USDA NEWS

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

January 21, 2013 – USDA Offices will be closed in observance Of Martin Luther King Jr Day Holiday

January 30, 2013 – deadline to apply for ECP  Fencing benefits

March 15, 2013 – deadline to purchase 2013 NAP Coverage for hay and grazing

June 7, 2013 – deadline to apply for 2011 SURE benefits

 

Attention Women and Hispanic Farmers and Ranchers

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the opening of the claim period for Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers that allege discrimination during the period of 1981 thru 2000.

If you believe that the United States Department of Agriculture – the USDA – improperly denied you farm loan benefits between 1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic or female, you may be eligible to apply for compensation.

The claim period will run from September 24, 2012 thru March 25, 2013.  Anyone who wishes to participate in the claims process must obtain a claims package by calling 1-888-508-4429 or going to www.farmerclaims.gov.

The USDA under the Obama Administration has made civil rights a top priority, part of which is taking definitive actions to move USDA into a new era as a model employer and premier service provider. Over the past three years, we have worked to resolve past allegations of discrimination by the Department to make that new era a reality.  The American farmer and the American people deserve no less.

 

If you have any questions please contact the  Dawes/N Sioux County FSA Office in Chadron  432-4616 ext. 2, the Sheridan County FSA Office in Rushville 327-2489 ext. 2, or the Box Butte County FSA Office in Alliance 762-4322 ext. 2 

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.