FSA Supports Ag Tech with Controlled Atmosphere Storage Loans

Issue #151

10 Dec

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

🌨️ Marshall, MN Weather - Snow showers with a high of 28

🗞️ FSA Supports Ag Tech with Controlled Atmosphere Storage Loans

🗞️ Shrinking Surplus and Rising Costs Complicate 2025 Budget Planning

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📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

FSA Supports Ag Tech with Controlled Atmosphere Storage Loans

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced new funding opportunities for controlled atmosphere storage facilities through its Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program.

This advanced storage technology helps agricultural producers extend the shelf life of perishable commodities such as fruits, vegetables, and floriculture products by managing oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen levels.

Controlled atmosphere storage is particularly beneficial for the produce and floriculture industries, allowing growers to preserve their products for longer periods and better meet market demands.

The FSFL program supports a wide range of agricultural operations, including small and midsize farms, new farmers, and underserved producers.

Loan terms for controlled atmosphere storage renovations range from three to five years, with amounts up to $50,000 secured by a promissory note. Larger loans may require additional security.

Eligible equipment includes:

  • Optical oxygen sensors

  • CO2 and air quality detectors

  • Monitoring devices and control systems

Borrowers are not required to demonstrate a lack of commercial credit to qualify, making the program accessible to a broader group of producers.

Learn more by visiting fsa.usda.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center.

Shrinking Surplus and Rising Costs Complicate 2025 Budget Planning

Minnesota’s financial outlook has taken a turn for the worse, with state officials projecting a $616 million surplus for the FY26-27 biennium—a $1.1 billion drop from earlier estimates.

The decline is attributed to decreasing income and sales tax revenues alongside rising expenditures in critical areas like long-term care and special education.

This development comes in the wake of a historic $72 billion two-year budget passed in 2023, which was buoyed by a record $17 billion surplus. The new forecast underscores a growing structural imbalance, posing significant challenges for lawmakers preparing to craft the next biennial budget, set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

A revised fiscal forecast expected in February will give legislators updated data as they work toward finalizing the budget by the May 19 deadline.

However, the task may prove even more complicated due to the evenly split 67-67 composition in the Minnesota House of Representatives after November’s elections.

This political deadlock raises questions about how effectively the chamber can negotiate and reach consensus on the state’s financial priorities.

Minnesota’s leaders face mounting pressure to address these fiscal challenges while maintaining key services and balancing the budget.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Wednesday, December 11th
Friday, December 13th
Saturday, December 14th
Friday, December 13th - Sunday, December 15th

  • Prairie Dance Alliance presents: The Nutcracker 

    • At the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts, Marshall Senior High School

    • Friday, December 13 at 7:00 PM

    • Saturday, December 14 at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM

    • Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 PM

Sunday, December 15th
Monday, December 16th and Tuesday, December 17th
Wednesday, December 18th

  • Hope Harbor Christmas Open House at 219 N High Street in Marshall from 1:00 - 6:00 PM

    • Come and go as you please

    • Door prizes, house tours, tons of treats, hot chocolate and cider bar, Christmas carols, games, cookie decorating and lots of Christmas spirit.

    • No cost to attend, no registration required. Learn more at hopeharbormn.org.

Friday, December 20th
Saturday, December 21st
Sunday, December 22nd

  • Planetarium Christmas & Light Show at the SMSU Planetarium
    at 2:00 PM

    • Tickets are $5 and are sold at the door

  • Live reindeer at Volstead House Museum in Granite Falls starting at 1:00 PM

    • Meet Santa and get free reindeer food for your yard, so the reindeer can find your home 🦌

Saturday, December 28th

  • Light Up The Night takes place at Independence Park in Marshall from 5:00 - 9:00 PM every night. Starting November 29 through January 1st. Enjoy this beautiful Winter Wonderland!

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