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2012 Tree Order Forms
With winter just around the corner, now is the time to prepare for your spring tree planting needs.  The Becker Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) 2012 Tree Order form is now available.  Landowners interested in ordering trees for next spring delivery can contact the Becker SWCD office at 846-7360 to request a tree order form, or go to the SWCD web page on the Becker County web site to download a order form. read more
Claim Filing Deadline Approaching in $760 Million Keepseagle Legal Settlement for American Indian Farmers and Ranchers
(Minneapolis, MN) The claims filing deadline is rapidly approaching on December 27, 2011 for the historic Keepseagle legal settlement that provides up to between $50,000-­-250,000 for tribal farmers and ranchers who unsuccessfully sought USDA farm loans in the 1980s and 1990s. There will be an informational session at the White Earth Community Center on Wednesday, December 14 at 2:00pm.read more
Hispanic and Women Farmers
A process to resolve the claims of Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who believe they were discriminated against when seeking USDA farm loans has been established. click here
2012 DCP Signup
Enrollment for the 2012 Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) will begin on January 23, 2012 and will continue through June 1, 2012.  Producers can make use of the eDCP automated website to sign up, or they can visit the FSA office to complete their 2012 DCP contract. click here 

AFIDA Reporting
The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 became effective on February 2, 1979. click here

Livestock Disaster Assistance Program (LDAP)
For the 2011 year, there are 3 programs available to assist livestock producers when a disaster affects their livestock. These programs are:click here

Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP)
A producer who is eligible to obtain a loan, but who agrees to forgo the loan, may obtain a Loan Deficiency Payment (LDP). The LDP rate equals the amount by which the applicable loan rate where the commodity is stored exceeds the alternative loan repayment rate for the respective commodity. click here

Beginning and Limited Resource Farmers
FSA assists beginning farmers and or members of socially disadvantaged groups to finance agricultural enterprises. Under these designated farm loan programs, FSA can provide financing to eligible applicants through either direct or guaranteed loans. click here

Rural Youth Loans
The Farm Service Agency makes loans to rural youths to establish and operate income-producing projects in connection with 4-H clubs, FFA and other agricultural groups. Projects must be planned and operated with the help of the organization advisor, produce sufficient income to repay the loan and provide the youth with practical business and educational experience. The maximum loan amount is $5,000.

Disaster Assistance Programs
FSA disaster assistance programs include:Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP), Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) click here

Hispanic and Women Farmers
A process to resolve the claims of Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who believe they were discriminated against when seeking USDA farm loans has been established.click here

SURE (1-SURE Para. 4E)
The 2008 Farm Bill amended the Trade Act of 1974 to create the Supplemental Revenue assistance program (SURE).click here

FSA Adopting GovDelivery
The USDA Farm Service Agency offices are moving toward a paperless operation.
Producers are asked to enroll in the new GovDelivery system which will provide notices, newsletters and electronic reminders instead of a hard copy through the mail. click here

2012 Becker County Fair
The 2012 Becker County Fair will be held Wednesday, July 25 through Saturday, July 28.
January – Now is the time to…
Pay special attention to your houseplants to keep them looking healthy this winter. Sun is weaker and days are shorter, so move plants to brighter windows if possible. Combat low indoor humidity by grouping plants together, checking their soil frequently and watering thoroughly with room temperature water whenever the soil feels dry a little below the surface. Wipe stems and leaf surfaces (upper and lower) with a soft wet rag to remove dust and allow maximum light penetration.  .READ MORE

4H Newsletter
The most current 4H newsletter can be found on the following website.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/county/template/index.aspx?countyID=3

2012 Cons. Randy and Judy Lefebvre
Randy and Judy Lefebvre of Detroit Township receiving the 2012 Conservations Award from the Becker Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor at their MASWCD Conference in Bloomington. more