The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently announced farmers and ranchers in Virginia now can receive notifications from their FSA county office through text messages on their cell phone.

In addition to the free FSA GovDelivery email news, customers now can choose to receive text message alerts from their county office. These text messages inform producers of important program deadlines, reporting requirements, outreach events, and updates.

“Whether producers are in the field, on a tractor or even on horseback, this service will enable FSA customers and stakeholders to receive notifications while on the go,” FSA officials said in a press release.

Producers can text VACharlotte to FSANOW (372-669) to subscribe to text message alerts from Charlotte and Lunenburg County. The same code can be used for both Charlotte and Lunenburg. “Standard text messaging rates apply. Contact your wireless carrier for details associated with your particular data plan. Participants may unsubscribe at any time,” officials said.

To receive GovDelivery email notifications, subscribe online at www.fsa.usda.gov/subscribe or contact the Charlotte/Lunenburg County FSA office for subscription assistance.

“Producers can establish subscriber preferences by choosing to receive federal farm program information by topic, by state or by county. Producers can select as many subscriber options as they want, which allows producers who farm in multiple counties or across state lines to receive updates from each county in which they operate or have an interest.”

According to FSA, GovDelivery is a one-stop shop for the most up-to-date USDA program information.

For more information, contact the Charlotte County FSA Office at (434) 542-5121.