Program offered to assist farmers and ranchers

— Farmers and ranchers are well aware of the many obstacles and challenges of making a profit in the agriculture world. What some might not be aware of are the agencies and programs that help farmers with loans, information, contacts, education and grants.

Information on USDA programs and agencies will be presented at a meeting at the Northeast Oklahoma Technology Center in Kansas, Okla., from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 12. A dinner will be served at 6 p.m. The education and information meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The regional meeting is for farmers and ranchers in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

This is a free service. It is co-sponsored by the USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach, Farm Service Agency, NRCS and Winrock International, with the assistance of the Arkansas Human Development Corporation, Arkansas Conservation Districts, Central Arkansas RC&D Council, Northeast Technology Center, Poultry Partners Inc., Ann Wells and Bev Saunders.

A Hmong translator, Shane Tawr, will be at the meeting to help with communications. For a head count for dinner, please RSVP to Bev Saunders at 918-326-0325 by Feb. 10th.

Northeast Oklahoma Technology Center is located just off U.S. 412 at the Kansas/Tahlequah exit U.S. 59/Okla. 10. Turn left on the exit, the center will be on the east side of the road. The address is 450 U.S. N. Highway 59, Kansas, Okla.

Opinion, Pages 7 on 01/30/2013