Source: USDA-FSA Texas
USDA Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Judith A. Canales, announced that all farm loan offices in Texas will be closed Feb. 9-13 to allow farm loan staff to attend a statewide training.
The Agricultural Act of 2014, better known as the Farm Bill, has brought many program changes, including changes to farm loan programs.
“FSA borrowers will not be able to conduct any farm loan business in their local offices during this time,” said Canales. “I would like to thank our customers for their understanding as it is vital that our employees receive proper training in order to provide the best loan making and servicing assistance possible.”
All county offices will remain open Feb. 9-13, as farm program staff will be available; only farm loan personnel will be out of the office.
FSA borrowers can resume conducting farm loan business in their local office on Tuesday, Feb. 17. All USDA service centers, including FSA offices, will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16 in observance of Washington’s Birthday – a federal holiday.
The 2014 Farm Bill expands lending opportunities for farmers and ranchers to begin and continue their agriculture operations, including greater flexibility in determining eligibility, raising loan limits and emphasizing beginning and socially disadvantaged producers. A fact sheet outlining modifications to FSA loan programs can be found at: http://fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/2014_farm_bill_change_flp.pdf.
Please plan ahead and contact your local FSA farm loan office to schedule an appointment. Local FSA contact information can be found at: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.