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Call Farm Rescue, the nonprofit organization that plants and harvests crops for family farmers who have experienced a major injury, illness or natural disaster. Up to 1,000 acres planted free of charge. Go to farmrescue.org or call 701-252-2017 for an application.
Apply now; priority is given to applications received by April 15.

Foreign buyers notification
The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) requires all foreign owners of U.S. agricultural land to report their holdings to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Farm Service Agency administers this program for USDA.
All individuals who are not U.S. citizens, and have purchased or sold agricultural land in the county are required to report the transaction to FSA within 90 days of the closing. Failure to submit the AFIDA form (FSA-153) could result in civil penalties of up to 25 percent of the fair market value of the property. County government offices, realtors, attorneys and others involved in real estate transactions are reminded to notify foreign investors of these reporting requirements.

Hispanic and women farmer and rancher claims period
USDA has announced that Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the USDA in past decades can file claims between Sept. 24, 2012 and March 25, 2013.
The process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for each Hispanic or female farmer and rancher who can prove that USDA denied their applications for loan or loan servicing assistance for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000. As announced in February 2011, the voluntary claims process will make available at least $1.33 billion for cash awards and tax relief payments, plus up to $160 million in farm debt relief, to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers. There are no filing fees to participate in the program.
The department will continue reaching out to potential Hispanic and female claimants, around the country to get the word out to individuals who may be eligible for this program, so they have the opportunity to participate. Call center representatives can be reached at 1-888-508-4429. Claimants must register for a claims package (by calling the number or visiting the website) and the claims package will be mailed to claimants. All those interested in learning more or receiving information about the claims process and claims packages are encouraged to attend meetings in their communities about the claims process and contact the website or claims telephone number. Website: www.farmerclaims.gov. Phone: 1-888-508-4429. Claims Period: Sept. 24, 2012 - March 25, 2013.
Independent legal services companies will administer the claims process and adjudicate the claims. Although there are no filing fees to participate and a lawyer is not required to participate in the claims process, people seeking legal advice may contact a lawyer or other legal services provider.

Upcoming deadlines for 2013
• Feb. 1 - deadline to purchase NAP coverage on Maple sap.
• March 25 - Hispanic and Women Farmer and Rancher Claims Period ends
• March 31 - Final date for Marketing Assistance Loan on small grain.
• June 7 - SURE applications due for 2011 crop losses
More information about CRP, MILC, and other FSA programs and where to find your local USDA Service Center can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov.[[In-content Ad]]

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