Hey folks! Thanks for reading the April issue of Coffee Shop Talk. We finished off March with 2.88 inches of rain compared to a normal 2.47. The pastures are greening up after the rains and warmer weather and everyone is itching to begin spring planting.
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Probably the biggest topic in the coffee shop is the recent announcement of the USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers which will reopen the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) on April 5. The announcement also includes additional payments for cattle producers who applied for CFAP 1. Producers will receive additional payments beginning on April 5 based on the number of cattle they certified in inventory between 4/16/2020 and 5/14/2020. The following payment rates will be used:
| Eligible Category | Payment Rate |
| Feeder Cattle: Less than 600 Pounds | $ 7.00/head |
| Feeder Cattle: 600 Pounds or More | $25.50/head |
| Slaughter Cattle: Fed Cattle (Fats) | $63.00/head |
| Slaughter Cattle: Mature Cattle (Culls) | $14.75/head |
| All Other Cattle | $17.25/head |
Only producers who previously applied for CFAP-1 are eligible to receive these additional cattle payments.
Row crop producers with approved CFAP-2 applications will automatically receive additional payments as well, beginning on April 1. The additional row crop payments will be based on the number of acres of eligible crops that was certified by the producer. The additional payment is $20 per acre and includes acreages of the following crops: corn, soybeans, alfalfa, millet, oats, sorghum, triticale, wheat, and other crops not commonly grown in our area. If you applied for either of the programs last year, the payments will be automatic, and you will not have to file a new application.
The General CRP signup that was previously slated to close in February has been extended. We will continue to accept offers while USDA evaluates ways to increase enrollment. Before the General CRP signup period ends, producers will have the opportunity to adjust or resubmit their offers to take advantage of potential improvements to the program. Many producers are also seeding newly enrolled CRP acres.
Producers with CRP contracts nearing expiration should consider the Transition Incentives Program (TIP). CRP contract holders who are in the final two years of their contract can transition their CRP acres to a beginning farmer (who is not a family member) and receive their CRP payment for an additional 2-years beyond the contract expiration. The TIP application must be submitted prior to completing the lease or sale of the affected lands. New landowners or renters that return the land to production must work with NRCS and use sustainable grazing or farming methods.
The Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program provides low-interest financing to help you build or upgrade storage facilities and to purchase portable (new or used) structures, equipment and storage and handling trucks. Eligible commodities include corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat, barley, and hay. Qualified facilities include grain bins, hay barns and cold storage facilities for eligible commodities.
Loans up to $100,000 can be secured by a promissory note/security agreement, while loans exceeding $100,000 require additional security. You do not need to demonstrate the lack of commercial credit availability to apply. The loans are designed to assist a diverse range of farming operations, including small and mid-sized businesses, new farmers, operations supplying local food and farmers markets, non-traditional farm products, and underserved producers.
Annual installments are made and low interest rates are fixed for the life of the loan and can range from 3-12 years. Any 7 year loans approved in April would be fixed at 1.25%. Contact the office for more details on the program and application process.