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USDA Rural Development Offers Grants
Lincoln, Nebraska January 30, 2012--USDA Rural Development is seeking applications for the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program. RBEG’s are available to public bodies, non-profit entities and Indian Tribes who desire to finance and facilitate the development of small and emerging private business enterprises in rural areas. Grants may be used for technical assistance, establishment of small business revolving loan funds and the acquisition of land, buildings, and infrastructure to enhance business development. — Full Story »

USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for February 2012
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for February 2012. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for February 2012 is 0.125 percent, unchanged from 0.125 in January 2012. For 1996 and subsequent crop year commodity and marketing assistance loans, the interest rate for loans disbursed during February 2012 is 1.125 percent, unchanged from 1.125 in January 2012. — Full Story »

USDA Announces CRP General Sign-up
WASHINGTON —Acting Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS) Michael Scuse announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct a four-week Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup, beginning on March 12 and ending on April 6. CRP has a 25-year legacy of successfully protecting the nation's natural resources through voluntary participation, while providing significant economic and environmental benefits to rural communities across the United States. — Full Story »

USDA Reminds Producers of Sign-up Dates for 2012 Direct and Counter Cyclical Program and Average Crop Revenue Election Program
WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Bruce Nelson today announced that enrollment for the 2012 Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) and the Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE) will begin on Jan. 23, 2012. The last day for producers to sign up for either program will be June 1, 2012. — Full Story »

USDA Announces Greater Flexibility and Additional Tools for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Bruce Nelson today announced today a new rule that expands loan opportunities for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, while also establishing a new Land Contract Guarantee Program. The rule provides additional flexibility allowing FSA loan officers to consider all prior farming experience, including on-the-job training and formal education, when determining eligibility for FSA for farm operating and ownership loans. It also expands a previous pilot program, the Land Contract Guarantee Program, from six states to all 50 states. This program is designed to encourage farmers and ranchers to sell their property to beginning and socially disadvantaged (SDA) farmers and ranchers through the use of seller financing. — Full Story »

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Streamlines Access to Energy Investment Information at USDA
Lincoln, Neb. – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the launch of a USDA energy website that will provide stakeholders fast and efficient access to USDA energy efficiency and renewable energy data. The announcement builds on the Secretary’s commitment to develop a modern and efficient service organization as outlined in USDA’s Blueprint for Stronger Service announced last week. — Full Story »

Cattle Inventory Report
LINCOLN, Neb -- All cattle and calves on hand January 1, 2012, in Nebraska totaled 6.45 million head, up 4 percent from a year ago according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office. — Full Story »

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