

5. Tropical Flavored Drinkable Yogurt: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Hiland Dairy - Chandler, Oklahoma.

6. Lowfat Cottage Cheese: 1st Prairie Farms - Fort Wayne, Indiana, 2nd Hiland Dairy - Wichita, Kansas, 3rd Prairie Farms - Quincy, Illinois.

7. Blue Veined Cheese Awards: 1st Prairie Farms - Mindoro, Wisconsin, 2nd, 3rd Prairie Farms - Faribault, Minnesota.


Category wins included 22 fluid milk awards, 12 yogurt awards, nine sour cream/dip awards, seven cheese awards, six ice cream awards, five cottage cheese awards, three cream awards, and one whey award. Find the complete list of awards, along with descriptions and scores at https://www.prairiefarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-WDE-AWARds-LIST.pdf.

Held in Madison, Wisconsin, the heart of dairy country, the WDE Championship Dairy Product Contest is sponsored by The Wisconsin Dairy Products Association. It is one of the country's most prestigious dairy judging competitions. The competition attracted an impressive array of entries across 93 classes of dairy products, and each entry was carefully judged by a panel of industry experts. The competition not only celebrates product quality, but also highlights the innovation and dedication of dairy producers worldwide. The grand champions and the first, second, and third place winners for each class will receive their trophies, medals, and ribbons at an award reception and auction on October 1st as part of the World Dairy Expo in Madison. The first-place winner's products are auctioned off that day, with proceeds going to scholarship programs focused on dairy education.


Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful dairy cooperatives operating in the Midwest and the South. Elements of the cooperative include more than 600 farm families, 7,000 associates, 47 manufacturing plants, 100+ distribution facilities, and annual sales of over $4.69 billion. Prairie Farms is a nationally recognized leader in the dairy industry known for setting the standard for milk flavor innovations and producing award-winning milk, cheese, and cultured dairy products. With headquarters in Edwardsville, Illinois, the Prairie Farms distribution footprint covers over 30 percent of the United States; products are available in grocery chains, mass merchandiser stores, club stores, convenience stores, dollar stores, drug stores, schools, foodservice outlets, and warehouse distribution centers. For more information about our farmers, cheeses, and promotions visit our website at www.prairiefarms.com.

09/23/2024

https://theflashonline.com/site/tri-state-agricultural-lenders-seminar/

TRI-STATE AGRICULTURAL LENDER’S SEMINAR

September 18th, 2024

ELIZABETH, IL - The 38th Annual Tri-State Ag Lender’s Seminar will be held on Tuesday, October 29th at the Best Western Plus Hotel in Dubuque, Iowa (3100 Dodge Street). This seminar is sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; University of Illinois Extension and UW-Madison Division of Extension.

The agenda this year again focuses the marketing outlooks of dairy, livestock and grains along with the issues of machinery values and right to repair, and farm transitions. A short presentation on financial performance and market possibilities of dairy goat and grass-fed dairy operations will also be included. The seminar should once again provide great information and discussion to issues of concern for agricultural lenders.

The cost of the program is $100 per person, which includes handouts, refreshments and lunch. The pre-registration deadline is October 18th. To register call 563-583-6496 or register online at go.iastate.edu/24AGLENDERS.

To get to the Best Western Plus Hotel follow US 20 into Dubuque. The hotel is at 3100 Dodge Street (which is Highway 20) between Theisen’s and Cedar Cross Road.

09/23/2024

https://theflashonline.com/site/galena-vfw-post-2665-and-american-legion-post-193-color-guard/

GALENA VFW POST 2665 AND AMERICAN LEGION POST 193 COLOR GUARD

September 18th, 2024

GALENA, IL - The combined Galena VFW Post 2665 and American Legion Post 193 Color Guard had a rifle practice September 5th, 2024 for upcoming ceremonies. The Veterans participate in many ceremonies in our community each year. Congratulations to them for their service.

09/23/2024

https://theflashonline.com/site/storage-capacity-concerns-raised-over-big-crop-estimates/

STORAGE CAPACITY CONCERNS RAISED OVER BIG CROP ESTIMATES

BY RHIANNON BRANCH • FARMWEEK

September 18th, 2024


SPRINGFIELD, IL - Local elevators across the state are working hard to free up as much bin space as possible before combines start rolling.

With a large amount of last year’s grain still in the bin and high yield expectations for the 2024 corn and soybean crops, industry representatives are questioning the availability of grain storage capacity heading into fall harvest.

A recent nationwide survey by Allendale Inc. suggested only 20% of new-crop sales have been marketed, and with USDA predicting record yields in Illinois and surrounding states there could be a lot left waiting in the wings.

“You’re going to have a fair amount of corn in storage still going into harvest in a lot of areas of the Corn Belt, so storage is going to be a tight situation,” Matt Bennett with AgMarket.net told FarmWeek. “If Illinois truly sees a 225 bushel per acre corn yield, I expect to see a lot of corn piles this fall.”

In some cases, elevators may not want to take grain unless it is getting sold and that creates some implications that growers will need to consider, he said.


“Later in the window for harvest a person could run into some interesting challenges as far as wide basis levels or simply having a place nearby that they can deliver,” Bennett said.

Stephen Nicholson, grain and oilseed strategist with Rabo AgriFinance, said he is optimistic that there is enough room for record U.S. crops, but some will be on the ground before it is all said and done.


“I think you could have some local situations where you may have to truck it a little bit longer distance from home than you would want to,” he said. “Or you may have to put those old bins you don’t normally use into service until they get unplugged at the local elevator, local port, or in your own storage at home.”

Local elevators have indicated they are preparing the best they can to handle a potentially record crop.

Scott Sims, western region manager with Western Grain Marketing in McDonough County, told the RFD Radio Network there is still a lot of old crop being moved around. August marked the end of the fiscal year, and Western Grain Marketing had a record fourth quarter for grain movement.

“We dumped 9.5 million bushels in those three months. It was almost like a harvest,” he said. “We have been working to get trains in and get inventory down.”


He noted some delays in the rail system to and from Mexico due to high demand.


“Last I knew there were close to 30 trains sitting on the other side of the border waiting to get back across and about 20 trains loaded on this side waiting to go over.”


But he said they are still able to move grain by rail domestically.
Mark Heil, manager at Prairie Central Co-op based in McLean County, said the co-op plans to ship a few more trains out at harvest time in anticipation of a corn crop similar to last year and a bigger soybean crop than 2023 in the area.

He said the co-op also has some buildings they plan to use for overflow. “We really haven’t used those in recent years, but we will utilize that storage space this year if we need to,” he told FarmWeek. “I think there are a few more alternatives at play here.”

Heil noted that the wide planting window last spring will likely translate to a longer harvest season, which creates more time to work out logistics and free up more space.


“We’ll just have to see how it all shakes out as we get started,” he said.

This story was distributed through a cooperative project between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit FarmWeekNow.com.

09/23/2024

https://theflashonline.com/site/free-small-business-clinic-october-11th/

FREE SMALL BUSINESS CLINIC OCTOBER 11TH

Expert help with starting a business, financials, marketing, taxes and more

September 18th, 2024

MONROE, WI – The Office for Business and Entrepreneurship (OBE), Green County Development Corporation, Prosperity Southwest and Blackhawk Technical College will host a Small Business Clinic – free to all participants – on October 11th at Blackhawk Technical College’s Monroe campus.

This FREE event begins at 9:00 a.m. and is a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ for entrepreneurs. Come for the day or for a specific session. Participants can schedule 30-minute individual sessions with consultants to discuss starting a business, financials, marketing, taxes, revolving loan funds, international trade, or legal matters.

The confidential, free, one-on-one appointments can be scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Consulting services will be available in Spanish from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

“Whether you’re not sure where to start or you’re ready to make a leap, our experts are here to offer trusted insights and industry-specific advice, free of charge”, said Nora Roughen-Schmidt, business consultant and event organizer. “Please join us on October 11th and we will help get you started!”

“On behalf of Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) and Prosperity Southwest, I’m thrilled to see this Small Business Clinic offer such a valuable resource to our local entrepreneurs,” added Olivia Otte, Green County Development Corporation Executive Director and President, Prosperity Southwest. “This event brings together expertise, guidance, and support to help businesses at any stage thrive. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we are committed to fostering a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in our community.”

In addition to the 30-minute appointments, participants may choose to attend lecture-style group sessions featuring General Business Law with UW Madison’s Law and Entrepreneurship Clinic, Business Taxes with the Department of Revenue, Marketing 101, Funding your Business with Revolving Loan Funds and International Trade and Opportunities for Women in Entrepreneurship.

Stay for lunch and mingle with local organizations that support entrepreneurship in the region, meet fellow entrepreneurs, and learn about programs in the region that support Small Businesses.

Local Southwest Wisconsin SBDC Business Consultant and State Small Business Credit Initiative Specialist Nora Roughen-Schmidt will be available for free and confidential small business consulting: [email protected].

Register for the clinic online: https://centerex.wisconsinsbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=9440065 or email: nora.roughen-schmidt@ business.wisconsin.edu call/text: 608-716-9441.

09/23/2024

https://theflashonline.com/site/the-last-summer-concert-but-wait-theres-more/

THE LAST SUMMER CONCERT… BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!!!

September 18th, 2024

STOCKTON, IL - Thanks to the positive response to the MARSS program, Stockton Music in the Park, more concerts are scheduled for the fall and winter seasons. Attendance, donations, sponsorships and local support were all EXCEPTIONAL. Thank you to all!

On Friday, October 18th, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Jay Vonn will share his musical talents. The location: American Legion, 128 East Front Street, Stockton, across from the fire station.

On Friday, November 15th, the Ukulele Express will perform from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at the American Legion.

Please mark your calendars!

• Unlike the summer series, food will not be provided.

• Watch for notifications of winter/spring concerts. There will be a break over the holidays; starting again in February.


• THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

If you are interested in learning more, check out our website: www.marss-stockton.org. or check out our events on Facebook.

Thank you to our corporate donors for supporting Stockton Music in the Park: Apple River State Bank, Saunders Oil and Propane, Ace Hardware, NAPA, Stockton Service Center, Main Street Realty, the Foundation for Northwest Illinois and various individual donors.

09/22/2024

https://theflashonline.com/site/highland-lifelong-learning-offers-new-courses-in-october/

HIGHLAND LIFELONG LEARNING OFFERS NEW COURSES IN OCTOBER

September 18th, 2024

FREEPORT, IL – Highland Community College Lifelong Learning October classes include Metal Detecting Basics, Linocut Printmaking, The Assassination of Lincoln and the Saga of Dr. Mudd, Finding Meaning and Purpose; and Lattes, Breves, Espresso, Oh My! To register online and view the complete Lifelong Learning schedule, visit highland.edu/lifelong. The registration deadline is one week before the class start date.

Metal Detecting Basics
Location: Cedarville Historical Museum, 450 2nd Street, Cedarville, Illinois
Registration Deadline: September 30th
Class: October 7th; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Fee: $25
Instructor: Dale Anderson

Learn how to properly assemble a metal detector, use different settings for different targets, and determine when to dig. Accessories, etiquette and permits will be covered. Students can bring a metal detector or swing one of the instructors to locate and dig a target at this historic location.

Linocut Printmaking
Location: Mt. Morris Senior and Community Center, 9 East Front Street, Mt. Morris, Illinois
Registration Deadline: October 7th
Class: October 14th and November 5th; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Fee: $65
Instructor: Olivia Kincaide

A linocut print is created by creating/drawing a design and transferring it onto a block of soft linoleum, carving it, rolling ink onto the surface, laying paper or fabric on top, then applying pressure to produce a print. In this class, you will design and create your own linocut and inked print (ideas provided) of a frameable print or card. All supplies are provided.

Assassination of Lincoln and the Saga of Dr. Mudd
Location: Galena Public Library, 601 South Bench Street, Galena, Illinois
Registration Deadline: October 15th
Class: October 22nd; 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Fee: $19
Instructor: Dr. Gordon Dammann

Who was Dr. Mudd and why was he sentenced to life in prison at Fort Jefferson after the Assassination of Lincoln? Follow the assassination, escape, trial, conviction, sentencing, and hanging of John Wilkes Booth and others in July 1865, and the recent efforts to have Dr. Mudd’s good name restored.

Finding Meaning and Purpose
Location: Nine East Coffee, 9 East Stephenson Street, Freeport, Illinois
Registration Deadline: September 30th
Class: October 5th; 10:00-11:30 p.m.
Fee: $15
Instructor: Tari Heap

When life feels like a roller coaster, people seek a larger purpose to give their lives meaning. Yet, discovering this purpose can be frustratingly unclear. Join us to learn tools to help you access your inner compass and track your north star.

Lattes, Breves, Espresso, Oh My!
Location: Higher Grounds Coffee, 1709 South West Avenue, Freeport, Illinois
Registration Deadline: October 21st
Class: October 26th; 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Fee: $12
Instructor: Erica Williams

Have you ever wondered how to order one of those specialty drinks at a coffee shop? There are so many options, but what does it all mean? Join us at Higher Grounds Coffee to gain knowledge and confidence in ordering a specialty drink made just for you! Whether it's a Latte, Macchiato, Cappuccino or Cold Foam, you'll leave not only empowered but with a gift certificate for one drink of your choice!

Other courses Include:

• Cahokia and the Mississippian Culture – East Dubuque District Library, East Dubuque
• Fall Sunflower – Lena Brewing Company, Lena
• Paint Party with Friends-Fall Tree in the Fields – Freeport Art Museum, Freeport
• Introduction to Watercolor Painting – Mt. Morris Senior and Community Center, Mt. Morris
• The Assassination of Lincoln – Mount Carroll Public Library, Mount Carroll
• Homemade Cinnamon Rolls – Generations Brewery, Freeport
• Basic Birding – HCC, Freeport
• Soft Pastel for Beginners – Elizabeth Business Hub, Elizabeth
• Braided Pumpkins – Lena Brewing Company, Lena
• Creative Hairstyles for Little Girls – HCC, Freeport


For more information about Lifelong Learning and to find out the latest course offerings, call (815) 599-3403 or email [email protected]. Register for spring courses at highland.edu/lifelong.

09/22/2024

https://theflashonline.com/site/governor-pritzker-awards-6-million-in-grant-funding-through-home-illinois-workforce-pilot-program/

GOVERNOR PRITZKER AWARDS $6 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING THROUGH HOME ILLINOIS WORKFORCE PILOT PROGRAM

September 18th, 2024


CHICAGO, IL – Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded more than $6 million in grant funding to four recipients through the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program. This program is a partnership between DCEO, the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) and the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and is funded through the Illinois Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED).

“We’re fighting homelessness in Illinois with compassion, innovation, and ongoing coordination,” said Governor J.B. Pritzker. “Thanks to this award, my administration is one step closer to reaching our goal of functional zero homelessness by providing vulnerable residents the resources they need to find financial and housing stability.”

"Too often, systemic inequities compound and force hardworking people into homelessness. Our communities have been asking for ways to uplift and protect each other; the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program is turning words into action," said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "By establishing a road to financial stability, we empower everyone to create a safe, dignified life of their own design."

The goal of the 30-month Home Illinois Workforce Pilot is to support individuals experiencing homelessness by improving employment opportunities, helping them establish financial stability and improving their ability to afford permanent housing in their community. The program is an essential part of the JTED Program, which was created to provide workforce training and wrap-around services to bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. DCEO and OPEH will identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships between homeless service and workforce systems through these pilot projects, which will be implemented in a variety of urban, suburban and rural settings across Illinois.

“The State of Illinois is committed to providing critical tools and resources to Illinoisans who have historically experienced disinvestment,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Through the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program, DCEO and IDHS are providing grant funding to grantees and partners across the state to increase meaningful career opportunities and services for vulnerable communities and help combat homelessness.

"We are grateful to DCEO for this partnership. Under this administration, we continue to combine proven best practices with innovation – finding ways to support our unhoused Illinoisans through invaluable supports. Connecting more people to work that provides living wages will set them up on a path to independence and long-term success," said IDHS Secretary Designate Dulce M. Quintero.

“One of the pillars of our State strategic plan to end homelessness is securing financial stability. The Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program represents a significant advancement in strengthening systems to support individuals experiencing homelessness seek and attain meaningful work,” said Christine Haley, Chief Homelessness Officer for Illinois. “I am enthusiastic to see the impact of the allocation of over $6 million from DCEO for this program. The funding supports to local homeless Continuums of Care and workforce agencies open up work opportunities for Illinoisans seeking jobs with wages that can pay market rate rent, protecting families from returning to homelessness.”


Each program is a partnership between local Continuum of Care lead agencies, local Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Administrative Entities (WIOAs) and community service providers. The program will be implemented in areas throughout the state that connect people who are experiencing homelessness to employment and that demonstrate systemic coordination of the homeless response system, led by local Continuums of Care and the workforce system.


“The Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program is an important tool the State of Illinois is using to fight homelessness,” said Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “I look forward to seeing the progress that providers across Illinois make to help our most vulnerable populations become career ready.”


“Ending homelessness doesn’t happen overnight, but with the support of the General Assembly, the State of Illinois is laying the foundation for sustained progress,” said Representative Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora). “By opening the doors to career pathways for families that need it the most, the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program will have a significant impact for communities throughout Illinois.”


The Illinois Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) Grant Program is funded by the State of Illinois General Revenue Funds appropriated by the General Assembly in the State Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The requirements of the program follow 20 ILCS 605/605-415 (JTED Act) and the rules adopted in support of the JTED Act, 56 Ill. Admin. Code Part 2660 (JTED Rules).

09/22/2024

https://theflashonline.com/site/usda-launches-online-debt-consolidation-tool-to-increase-farmer-and-rancher-financial-viability/

USDA LAUNCHES ONLINE DEBT CONSOLIDATION TOOL TO INCREASE FARMER AND RANCHER FINANCIAL VIABILITY

September 18th, 2024


SPRINGFIELD, IL – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the launch of the Debt Consolidation Tool, an innovative online tool available through farmers.gov that allows agricultural producers to enter their farm operating debt and evaluate the potential savings that might be provided by obtaining a debt consolidation loan with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) or a local lender.

“Providing producers with options to structure their debt in a manner that affords them every opportunity to meet the goals of their agricultural operation is the best way to ensure the nation’s farmers and ranchers build financial equity and resilience,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.

A debt consolidation loan is a new loan used to pay off other existing operating loans or lines of credit that might have unreasonable rates and terms. By combining multiple eligible debts into a single, larger loan, borrowers may obtain more favorable payment terms such as a lower interest rate or lower payments. Consolidating debt may also provide farmers and ranchers additional cash flow flexibilities.

The Debt Consolidation Tool is a significant addition to FSA’s suite of improvements designed to modernize its Farm Loan Programs. The tool enhances customer service and increases opportunities for farmers and ranchers to achieve financial viability by helping them identify potential savings that could be reinvested in their farming and ranching operation, retirement accounts or college savings accounts.

Producers can access the Debt Consolidation Tool by visiting farmers.gov/debt-consolidation-tool. The tool is built to run on modern browsers including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or the Safari browser. Producers do not need to create a farmers.gov account or access the authenticated customer portal to use the tool.

Additional Farm Loan Programs Improvements

FSA recently announced significant changes to Farm Loan Programs through the Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans rule. These policy changes, to take effect September 25th, 2024, are designed to better assist borrowers to make strategic investments in the enhancement or expansion of their agricultural operations.

FSA also has a significant initiative underway to streamline and automate the Farm Loan Program customer-facing business process. For the over 26,000 producers who submit a direct loan application annually, FSA has made several impactful improvements including:

• The Loan Assistance Tool that provides customers with an interactive online, step-by-step guide to identifying the direct loan products that may be a fit for their business needs and to understanding the application process.

• The Online Loan Application, an interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet, and build a farm operating plan.

• An online direct loan repayment feature that relieves borrowers from the necessity of calling, mailing, or visiting a local USDA Service Center to pay a loan installment.

• A simplified direct loan paper application, reduced from 29 pages to 13 pages.

• A new educational hub with farm loan resources and videos.

USDA encourages producers to reach out to their local FSA farm loan staff to ensure they fully understand the wide range of loan and servicing options available to assist with starting, expanding, or maintaining their agricultural operation. To conduct business with FSA, please contact your local USDA Service Center.

FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.