USDA Reopens CNY Offices to Assist Farmers During Shutdown

One of the casualties of the federal government shutdown is the USDA's Farm Service Agencies. With deadlines nearing on loan payments and tax documents, Central New York offices will be opening this Tuesday to assist farmers with a few specific services.

Offices at these locations will be open, Tuesday, January 22 for normal business hours.

• 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

Among the services being offered; processing payments made on or before December 31, continue expiring financing statements and opening mail to identify priority items. While staff will be available at the offices, most of the needed paperwork can be completed over the phone.

There is some good news connected to the shutdown. Farmers who have loan deadlines do not need to make payments until the government shutdown ends. And deadlines to apply for USDA programs are being extended because the offices have been closed. Extensions will be equal to the number of days the officer are closed.

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