FSA Educational Hub
Tools for FSA cooperators and the farmers & ranchers they serve
The knowledge you need to make the most of USDA FSA programs. From funding basics to advanced tips, we’re here to help farmers and cooperators understand, apply, and succeed.
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Getting Started with FSA.

Your complete guide to getting started with Farm Service Agency.

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35+ hours of free educational content to empower your success.

Introduction to FSA

Learn how to get started and the benefits of joining FSA programs.

Program Update Feed

Stay up-to-date with the latest FSA program updates, deadlines, and emergency designations. Scroll through recent updates right here, or navigate to the full Program Update Feed page.  You can also sign up for personalized alerts directly from FSA!

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USDA Announces February 2025 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

February 7, 2025

View the official updates to see February 2025 rates for Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans.

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Deadline - Livestock Indemnity Program - March 3rd, 2025

February 7, 2025

The deadline to apply for 2024 LIP losses is March 3rd, 2025.

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Deadline - Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish - March 3rd, 2025

February 7, 2025

The deadline to apply for ELAP is March 3rd, 2025 for 2024 losses.

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Deadline - Livestock Forage Disaster Program - January 30th, 2025

February 7, 2025

LFP provides payments to eligible producers to compensate for lost grazing opportunities and to help cover additional feed costs incurred due to the disaster. Producers must apply by March 3rd, 2025 for 2024 losses.

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Emergency Designation - Primary Natural Disaster Areas Due to Drought and Excessive Heat

January 22, 2025

USDA Designates Counties in Maryland as Primary Natural Disaster Areas Due to Drought and Excessive Heat; Additional Contiguous Areas in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

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2025 Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Election and Enrollment

January 17, 2025

The 2025 election revision and enrollment period will begin January 21, 2025, and continue through April 15, 2025.

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Deadline - Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program - January 31st, 2025

January 16, 2025

USDA’s Farm Service Agency’s Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program (FSCSC) assists specialty crop operations that incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification in calendar years 2024 and 2025. The deadline to apply for FSCSC assistance for calendar year 2024 is January 31, 2025.

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Deadline - Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) - March 31st, 2025

January 15, 2025

DMC is a voluntary risk management program that offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. Agricultural producers can submit applications to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) for DMC for the 2025 coverage year from Jan. 29 to March 31.

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FSA Learning Resources

From farm loans to disaster assistance and urban agriculture resources, this hub provides the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and get the most from your FSA.

Dairy Farmer checking FarmRaise on tablet
FSA Farm Loan Programs

Learn about FSA Farm Loan Programs, including how to prepare and apply.

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Healthy crops on right side of image and unhealthy crops on left
FSA Disaster Assistance Programs

Learn about FSA Disaster Assistance programs, including how to prepare and apply.

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Micro farm example
Urban Agriculture Resources

Learn about urban farming best practices and the USDA resources at your disposal.

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Your FSA Toolkit for Success

Explore easy-to-use tools that help farmers track, apply, and manage USDA programs with confidence.

Record-Keeping Toolbox

Use this tool to begin or upgrade your record-keeping practices!

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FSA Program Discovery

Use this tool to discover FSA programs based on filter criteria of your choosing.

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LIP Decision Tool

Use this tool to help prepare for an application to the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

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ELAP Decision Tool

Use this tool to prepare for an application to Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, & Farm-raised Fish program (ELAP).

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Crop acreage calculator

Many FSA and USDA programs require producers to file crop acreage reports that document crop growth and intended use on your farm or ranch. Since not all crops are created equal, FSA has created an easy way for producers of specialty crops to fill out these reports!

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Learn about new changes to Farm Loan Rules

Find out what’s new in our talk with the FSA Administrator.

Interview with FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux

FarmRaise CEO, Jayce Hafner, sits down with Zach Ducheneaux to discuss the FSA Disaster Assistance programs!

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FarmRaise CEO, Jayce Hafner, interview with Zach Ducheneaux

Stay in the know!

Sign up for the FSA Hub mailing list to stay up to date with tips, news, and education enhancements!

We'd love to hear from you!

If you have questions, comments, or feedback related to the hub, please let us know below.