In this special episode, Aaron Harries welcomes back David Schemm, newly reappointed State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Kansas. Schemm reflects on his goals from his first tenure and outlines his vision for his second, emphasizing efficiency, legacy, and adapting to evolving farm technologies. With boots-on-the-ground experience both as a farmer and policymaker, Schemm offers a unique perspective on bridging local farming needs with federal programs.

Listeners will hear firsthand how the FSA is adapting post-COVID, tackling workforce and technology challenges, and striving to improve program delivery statewide. Schemm shares valuable insights on underutilized FSA programs like TIP and Farm Storage Facility Loans, and unpacks potential impacts of the current farm bill discussions in Washington. Whether you’re a beginning farmer or a seasoned grower, this episode delivers practical takeaways you won't want to miss.

What You're Going To Learn

1. Schemm’s FSA leadership vision centers on enhancing production, embracing heritage, and establishing a legacy.
2. COVID tested agency resilience and reinforced the importance of flexibility and communication.
3. The FSA is focusing on increasing efficiency without sacrificing service quality to producers.
4. Modernization and technology use are key to serving younger, tech-savvy farmers.
5. The FSFL and TIP programs are valuable yet underutilized resources for producers.
6. The 2024 farm bill (or farm bill-lite) remains uncertain but critical for row crop stability.
7. Kansas FSA is emphasizing internal restructuring to address labor and program delivery issues.
8. Local participation via county committees is vital to ensuring producer representation.
9. Schemm brings both policy and practical farming experience to the role, shaping responsive leadership.
10. Beginning farmers can access loans and ownership support through tailored FSA programs.

Timestamps

00:12 – Introduction to David Schemm and his return to FSA
01:14 – Schemm’s farm vision and its influence on FSA leadership
04:51 – Lessons learned from COVID-19 and managing federal agency coordination
06:56 – Changes and challenges in this second term
08:47 – FSA modernization and behind-the-scenes efficiency efforts
14:31 – Loans for beginning farmers and credit access through FSA
15:52 – Farm bill status and what’s at stake for Kansas producers
20:35 – Climate-smart program updates and uncertainty
22:29 – Underutilized programs like TIP and FSFL explained
25:41 – Local engagement: FSA county committees and producer participation
29:30 – Closing remarks and contact information

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