Central New York USDA Offices Reopening Despite Shutdown

The USDA's Farm Service Agencies were victims of the Federal Government Shutdown.  As deadlines approached on loan payments, tax documents, and other ag-related services; offices reopened for a few days. Now they will open on a more regular basis.

More than 9,700 employees will go back to work at FSA's this coming Monday, January 24. For two weeks, offices will be open 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday thru Friday. After February 8, if the government shutdown continues, offices will go to 3-day work weeks, opening on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Not all services will be available when normal business hours resume on Monday, January 24. The following programs and assistance will be accessible:

• Market Facilitation Program
  Marketing Assistance Loans
  The release of collateral warehouse receipts
  Direct and Guaranteed Farm Operating Loans, and Emergency Loans
  Service existing Conservation Reserve Program contracts
  Sugar Price Support Loans
  Dairy Margin Protection Program
  Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage
  Livestock Forage Disaster
  Emergency Assistance Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program
  Livestock Indemnity Program
  Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
  Tree Assistance Program

Deadlines for several programs have been extended because of the shutdown.  For instance, the Market Facilitation Program deadline is now February 14. Get more info by contacting the local office, as more services may be added as they return to work.

• Oneida County 9025 River Rd, Room 201, Marcy NY, 13403 (315) 736-3316
  Ontario County 3037 County Road 10, Canandaigua, NY 14424 (585) 394-0525
  Genesee County 29 Liberty St, Suite 4, Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 343-9167
  Jefferson County 21168 NYS Rt 232, Watertown, NY 13601 (315) 782-7289
  Cortland County 1 North Main St, Cortland, NY 13045 (607) 753-0851

Get more info on what services are available at the Farm Service Agency's website.