Be sure to check out FSA online

By Pamela Stahlke
Pamela.Stahlke@mn.usda.gov

Date Modified: 05/30/2012 1:40 PM

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The Farm Service Agency offers many resources online. With the world becoming increasingly more technology driven, information and resources that producers find useful are moving to web-based applications. This won't eliminate the need for producers to do business at their local FSA office, but some commonly requested information is becoming available on the web. Some resources for producers to check out are: USDA on Facebook, the FSA website, the Financial Services Website, electronic delivery of program forms/maps, and coming soon FSA Newsletters online.

For all you Facebooker's out there you are encouraged to "Like" the United States Department of Agriculture on Facebook. By doing so you will be notified of new programs, current events, 2012 Farm Bill progress, get to know the faces of the USDA, and just be informed. The USDA Facebook page is still relatively new and different links and information are added daily.

If you have not visited FSA's website at www.fsa.usda.gov you are encouraged to do so. On the website you can view program information, find locations of FSA offices, download forms, see what is "In the News" for the USDA, get information in Spanish and access a multitude of information. This website is updated frequently so be sure to bookmark it and stop back often.

The Financial Services website is also available from the FSA homepage. It can be used to conveniently view financial information and conduct FSA business. The website is located at www.fsa.usda.gov/fmi and is accessible to producers who have an e-Authentication Level 2 account. (Producers who do not currently have an account may register for an e-Authentication Level 2 account at www.eauth.egov.usda.gov. –it's free and easy.) The Financial Services website allows producers to view summary and detailed information about specific payments, collections, outstanding debt (excluding loans) and CCC-1099-G statements. This information can be helpful for record keeping and income tax preparation.

In a continued effort to modernize and become more efficient your FSA office is collecting your personal email addresses. If you would like to receive electronic delivery of notices, forms, newsletters, or other information please contact your FSA office and share your email address. Your address will not be used for any purpose other than program delivery and it will not be shared.

At the Farm Service Agency we take our middle name, "Service," very seriously. A common goal of every FSA office is to make program information and resources more readily available to the public and our producers. To meet this goal web-based information is just another form of expanded service being offered. If you have any questions about accessing FSA websites, obtaining an e-Authentication Level 2 account, or any other questions please contact your FSA county office.