Welcome to Delaware

State Executive Director, Robert Walls

Robert (Bob) Walls serves as the Delaware State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency. Before joining FSA, Bob served as the Owner and President of Wall's Irrigation, Inc., a small business specializing in agricultural irrigation systems. A lifetime resident of Delaware, Bob has dedicated his entire career to the field of Agriculture. Born and raised in Milford, DE, Bob worked on his family’s farm until 1968 when he took a position with O.A. Newton & Son. Bob would soon find himself promoted to the Vice President of Sales in the Agriculture Division. Bob would spend the next 28 years overseeing all aspects of the company’s Irrigation and Farm Equipment Division. Then in 1996 Bob left O.A. Newton & Son to start Walls Irrigation, Inc. During those years Bob was involved in many local associations and organizations, then in 2006 he ran and was elected to the Delaware State House of Representatives for the 33rd District. While in the state legislature, Bob served on the House Small Business Caucus and chaired the House Agriculture Committee for two years.

In the News:

FSA Unveils Monthly Webinar Series

The FSA Outreach and Education Division will host a series of webinars each month to inform producers about FSA programs and initiatives. To register for any of the webinars, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/outreach and click on “Outreach Webinars.”

The webinars are recorded for future viewing and can be accessed on www.fsa.usda.gov/outreach.

Commitments to Help Build Up Next Generation of Farmers and Ranchers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced a commitment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prioritize $5.6 billion over the next two years within USDA programs and services that serve new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Deputy Secretary Harden also announced a new, tailored web tool designed to connect burgeoning farm entrepreneurs with programs and resources available to help them get started.

The new web tool is available at www.usda.gov/newfarmers. The site was designed based on feedback from new and beginning farmers and ranchers around the country, who cited unfamiliarity with programs and resources as a challenge to starting and expanding their operations. The site features advice and guidance on everything a new farm business owner needs to know, from writing a business plan, to obtaining a loan to grow their business, to filing taxes as a new small business owner. By answering a series of questions about their operation, farmers can use the site’s Discovery Tool to build a personalized set of recommendations of USDA programs and services that may meet their needs.

Using the new web tool and other outreach activities, and operating within its existing resources, USDA has set a new goal of increasing beginning farmer and rancher participation by an additional 6.6 percent across key USDA programs, which were established or strengthened by the 2014 Farm Bill, for a total investment value of approximately $5.6 billion. Programs were targeted for expanded outreach and commitment based on their impact on expanding opportunity for new and beginning farmers and ranchers, including starting or expanding an operation, developing new markets, supporting more effective farming and conservation practices, and having access to relevant training and education opportunities. USDA will provide quarterly updates on its progress towards meeting its goal. A full explanation of the investment targets, benchmarks and outcomes is available at: BFR-Commitment-Factsheet.

As the average age of the American farmer now exceeds 58 years, and data shows that almost 10 percent of farmland in the continental United States will change hands in the next five years, we have no time to lose in getting more new farmers and ranchers established. Equally important is encouraging young people, veterans and minorities to pursue careers in industries that support American agriculture. According to an employment outlook report released by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Purdue University, one of the best fields for new college graduates is agriculture. Nearly 60,000 high-skilled agriculture job openings are expected annually in the United States for the next five years, yet only 35,000 graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher in agriculture related fields are expected to be available to fill them. The report also shows that women make up more than half of the food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and environment higher education graduates in the United States. USDA recently released a series of fact sheets showcasing the impact of women in agriculture nationwide.

Today’s announcement builds on USDA’s ongoing work to engage its resources to inspire a strong next generation of farmers and ranchers by improving access to land and capital; building market opportunities; extending conservation opportunities; offering appropriate risk management tools; and increasing outreach and technical support. To learn more about USDA’s efforts, visit the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Results Page.

Farmers to Receive Documentation of USDA Services

Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds agricultural producers that FSA provides a receipt to customers who request or receive assistance or information on FSA programs.

The 2014 Farm Bill requires a customer receipt to be issued for any agricultural program assistance requested from FSA, the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Rural Development (RD). Receipts include the date, summary of the visit and any agricultural information, program and/or loan assistance provided to an individual or entity. Electronic receipts for acreage reports will begin on August 1, 2016.
A service is any information, program or loan assistance provided whether through a visit, email, fax or letter.

Financial Decision Confusion, Let FSA Help?

FSA farm loan programs are a valuable resource to establish, improve, expand, transition, and strengthen your farm or ranch. For more information on Farm Loans programs contact your local FSA Office.

Current Delaware Environmental Class II Assessments

• December 29, 2016 Assessment Kent County
• November 17, 2016 Assessment Sussex County
• October 25, 2016 Assessment Sussex County

Current Delaware Final Environmental Assessments

• October 05, 2016 FONSI for Sussex County

State Office Information

Delaware State Farm Service Agency Office
1221 College Park Drive, Suite 201
Dover, DE 19904
Phone: 302-678-4250
Fax: 855-389-2246

State Committee Members

• Dale R. Scuse, Chairperson
• Robert L. Baker
• Open