 Sully County USDA Service Center - December 30, 2025 In This Issue: Farm Service Agency (FSA) Sully County Notes: We welcome Tacea Voorhees who is working our office as a temporary Program Analyst. Tacea has been with our office a short time and looks forward to serving the producers at FSA. NAP Participants- please submit 2025 forage production. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Sully County Notes: The batching date for ACEP, CSP, EQIP & most RCPP applications is January 15, 2026. If interested in applying, please contact your local NRCS office. Please notify the NRCS office immediately if you anticipate any of the following changes: - Loss of control of all or part of the land under contract
- Changes to your operation, including management system changes, land use changes or enrollment in another program
- Changes to your banking information that will affect direct deposit of program payments
- Changes to the desired distribution of payment shares
- A need to adjust your schedule of operations
- Changes to the membership of a business entity
- Name changes and changes in business structure
EQIP Participants: Review your contracts and prepare for the implementation of planned practices. CSP Participants: PLEASE notify NRCS if you did not receive your 2025 CSP payment. Participants who requested payment to be made in 2026, payments will be processed after Jan. 1, 2026. Upcoming Events: January 1, 2026- Happy New Year! USDA Service Centers will be closed. January 19, 2026- Martin Luther King, Jr holiday. USDA Service Centers will be closed. For a full listing of events visit: https://sdspecialtyproducers.org/events/ https://www.facebook.com/sdsp Questions? Deadline data? Contact the local USDA Service Center 605-258-2613 for detailed information or check out farmers.gov on-line! Top of page  By Rachel Holt, Regional Communications Specialist - WLFW Northern Bobwhite, Grasslands and Savannas Framework, Quail Forever A healthy stream thrives when its waters are cool, clear, and free of erosion and pollution. Riparian buffers are guardians of streams. Corridors of trees, grasses and shrubs, and fences safeguard waterways while serving as a transitional zone between aquatic and upland ecosystems. Maximizing Riparian Benefits Through a Mixed Species Approach USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) defines two main types of riparian buffers: forest and herbaceous. To maximize habitat quality, these two often go hand in hand. Forest buffers incorporate trees to stabilize stream banks, reduce erosion and provide shade that cools water, creating thermal refuge for aquatic species. Herbaceous buffers provide an additional layer of protection. Consisting of native grasses and shrubs, their root systems capture and filter contaminants from runoff. Morgan Harris, Hellbender Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Coordinator with the Conservation Management Institute at Virginia Tech, helps private landowners implement practices like riparian buffers through the WLFW partnership–– a USDA effort that boosts land productivity while improving wildlife habitat. This win-win strategy addresses landowner needs, mitigates natural hazards and enhances aquatic ecosystems for species, such as the eastern hellbender salamander. Creating a Diverse Patchwork of Habitat for Varied Species Through the Strength of Both Buffers Apart from their stabilizing and filtering capabilities, riparian buffers serve as wildlife habitats for a suite of species. As a transitional zone, the feathered edges of an herbaceous buffer can create an ideal early successional habitat, which is favorable for many ground-nesting birds, including quail. In return, cleaner water resulting from the buffer will benefit a myriad of aquatic life, including amphibians, fish and vegetation. "The riparian forest buffer is important for various species because they've got the stream, a nice stream-side forested area to hide out in, and an herbaceous buffer where they can go out and bask in the sun if they want," Harris said. "The string of different habitats in such a small area is beneficial for a lot of species." Protecting Riparian Buffers from Cattle for Healthy Stream, Livestock Well-Being and Wildlife Habitat For landowners hoping to improve stream health, riparian buffers may be their golden ticket. But for cattle ranchers, protecting those buffers can be a challenge. While streams provide a natural water source, unrestricted access for cattle can harm buffers, livestock and waterways.  A riparian forest buffer, USDA photo. Unrestricted access can cause stream bank erosion, fecal pollution and sedimentation. Polluted streams also increase the risk of diseases like bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) and leptospirosis, while steep banks and deep water can injure or even drown cattle, especially calves. Unrestricted access also degrades wildlife habitats within buffers. "From a quail habitat standpoint, allowing cattle unrestricted access to buffers will keep the plant community low regarding herbaceous riparian cover. The buffer will also be trampled and overgrazed," Maynard said. "NRCS practices of fencing and access control can improve quail hiding cover in that sense." Fencing can maximize managed grazing––an NRCS practice that divides pastures into sections so cattle can graze one area while allowing vegetation in others to recover. With fencing and watering facilities, livestock can graze evenly without straying far from water, reducing stress, minimizing weight loss and promoting grazing across the land.  Combining Fencing, Alternative Water Sources and Rotational Grazing to Protect Riparian Buffers Virginia landowner Bobby Whitescarver posed with his newly planted riparian forest buffer in 2004. Photo credit: David Coleman Bobby Whitescarver, a cattle rancher in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and retired USDA district conservationist, sought a cleaner, more efficient way to water his herd. In 2004, he and his wife, Jeanne Hoffman, planted a riparian buffer, fenced off their stream, and installed off-site watering facilities to support managed grazing. Over the past 21 years, he has seen how these practices improve water quality, grazing, and wildlife habitat. To assess the impact, Whitescarver sampled the stream on his property for E. coli every month for three years, collecting samples upstream and downstream from the buffer. Results showed a 55% decrease in E. coli in just a half-mile stretch.  "There's a saying that the biosecurity program on your farm is only as good as the worst one upstream," Whitescarver said. "It's our duty as stewards of the land to keep the water clean." Bobby Whitescarver poses with the same riparian buffer, now a mature forest in 2024. Photo credit: Jeanne Hoffman. Whitescarver also noticed a surge in wildlife. Willow Flycatchers returned, and Whitescarver spotted a covey of Northern Bobwhite in the buffer, sheltering in switchgrass and feasting upon the insects that flocked to its forbs and legumes. Healthy streams depend on thoughtful partnerships. Through support from NRCS' Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Quail Forever, landowners have access to the tools and funding they need to implement practices like fencing, watering systems, managed grazing, and riparian buffers to provide cleaner water, healthier cattle, and better habitat for quail and countless other species. To learn more about how to improve stream health, contact your local USDA-NRCS Service center. More information about Working Lands for Wildlife - East can be found here. Top of page  By Shala Larson, Public Affairs Officer— USDA NRCS South Dakota The left photo is the pre-construction, upstream view of the gulley, and the right photo is of the completed project taken in the same location. The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in South Dakota (SD) offers natural disaster assistance through the Emergency Watershed Program (EWP), which provides technical and financial assistance to help local communities and sponsors relieve imminent threats to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms, and other natural disasters that impair a watershed, not requiring a disaster declaration by federal or state government officials for program assistance to begin. Lake Dimock is a 20-minute drive south of Mitchell and is near a township road and a private landowner's property. This lake has two spillways, with the primary concrete spillway at the north end of the dam embankment, and the secondary earth/grass "auxiliary" spillway near the center of the embankment. Water will run through the primary spillway first, then, if the elevation of the water gets high enough, it flows through the secondary auxiliary and over the township road. Twice within the last five years, during the extreme snowmelt and rainfall events in 2019 and 2024, extreme flooding caused damaging flows through the secondary auxiliary that spilled out into the neighboring landowner's pasture. Those extremely powerful flows of water created a massive gully. If not fixed, another extreme rainfall event would likely have caused the gully to worsen, eventually eroding upstream, working its way through the road, and eventually even draining the lake. If that type of erosion had occurred, it would have disrupted traffic, emergency services, and potentially disrupted power and telecommunications for the surrounding residents. To remedy this issue, NRCS's EWP was utilized to repair the gully by installing a rock rip rap chute through a signed project agreement with SD Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), owner of Lake Dimock, and the project sponsor.  Bill Kummer standing in front of the newly established rip rap (left photo) and a close-up of the temporary straw erosion control blanket (ECB), which will provide cover for the seeded grass and cover crop during the winter months (right photo).  The neighboring landowner, Bill Kummer, granted permission for the project. When asked about the completed project, Bill replied, "I'm really pleased with it; the aesthetic is great." In the meantime, to prevent erosion and encourage grass and cover crop growth in the spring, 100% weed-free straw was laid on top of the seeded field, which is secured in place in between two layers of degradable photosynthetic netting that will slowly degrade from sun exposure in four to six months, more formally known as an erosion control blanket (ECB), which will provide security against elemental erosion throughout the winter. The seed mix used for this field was the Department of Transportation's type "G" mix, which includes switch grass, Indian grass, big bluestem, and Western wheat grass, with rye serving as a cover crop. Kummer plans to let freshly planted grass and cover crops establish before ever cutting it for hay. The head cut and gully in the auxiliary spillway facing north before construction (left photo), and after riprap construction facing north (right photo)—to better visualize, a red "x" marks where the "before construction" photo was taken. The gully was made by water flowing from west to east. Working in tandem with our partner in conservation, GFP awarded a construction contract to Lidel Construction of Sioux Falls, with construction staking and inspection led by Banner Associates. Engineer James Gilkerson with GFP designed the project—a final review of the design was completed by NRCS engineers. When disasters occur, NRCS programs, including the EWP, can support a sponsor's design and plan for a locally led recovery effort. Visit your local NRCS office to discuss your goals and learn how an NRCS specialist or program can support and expand your operational efforts. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Top of page By Nancy McNiff, USDA Farm Production and Conservation Business Center  Hugh Hammond Bennett, the first Chief of NRCS, was born in 1881 in Anson County, North Carolina, where he and his 8 siblings grew up and worked on his father's cotton plantation. Bennett helped his father lay out terrace lines in the land – digging channels in hilly ground to help keep the water in the soil. The story goes that he asked his father why they had to do such difficult work, and his father replied, "Boy, it's to keep the soil from washing away!" His father's reply stuck in his mind and guided him throughout his career in soil conservation. Around 1935, while Bennett was Chief of the Soil Erosion Service (SES), he and other managers began to search for ways to extend their soil conservation message and assistance faster. They had already set up projects to demonstrate the benefits of conservation practices, but they needed to expand their reach nationwide. They believed the solution was to establish democratically organized soil conservation districts in the states to lead the conservation planning effort at the local level. Creating a Conservation District Framework To create a framework for districts to manage local conservation efforts and implement soil erosion control projects, the USDA drafted the Standard State Soil Conservation Districts Law in 1936. Following the devastation of the Dust Bowl, the President urged the states to adopt this legislation and sent it to the governors of all the states in 1937. The goal was to involve local citizens in voluntary, community-based conservation planning and for districts to function as local units of government to develop and carry out local erosion control plans district wide. Shortly thereafter, the first soil conservation district was organized in the Brown Creek watershed in Anson County, North Carolina – the place of Bennett's birth and childhood – on August 4, 1937. That soil conservation district covered about 120,000 acres of land, much of it badly eroded, including the plantation where Bennett grew up. Local farmers petitioned and voted to create the district, and local participation by farmers and landowners ensured its success. A Model for the Future The Brown Creek District became the example for other conservation districts in other states. By July 1, 1945, all 48 states had passed district-enabling acts. Today, there are over 3,000 conservation districts in all 50 states that not only address soil conservation, but also water, forests and wildlife. They coordinate assistance from all available sources—public and private, local, state and federal—to develop locally-driven solutions to natural resources concerns. They provide landowners with technical assistance, resources, education, and sometimes funding to implement conservation practices and promote sustainable land use. But the ultimate success of the soil conservation district program is due to the voluntary participation by local farmers and landowners. Without their participation, the program would not work. Hugh Hammond Bennett once said: "One of the best, and certainly the most promising, of the devices yet invented by man for dealing democratically and effectively with maladjustment in land use, as well as for carrying forward positive programs of desirable conservation, and for maintaining the work, is the soil conservation district." Additional Resources To learn more about NRCS history and Hugh Hammond Bennett, see these additional resources: NRCS: The Origin Story (Recorded Presentation): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkpVLni5JHM A farmers.gov account provides self-service opportunities to Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) customers through a secure, authenticated access process. A new feature now provides access to your current or prior year FSA-578, Report of Commodities (Nationwide Producer Print). Your FSA-578 contains annual crop acreage reporting information submitted to USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). If you are a shareholder (operator, owner or other producer) for a crop on the acreage report, you will be able to view, save and/or print your selected annual FSA-578. How to Access Your FSA-578's From the Land tab in your farmers.gov account, click Land Overview on the navigation drop-down. On the Land Overview page, you will see an information block that states "View and Print Your Acreage Reports" containing a View Your FSA-578 button. Clicking the button will open a popup modal with a drop-down menu to select the acreage report year. Once you have selected a year, the View FSA-578 button becomes active. Clicking the button will open a new tab with a message indicating the PDF file is being loaded. Once the load is complete, the FSA-578, Report of Commodities (Nationwide Producer Print) PDF document is displayed. You can view, save and/or print the FSA-578 as needed. If there is no acreage report information on file for the selected acreage report year, the PDF will display the message, "This producer does not have a producer print currently available." How to Access FSA-578s Using Your Representative Authority to Act on Behalf of Another Customer Additionally, if you have been granted the authority to act on behalf of another individual or entity, you can use the yellow banner to "Switch Profile" and view the current or prior year FSA-578, Report of Commodities (Nationwide Producer Print) for the customer you on whose behalf you have been elected to act. Contact your local FSA office for more information or questions regarding your FSA-578, Report of Commodities (Nationwide Producer Print) or if you have questions regarding establishing representative authority or do not see the expected representative authority options when you log in. More information can be found in the farmers.gov Fact Sheet and video tutorials. Visit the farmers.gov Account page to log in or learn how to create an account. Top of page Using the correct signature when doing business with FSA can save time and prevent a delay in program benefits. The following are FSA signature guidelines: · Married individuals must sign their given name. · Example—Mary Doe and John Doe are married. When signing FSA forms, each must use their given name, and may not sign with the name of their spouse. Mrs. Mary Doe may not sign documents as Mrs. John Doe. For Farm Loan Purposes, spouses may not sign on behalf of the other as an authorized signatory, a signature will be needed for each. For a minor, FSA requires the minor's signature and one from the minor's parent. There are certain exceptions where a minor's signature may be accepted without obtaining the signature of one of the parents. Despite minority status, a youth executing a promissory note for a Youth Loan will incur full personal liability for the debt and will sign individually. Note: By signing a document with a minor, the parent is liable for actions of the minor and may be liable for refunds, liquidated damages, or other penalties, etc. When signing on one's behalf the signature must agree with the name typed or printed on the form or be a variation that does not cause the name and signature to be in disagreement. Example - John W. Smith is on the form. The signature may be John W. Smith or J.W. Smith or J. Smith. Or Mary J. Smith may be signed as Mrs. Mary Joe Smith, M.J. Smith, Mary Smith, etc. FAXED signatures will be accepted for certain forms and other documents provided the acceptable program forms are approved for FAXED signatures. Producers are responsible for the successful transmission and receipt of FAXED information. Examples of documents not approved for FAXED signatures include: · Promissory note · Assignment of payment · Joint payment authorization · Acknowledgement of commodity certificate purchase Spouses may sign documents on behalf of each other for FSA and CCC programs in which either spouse has an interest, unless written notification denying a spouse this authority has been provided to the county office. Spouses cannot sign on behalf of each other as an authorized signatory for partnerships, joint ventures, corporations or other similar entities. Likewise, a spouse cannot sign a document on behalf of the other in order to affirm the eligibility of oneself. Any member of a general partnership can sign on behalf of the general partnership and bind all members unless the Articles of Partnership are more restrictive. Spouses may sign on behalf of each other's individual interest in a partnership, unless notification denying a spouse that authority is provided to the county office. Acceptable signatures for general partnerships, joint ventures, corporations, estates, and trusts must consist of an indicator "by" or "for" the individual's name, individual's name and capacity, or individual's name, capacity, and name of entity. Top of page The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) updates to the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Farm Loan Programs are officially in effect. These changes, part of the Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans rule, are designed to increase financial flexibility for agricultural producers, allowing them to grow their operations, boost profitability, and build long-term savings. These program updates reflect USDA's ongoing commitment to supporting the financial success and resilience of farmers and ranchers nationwide, offering critical tools to help borrowers manage their finances more effectively. What the new rules mean for you: · Low-interest installment set-aside program: Financially distressed borrowers can now defer up to one annual loan payment at a reduced interest rate. This simplified option helps ease financial pressure while keeping farming operations running smoothly. · Flexible repayment terms: New repayment options give borrowers the ability to increase their cash flow and build working capital reserves, allowing for long-term financial planning that includes saving for retirement, education, and other future needs. · Reduced collateral requirements: FSA has lowered the amount of additional loan security needed for direct farm loans, making it easier for borrowers to leverage their existing equity without putting their personal residence at risk. These new rules provide more financial freedom to borrowers. By giving farmers and ranchers better tools to manage their operations, we're helping them build long-term financial stability. It's all about making sure they can keep their land, grow their business, and invest in the future. If you're an FSA borrower or considering applying for a loan, now is the time to take advantage of these new policies. We encourage you to reach out to your local FSA farm loan staff to ensure you fully understand the wide range of loan making and servicing options available to assist with starting, expanding, or maintaining your agricultural operation. To conduct business with FSA, please contact your local USDA Service Center. Sully County USDA Service Center 709 Birch Ave
PO Box 47
Onida, SD 57564 Phone: 605-258-2613
Fax: 855-262-1936 | | Get Started at Your USDA Service Center | | Farm Service Agency County Executive Director Dawn M. Nagel dawn.nagel@usda.gov District Director Brian Stewart brian.stewart@usda.gov FSA Program Analysts Tacea Voorhees, Temporary
Ashley Yackley
Maci Clark FSA OFFICE EMAIL sdonida-fsa@usda.gov FSA 2025 Sully County Committee: Gene Weischedel- Chair
Cori Weinheimer- Vice Chair
Election Pending- Member | Natural Resource Conservation Service District Conservationist April Boltjes april.boltjes@usda.gov Resource Unit Conservationist Dillon Blaha dillon.blaha@usda.gov Farm Loan Manager Chad Alexander chad.alexander@usda.gov Soil Conservation District Secretary Sarah Severson sccd@venturecomm.net | | Sully County Committee Meeting The next Sully County FSA County Committee meeting will be held January 14, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the service center. - Questions? Contact Dawn Nagel at dawn.nagel@usda.gov.
- If you would need to request an accommodation, please contact Dawn Nagel at (605) 258-2613 or dawn.nagel@usda.gov by September 18, 2025, to request accommodations (e.g., an interpreter, translator, seating arrangements, etc.) or materials in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape – captioning, etc.).
Resource Hubs: https://www.farmraise.com/usda-fsa www.farmers.gov www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/common-forms | | | | | | 
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