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Our nation has faced unprecedented challenges due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and the agriculture industry is no exception. USDA Farm Service Agency, reminding farmers and ranchers that FSA is now accepting applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. This program provides vital financial assistance to producers to offset impacts off COVID-19.
Specific crops and livestock, along with wool and dairy, are eligible for CFAP. Our website, farmers.gov/cfap, is your one-stop-shop for available commodities, payment rates, eligibility criteria, and application forms. You’ll also find a payment calculator that assists you with completing your application.
We accept applications for CFAP through Aug. 28, and if you have CFAP questions, customers can call the CFAP call center at 887-508-8364, or by contacting your local FSA county office. In Lamar County, it is at 201 N. Collegiate Dr., Ste. 500, Paris.
FSA reminds producers to complete crop acreage reports by July 15
Farm Service Agency Administrator Richard Fordyce reminds farmers and ranchers that the deadline to report most crops is July 15.
The first step to becoming eligible for many USDA programs is to file an accurate crop acreage report. FSA can work with producers to file timely acreage reports by phone, email, online tools, and virtual meetings.
Because of the pandemic, FSA waives the late file fee for producers who file their acreage reports within 30 days of the deadline.
To make your report, call your local F-S-A office to make an appointment. To find local office information, visit farmers.gov.
Virtual Public Meeting for Loop 286 Improvements Set on July 16
PARIS – The Texas Department of Transportation will host an online virtual public meeting at 5:00 pm July 16, gathering public input on proposed improvements for Loop 286 around Paris in Lamar County.
A pre-recorded audio and video presentation will cover several improvements proposed for Loop 286 designed to reduce crashes by nearly 50 percent and address other roadway concerns. After the online exhibition, residents can provide comments and input to help TxDOT improve this vital roadway.
The pre-recorded presentation will explain the proposed improvements and includes maps of the project location and design. An interactive online survey will be available for the public to provide comments and feedback. The presentation will remain available online through the comment period deadline of July 31, TxDOT officials said.
To view the pre-recorded presentation, go to www.Loop286.com.
Comments can also be written and mailed to Duane Good P.E., TxDOT Paris District Office, 1365 N. Main Street, Paris, TX 75460. You may also send comments via email to Duane.Good@txdot.gov.
Individual communication or accommodation needs for the virtual meeting, such as the need for an interpreter, can be arranged by contacting the district office at (903) 737-9300 by July 13, 2020.
TxDOT’s Paris District includes Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Hunt, Hopkins, Lamar, Rains, and Red River counties.
For more information, contact Tim.McAlavy@txdot.gov or (903) 737-9213.
NORTH TEXAS FOOD BANK TO DISTRIBUTE FOOD AT HOPKINS COUNTY REGIONAL CIVIC CENTER TO HELP FEED HUNGRY NORTH TEXANS DURING COVID-19
What: Hopkins County Regional Civic Center, in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), will be distributing kitted food boxes through a low-touch distribution model on July 17th, 2020. The distribution will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. To receive food, visitors must be in a vehicle. No proof of identification is necessary.
When: July 17, 2020, 9:00 am-11:00 am
NTFB staff will determine if the distribution needs to extend past the end time.
Where: 1200 Houston St.
Sulphur Springs High School parking lot behind the Dairy Museum.
ABOUT NORTH TEXAS FOOD BANK
The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a top-ranked nonprofit hunger-relief organization operating a state-of-the-art volunteer and distribution center in Plano — the Perot Family Campus. Last year, the Food Bank worked hard in partnership with member agencies from our Feeding Network to provide almost 77 million nutritious meals across a diverse 13-county service area — this means more than 200,000 meals per day for hungry children, seniors, and families. But the need for hunger relief in North Texas is complex, and to meet the demand, the NTFB is working to increase our food distribution efforts. Our goal is to provide access to 92 million nutritious meals annually by 2025.
NTFB is a member of Feeding America, a national hunger-relief organization.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency seeks farmers and ranchers to serve on the local F-S-A county committee. This is F-S-A administrator Richard Fordyce letting you know that now is the time to submit your nomination for the 2020 county committee election.
From June 15 through August 1, you can nominate yourself or a candidate of your choice for your local F-S-A county committee. Almost anyone of legal voting age participating or cooperating in F-S-A’s programs can be nominated.
There’s an increasing need for representation from underserved producers, so I especially encourage beginning, women and other minority farmers and ranchers to get involved.
Download a nomination form today at F-S-A dot u-s-d-a dot g-o-v forward-slash elections (fsa.usda.gov/elections) or request one from your local office. Remember, forms must be postmarked or delivered back to the county office by the August 1 deadline. Voting takes place this fall.
Make a difference in your county and lead your F-S-A.
The Jettribe Watercraft Series “launch party” in Sulphur Springs, canceled. Unfortunately, the Jettribe Watercraft Series event, postponed initially until July 25, has canceled until significant group events are allowed to operate in the area once again.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency seeks farmers and ranchers to serve on the local F-S-A county committee. This is F-S-A administrator Richard Fordyce letting you know that now is the time to submit your nomination for the 2020 county committee election.
From June 15 through August 1, you can nominate yourself or a candidate of your choice for your local F-S-A county committee. Almost anyone of legal voting age participating or cooperating in F-S-A’s programs can be nominated.
There’s an increasing need for representation from underserved producers, so I especially encourage beginning, women and other minority farmers and ranchers to get involved.
Download a nomination form today at F-S-A dot u-s-d-a dot g-o-v forward-slash elections (fsa.usda.gov/elections) or request one from your local office. Remember, forms must be postmarked or delivered back to the county office by the August 1 deadline. Voting takes place this fall.
Make a difference in your county and lead your F-S-A.