What is the Farm Service Agency?
FSA is a USDA agency that delivers programs through a network of state and county offices. Its main areas are farm loans, commodity programs such as ARC and PLC, disaster assistance, conservation programs such as CRP, and farm records that other programs depend on.
FSA is a government agency, and this site is independent and not affiliated with it. For current rules, always use the FSA website or the county office.
Ask the office whether it offers any outreach events, workshops or online sign-up options in your area. Many county offices hold meetings before key deadlines, and attending one is a quick way to learn what has changed.
What kinds of farm loans does FSA offer?
FSA's loan pages describe farm ownership loans, farm operating loans, and guaranteed loans made by commercial lenders with an FSA guarantee. The agency also describes loans aimed at beginning farmers and ranchers. These loans are designed for applicants who cannot always get credit elsewhere on reasonable terms.
Limits, interest rates and eligibility requirements change. Ask the loan officer for the current numbers, and do not rely on figures you hear second hand.
FSA also offers some services online through Farmers.gov for people who set up an account, but options differ and some steps still require an office visit. Ask staff what can be done remotely.
What are the commodity and disaster programs?
ARC and PLC are commodity programs that provide payments tied to revenue or price conditions for covered crops, and producers make enrollment decisions through FSA. FSA also administers disaster programs such as the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, with sign-up and eligibility rules set by program.
Because each program has its own deadlines, it helps to be on the county office contact list and to check in at least a couple times a year.
Why does FSA ask for farm records?
When you establish a farm record, FSA maps your land, ownership or lease details, and operators. That record is the foundation for many programs, including some NRCS conservation programs. Annual acreage reporting keeps it current and is often tied to eligibility for program benefits.
If you rent land, bring the lease. If your farm is an entity, bring documents showing who owns and operates it.
If English is not your first language, ask the office about interpretation or translated materials. Programs are meant to be accessible, and asking early prevents misunderstandings about forms and deadlines.
- Photo ID and tax identification information
- Entity documents if not a sole proprietor
- Deed or lease for each tract
- Crop and livestock records
What should I bring to my first county office visit?
Bring a short description of your operation, your goals, and the programs you want to ask about. Add basic financial information if you are interested in a loan: a balance sheet, recent tax returns, and a cash flow plan. Staff can tell you what is required for the program you are asking about.
Ask what the process looks like, how long it typically takes, and what could slow it down. Take notes.
Staff can also explain how to keep your contact details current so notices reach you, and how to name a trusted person who can talk to the office on your behalf if you are away.
What mistakes should I avoid?
Missing a reporting date is the most common. Others include not updating the office when ownership or operator information changes, and assuming that a program from last year is still available in the same form.
If you disagree with a decision, ask for the reasons in writing and learn about appeal and review rights, including through the USDA National Appeals Division. Applying is free, so be careful with anyone who charges for help filling out forms.
How do FSA county committees fit in?
FSA county offices work with locally elected county committees made up of farmers and ranchers from the area. The committees help apply program rules locally and hear certain matters. The FSA site describes how the committee system works and how elections are held.
For you, that means decisions are not made entirely by distant officials, and there are local people you can ask about how the office operates. If you are interested, find out how nominations and elections work in your county, since participation is open to eligible producers.
Committee rules and powers are set by regulation, so use the official FSA pages for details and ask the county executive director if you have questions about a specific case.
Key takeaways
- FSA covers loans, commodity programs, disaster aid and farm records.
- Set up your farm record early, since other programs depend on it.
- Ask for current loan terms rather than relying on old numbers.
- Keep acreage reports and contact information current.
- Learn your appeal rights if you disagree with a decision.
Sources and official links
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Money & Grants Editorial Team. Educational only, not tax, legal or financial advice. See our editorial policy.