Closing dates for USDA programs closing

- USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) Jackson Regional Office, reminds Mississippi producers who wish to purchase Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) for the 2009 crop year of the following final Sales closing dates:

* Corn - February 28, 2009

* Cotton - February 28, 2009

* Soybeans - February 28, 2009

* Rice - February 28, 2009

* Grain Sorghum - February 28, 2009

* Peanuts - February 28, 2009

Insured growers have an opportunity to make important changes to their coverage. Current policyholders as well as uninsured growers must make all of their decisions on crop insurance coverage, especially which crops to insure and which level of coverage to obtain, prior to the sales closing date.

Producers should contact a local MPCI agent to learn additional program details. If the traditional MPCI program for your crop is not available in your county or parish, please ask your agent whether you would be eligible for coverage under a written agreement. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers throughout the U.S. or on the RMA Web site: www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents.

Home buyer assistance

- The City of Houston will hold a public meeting on March 5, 2009 at 5 p.m. in the City Hall to explain the new Home Buyer Assistance Program.

The City has secured a Home Investment Partnership Program Grant that will provide a $28,750 down payment assistance grant to qualified first time home buyers for new and existing houses located in the City of Houston. It is possible to "layer other benefits" such as Affordable Housing Program grant funds and Economic Stimulus funds to receive up to an additional $15,000. There will be no charge to attend the meeting and funds will be available to "First Come First Served" as long as they last.