Local FSA Offices Struggling with Staffing Shortages

F-S-A director Whitney Place

Local Farm Service Agency offices are struggling with staffing shortages, in large part because lots of employees are retiring.

Minnesota state F-S-A director Whitney Place says they’re seeing lots of retirement across the ag sector, and there’s a critical need to bring the next generation of the workforce into these jobs.

Place says the U-S-D-A is allowing state F-S-A directors “a lot of leeway” to be creative when it comes to attracting and retaining talent in local offices, including the option of working from home.

Place was recently appointed Minnesota F-S-A executive director after serving as assistant commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.