USDA Farm Service Agency

USDA Announces Investments for Tribal Communities and Acequias and Finalizes Agreements with Irrigation Districts to Produce Water-Saving Commodities Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack revealed the next steps in the USDA’s Water-Saving Commodities program. The announcement includes the selection of three Indian Irrigation Projects supported by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and a new initiative to aid acequias in the Southwest, partnering with New Mexico and Colorado conservation districts. These efforts aim to enhance agricultural production while reducing water losses in Western communities. https://lnkd.in/gCbZzHnb

Upcoming Webinars for Farmers and Ranchers Are you a farmer or rancher navigating the complexities of tax season? Join us for two informative webinars to gain valuable insights and tips. Event: Hurricane and Disaster Tax Issues for Farmers and Ranchers Date: November 20, 2024 Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Eastern Presenter: JC Hobbs, Oklahoma State University Register: https://lnkd.in/eR_UNv4Z Event: Working with a Tax Professional Date: November 22, 2024 Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Eastern Presenter: Kevin Burkett, Clemson University Register: https://lnkd.in/eA9KAHQ2 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eh5mJ_Am

The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program – Application Period is Open! DUE January 31, 2025 APPLY TODAY! The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program offers an incredible opportunity for students interested in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines at a Tribal college or university. What We Offer: Full Tuition and Fees: Covers all tuition, fees, and books. Paid Workforce Training: Gain practical experience through a paid internship. Seamless Transition: Transfer from a two-year associate program at a Tribal college or university (TCU) to a four-year bachelor’s degree program (at a TCU or another land-grant institution). Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors. Full-time students currently enrolled at a 1994 land-grant Tribal college or university. Recent TCU associate degree graduates. Benefits: Year-over-Year Support: Scholarship recipients can receive support until they graduate. Permanent Employment: Potential to convert to a permanent USDA employee upon completing the scholarship requirements, including the internship. Key Dates: Program Start: Fall 2025 Application Deadline: January 31, 2025 For more information, visit the USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program or email [email protected]. https://lnkd.in/gDWMDtSc

Farm Service Agency (FSA) is excited to celebrate Native American Heritage Month Ora Running Wolf serves as a Program Analyst, assisting Glacier County FSA in Montana with the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). With three years at FSA, Ora's dedication shines through every challenge faced. Ora said, "The programs can be challenging but, making the producers happy when all is said and done is a reward in itself." Ora's inspired by this quote , “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” (Chippewa Cree) ?

Jo Olivas, a proud member of the Rocky Boy Chippewa Cree Tribe, has been an integral part of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for 5 ? years, serving as a Program Analyst in Glacier County. Jo ensures payment eligibility for the FSA, witnessing firsthand the positive impact these programs have on farmers and ranchers both on and off the reservation. Jo adds, "It's rewarding to work with a dedicated team that shares the common goal of supporting and strengthening Montana agriculture." Jo is inspired by this quote , “When we dig our hands into the soil, we feel the roots of our ancestors. The land is not just where we plant; it is where we belong.” —Chief Seattle

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee elections are underway! Voting ends December 2. County Committees are unique to FSA and serve as a direct link between agricultural communities across the country and USDA. Producers who serve on committees work to make FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers. Learn more at fsa.usda.gov/elections or contact your local FSA office. Vote today!

FSA is celebrating Native American Heritage Month Tawny Still Smoking has been an invaluable member of the Farm Service Agency in the Glacier County office located in Cut Bank, Montana, for the past 10 years. Recently transitioning from a Program Technician to a Program Analyst, Tawny's dedication to administering disaster programs, especially during droughts, has been vital in providing producers with the necessary assistance. Tawny's strong ethics, teamwork, and inclusive decision-making reflect a commitment to supporting producers. A proud member of the Chippewa Cree and a descendant of the Blackfeet tribe, Tawny embodies the spirit of service. Tawny resonates deeply with the quote, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." —Mahatma Gandhi

Veterans: Are you returning home to the family farm or ranch, or starting your own after military service? Transitioning to a new civilian career can be a big adjustment. USDA has resources to help. Learn how our programs can serve you, connect to USDA staff for support, and discover how other veterans have used USDA programs for their operations.? https://lnkd.in/eVxvR-av?

Farm Service Agency (FSA) is proud to celebrate Native American Heritage Month Taelynn Still Smoking proudly serves at the Farm Service Agency in Montana as a Program Analyst. Taelynn says, "I've been working at my agency for four years and have truly enjoyed my time here. " Her contributions have mainly centered around helping producers in drought seasons that hit Montana and making sure that producers in the area know they are supported by the FSA. Taelynn adds, "I love working at this agency because of the agricultural environment and the opportunity to make a real impact in our community. The supportive team and the innovative projects we undertake make every day exciting and fulfilling." “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.” – Thomas Jefferson

Farm Service Agency (FSA) is celebrating Native American Heritage Month Jennifer Perez (Fort Belknap Assiniboine/Nakoda Tribe, Montana) works for the USDA Farm Service Agency,?National Tribal Liaison/Outreach Specialist. Jennifer Perez, in her role as tribal liaison, helps guide USDA Farm Service Agency’s government-to-government relationship with Tribes Nations. FSA aids American agricultural producers with federal farm ranch and conservation programs through 2,300 USDA service centers nationwide. With 14 years at FSA, Jennifer joined the national outreach office in 2021 after 11 years as a public affairs/outreach specialist and tribal liaison in Montana. “I love my job and cherish the opportunity to assist USDA with tribal relation efforts nationwide. Through USDA consultation, coordination, and collaboration with tribes, FSA can better serve and support agricultural producers and tribal communities.” Connect with Jennifer: https://lnkd.in/eRvcH5tP