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FSA official optimistic despite tariffs, cuts

A state Farm Service Agency official is optimistic the new tariffs and the federal job and program cuts won’t negatively impact the agency and the farmers they serve. 

Tyler Radke is Wisconsin Farm Service Agency’s Deputy Executive Director.  He tells Brownfield the first Trump administration also used tariffs, and FSA helped farmers get assistance. “Last time around when there were tariffs, FSA played a real pivotal role in making payments to farmers in relation to the effects of tariffs and we’re here fully-committed and ready to do so again, if asked.”

Radke says USDA and the Farm Service Agency may be examined for possible cost savings, but he’s confident the programs will carry on and the staff will be there to help. “Our producers mean something to us and that’s why we exist, so we’re just committed to doing our jobs and staying focused on these programs that we know help producers.”

Radke says FSA staff have been very busy with the recent Dairy Margin Coverage deadline, ARC and PLC signups, and applications for the Emergency Commodity Assistance or ECAP program.

Deputy Executive Director Tyler Radke spoke to Brownfield about Dairy Margin Coverage, ARC and PLC sign-ups, the ECAP program, and tariffs during the WPS Farm Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.