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News Release | NR 26-06 (5-14-26)

FCA board receives periodic report on Farmer Mac, acknowledges Mental Health Awareness Month

McLEAN, Va., May 14, 2026 — At its monthly meeting today, during a closed session, the Farm Credit Administration (FCA) board received a periodic report from the Office of Secondary Market Oversight, which regulates the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, also known as Farmer Mac.

Created in 1988, Farmer Mac is an investor-owned government-sponsored enterprise that provides a secondary market for agricultural real estate mortgage loans, rural housing mortgage loans, and certain rural utility loans. Farmer Mac is part of the Farm Credit System.

Mental health awareness month

During the meeting, Chairman Jeffery Hall offered the following statement in recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month:

“FCA recognizes that America’s farmers and ranchers are going through tough and challenging times. This month serves as a reminder to all of us that good mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s a fundamental necessity. Let us continue to support our agricultural community by encouraging open conversations to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health and to ensure that those who feed us have the resources and support they deserve. Agriculture is a profession built on resilience and unwavering dedication in the face of challenges that are often beyond anyone’s control. Together, we can cultivate a culture where seeking help is seen as a strength, and no one is left to suffer in silence.”

Farm Credit offers information and resources1 on their website that may help farmers and ranchers manage stress and mental health.

Notational votes

Since the April 9 FCA board meeting, the board has taken five notational votes.

Notational votes are actions the board takes between board meetings.

  • On April 17, the board approved the updated Board Policy Statement 64.
  • On April 22, the board approved a System institution’s request to redesignate equities that it allocated and designated as unallocated retained earnings equivalents.
  • On April 29, the board adopted the amended Board Policy Statements 34, 41, 65, 67, 71, 72, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, and 82.

All board policy statements can be found in the FCA Handbook.

  • On May 5, the board approved temporary 401(k) program changes for the remainder of 2026 and authorized the CFO to reallocate funds as needed, including for the employee recognition program.
  • On May 7, the board approved a personnel action.

1 Disclaimer: The above link to an external website is being provided for informational purposes only and is outside of FCA’s control or jurisdiction. FCA is not responsible for the privacy policies or the content of non-FCA websites. Therefore, we encourage you to review the terms and conditions of those sites for information on theirprivacy policies. If you have questions about a medical or mental health condition, always seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health professional. If you’re in crisis, please call or text 988.