USDA communications keeping pace

In this day of "Facebook," "mobile apps," and wireless Internet access, those who are appropriately equipped can look up almost anything, read email, keep up on family and friends, send a new picture anywhere in the world, check game scores (or watch the game for that matter), and generally stay "plugged in" to what is going on around the world.

Some of us deal more thoroughly with these processes than others -- in most cases directly proportional to age. A good number of older folks (I include myself in this group) have attempted to adapt somewhat to electronic communications, email, etc., and have survived at work so far.

However, I realize when I am around my daughters that I remain "technologically challenged" compared to most of the younger folks, and that a "smartphone" in my hands tends to function more like a plain "phone."

However, in an effort to take advantage of much of the new communications technology now available, acting Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse recently announced a package of technology enhancements from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) that include Web access for handheld and smartphone users, as well as a more efficient and timely option for receiving news and critical program information.

The technology improvements will allow users of FSA information to gain access to easy-to-read data, including key features such as loan deficiency payment (LDP) rates, posted county prices (PCP), FSA news releases and AskFSA, the agency's online self-help knowledge base.

This announcement by FSA underscores USDA's Blueprint for Stronger Service, a plan introduced in January by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack that takes a realistic view of the needs of American agriculture in a challenging budget climate, and lays out USDA's plans to modernize and accelerate service delivery while improving the customer experience through use of innovative technologies and business solutions.

Three of the 27 initial recommendations implemented by USDA focus on information technology, while other process improvements already put into place by FSA have strengthened the agency's electronic customer service and online presence.

"As an increasing number of farmers and ranchers move to mobile devices and other high-tech tools, we need to keep pace by investing in the best possible customer service while making the best use of taxpayer resources," Scuse said. "The mobile website is an added convenience for farmers and ranchers and an effective, efficient way for USDA to deliver news, program information and reliable guidance on a variety of agricultural issues.

And investments in technology help USDA continue to make other, more significant investments in rural America, preserving the success of U.S. agriculture in the long term."

Like all websites, the FSA site is accessible through any device that connects to the Internet. The mobile site organizes the information on the website in a way that makes for easy reading on a small, hand-held screen. It does not require screen adjustments or constant scrolling and panning across the information.

A 2011 study conducted by the Pew Research Center indicated that mobile Internet access is growing rapidly. From May 2010 to July 2011, the number of adults with mobile applications jumped from 43 percent to 50 percent. The trend is expected to continue.

In addition to the mobile website, FSA is now offering farmers and ranchers a more efficient and timely option for receiving critical program information.

Such things as eligibility requirements, deadlines and related information can be accessed through an electronic news service hosted by GovDelivery. By signing up for free online communications through GovDelivery, farmers and ranchers can receive news, via email, directly to their home or farm office or to their mobile devices -- allowing them to receive immediate notification of farm program news that is pertinent to their agricultural operation.

FSA also offers AskFSA and AskFSAmobile, an easy-to-use knowledge database with automated answers to website visitor questions. In 2011, AskFSA received 351,119 visitors -- 99.7 percent of whom found their answer online without the need for additional assistance.

Access FSA's website at www.fsa.usda.gov/mobile. To sign up for FSA's GovDelivery electronic news, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/subscribe.