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Local news outlets have featured interviews with program representatives in recent weeks, helping to unpack frequently asked questions or concerns for farmers in their area. Here is a look at coverage:  

Kentucky Today 

Application deadline extended for USDA farm lending discrimination program

"The extension of the DFAP application deadline to January 13, 2024, is a crucial step in ensuring that farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners receive the support they need. We want to stress that the application is free to submit, and free technical assistance is available to help people through the process," said Myles B. Caggins III, Eastern Region spokesman for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program and Windsor Group LLC. "Whether it's at local events or by visiting our nearby regional office, our dedicated team is here to guide you and answer questions."

News on 6 KOTV (Tulsa, Okla.)

Intertribal Agriculture Council Aids in Accessing Discrimination Settlement Funds 

Abi Fain with the Intertribal Agriculture Council says it [DFAP] applies to people who were discriminated against when they filed for USDA farm lending programs.

“For a lot of producers, it’s going to be some much-needed relief. Being in farming or ranching is incredibly expensive,” Fain said.

She says those who were awarded assistance through past programs are not disqualified from applying for DFAP and those who qualify should still file a claim.

“There have been a number of settlements like Keepseagle and folks who participated in those whether they received an award or didn’t are still eligible to participate in this program,” Fain said.

The Cornell Daily Sun

USDA Program Aims to Provide Compensation to New York Minority Farmers, Redress Past Discrimination 

Alan Blankstein, the New York State manager for the Windsor Group, expressed farmers’ concerns with applying for USDA funding.

“This is a unique historic opportunity. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an attempt to provide recompense of this sort in this magnitude to so many people who have experienced discrimination,” Blankstein said. “I am very optimistic in this part. There are lots of things to be concerned about in life and this is a ray of hope for those who do apply. I hope that they put aside any qualms or cynicism.”

When you submit an application for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, there are several ways to check the status as it goes through the submission and review process.

Here are a few tips for applicants:  



• If you submit your Application online via the e-Filing System (the form is available at forms.22007apply.gov), you have instant access to your Application status. NOTE: You will need your confirmation ID to retrieve your Application status. 
• You can log in to your account to see the status of your Application as it progresses through the review phase. 
• When you submit your Application through the e-Filing System, you also have instant access to correspondence sent by the program staff. This includes information on the completeness of your Application and requests for additional information to avoid any processing delays. 

Upcoming Event

Women in Ag Conference 

October 28, 2023 

Muscle Shoals, AL 

Calling all women in agriculture—whether you were born into a farming family or are researching options for a side hustle, join Alabama Cooperative Extension for a workshop on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. Sessions will cover Extension apps and tools, sprayer calibration, cattle pulling simulation, and more. Tami Culver Allen from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industry will deliver an exciting keynote presentation and there will be a panel discussion of women from several sectors of agriculture to wrap up the day.