Participation in Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs requires an individual to register their land with the FSA, which can be confusing sometimes to a beginning farmer and rancher.
A new rancher who recently acquired 80 acres of pasture purchased cattle to raise on their land and requested technical assistance from Flower Hill Institute through the FSA Outreach, Education, and Technical Assistance program. He was interested in education and guidance on the best FSA programs for his production goals.
Mike Shellenberger, Technical Assistance Manager for Flower Hill Institute, informed him about FSA requirements for land registration and connected him to the regional USDA Service Center in his area. Mike went on to educate him on current FSA programs and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to get him started, even mentioning additional resources from the Washington State Department of Agriculture and Washington State University Extension programs.
The producer stated, "I never realized that there are so many resources out there that can help me." The rancher expressed that he would like more insight into pasture management for raising cattle.
"I have registered my land with FSA and also learned some other things through your suggestions, and I hope you'll come to my ranch to visit," the producer mentioned.
Mr. Shellenberger continues to support the producer on plans to help their ranch flourish and is currently working with an insurance agent on pasture drought and fire insurance.
"I'm helping him through the farm agencies with resources that benefit him. As a Technical Assistance Manager, it has been my privilege to assist and educate farmers and ranchers in all of their endeavors," stated Mike, FHI Technical Assistance Manager for the FSA Disaster Assistance Outreach, Education, and Technical Assistance program.