FAQ: Explain the FSAfarm+ online data access tool. How can it help me? I’ve heard the Farm Service Agency has this new Web-based tool to provide farmers with a fast and easy way to assess their farm information, plus a whole lot more.  

The 2016 Commodity Classic was held in New Orleans in early March and presented an excellent opportunity for the unveiling of the USDA Farm Service Agency’s recently launched online farm data access tool, better known as FSAfarm+. Producers who attended the convention participated in live demonstrations of FSAfarm+ and feedback from the farmers was overwhelmingly positive.

NOW ONLINE: With FSAfarm+, farmers have Web access to view their FSA data such as common land unit information, related farm data and other producer information. It’s available in real time with no cost to the producer.

In our column this week, John Whitaker, state director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Iowa, answers questions about FSAfarm+.

Question: What is FSAfarm+?

Answer: FSAfarm+ (FSA Farm Plus) is a customer service portal that allows farm owners and operators to access their stored FSA data, such as maps, field boundaries; land use data including acres, crop, bases, ARC/PLC yields and more. 

Producers can now access this information from a home or business computer, saving the time and effort of a trip to the local FSA office for basic information. The new data tool streamlines information for producers, providing quick, secure information online.

Question: What is the benefit using FSAfarm+

Answer: Having access to FSAfarm+ will prove useful for those times when a map is needed for custom fertilizer application, crop and timber harvesting, land appraisals or when you need to provide your maps or farm data to your crop insurance agent; it’s 24/7 convenience at your fingertips.

Not only will you be able to access maps but you can also download Common Land Units (CLUs) in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) format that is compatible with today’s precision agriculture technology and can be used for a multitude of real-time planning and production applications.

Direct access to farm-related information, including field boundaries and imagery, will allow operators and owners to view, print and/or export their farm information for sharing with other individuals or agencies.

Question: Who can access FSAfarm+ data?

Answer: The initial launch of FSAfarm+ allows farm operators and farm owners to access their personal and farm information. Operators and owners that are business entities can be accessed by entity members. A future version will allow access to agents or representatives of farm operators and owners, in addition to allowing other tenants access to information related to the land they lease.

Question: How do I obtain FSAfarm+ access authorization?

Answer: Producers must have Level 2 eAuthentication access which allows users to enter USDA website portals and applications. Level 2 access can be obtained from the USDA eAuthentication website at eauth.usda.gov and is currently only available to sole proprietors/individuals.

Once Level 2 access is authorized, the FSAfarm+ portal can be accessed at fsa.usda.gov/Farmplus.

For more information, call the help desk at 866-412-6839 and a customer service representative will provide assistance.

Question: With the launch of FSAfarm+, will our county FSA office services change?

Answer: No, FSAfarm+ was developed as a value-added option for FSA customer service. You are still more than welcome and encouraged to visit your local USDA Service Center and meet with your very capable FSA staff. In today’s hectic world, we’re simply looking for ways to improve efficiencies and provide producers options in customer service. To find your local FSA office information visit offices.usda.gov.