This subpart delegates authorities and gives procedures for servicing, care, and liquidation of Rural Development chattel security, Economic Opportunity (EO) loan property, and note only loans. Security servicing for Nonprogram (NP) loans on farm property will be according to subpart J of part 1951 of this chapter. This subpart is inapplicable to Farm Service Agency, Farm Loan Programs.
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 58 FR 52654, Oct. 12, 1993; 72 FR 64123, Nov. 15, 2007]
Chattel security, EO property and note only loans will be serviced to accomplish the loan objectives and protect Rural Development's financial interest. To accomplish these objectives, security will be serviced in accordance with the security instruments and related agreements, including any authorized modifications, provided the borrower has reasonable prospects of accomplishing the loan objectives, properly maintains and accounts for the security, and otherwise satisfactorily meets the loan obligations including repayment.
(a) Redelegation of authority. Authority will be redelegated to the maximum extent possible consistent with program requirements and available resources. The State Director, District Director and County Supervisor are authorized to redelegate, in writing, any authority delegated to them in this subpart to any employee determined by them to be qualified.
(b) Responsibilities —
(1) Rural Development personnel. The State Director, District Director and County Supervisor are responsible for carrying out the policies and procedures in this subpart.
(2) Borrower. The borrower is responsible for repaying the loans, maintaining, protecting, and accounting to Rural Development for all chattel security, and complying with all other requirements specified in promissory notes, security instruments, and related documents.
(c) Exception authority. The Administrator may, in individual cases, make an exception to any requirement or provision of this subpart which is not inconsistent with the authorizing statute or other applicable law if the Administrator determines that application of the requirement or provision would adversely affect the Government's interest. The Administrator will exercise this auhority only at the request of the State Director and on the recommendation of the appropriate program Assistant Administrator. Requests for exceptions must be made in writing by the State Director and supported with documentation to explain the adverse effect on the Government's interest, propose alternative courses of action, and show how the adverse effect will be eliminated or minimized if the exception is granted.
(d) Farms in more than one jurisdiction. If the farm is situated in more than one State, County, or Parish, the loan will be serviced by the County Office serving the County in which the borrower's residence is located. If the borrower is a corporation, cooperative, partnership or joint operation is the borrower's residence is not on the farm, the loan will be serviced by the County Office serving the County in which the farm or a major portion of the farm is located.
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 13480, Apr. 21, 1986]
As used in this subpart, the following definitions apply:
Abandonment. Voluntary relinquishment by the borrower of control of security or EO property without providing for its care.
Acquired chattel property. Former security or EO property of which the government has become the owner (See § 1955.20 of Subpart A of Part 1955 of this chapter).
Basic security. Consists of all equipment serving as security for Rural Development loans. It also consists of real estate and all foundation herds and flocks, including replacements, which serve as a basis for the farming operation outlined in the Farm and Home Plan or yearly budget which serve as security for Rural Development. With respect to livestock herds and flocks, animals that are sold as a result of the normal culling process are basic security unless the borrower has replacements that will keep numbers and production up to planned levels. However, if a borrower plans to make a significant reduction in his basic livestock herd or flocks, the animals or birds that are sold in making this reduction will be considered basic security.
Borrower. When a loan is made to an individual, the individual is the borrower. When a loan is made to an entity, the cooperative, corporation, partnership or joint operation is the borrower.
Chattel security. Chattel property which may consist of, but is not limited to, inventory; accounts; contract rights; general intangibles; crops; livestock; fish; farm, business, and recreational equipment; and supplies, and which is covered by financing statements and security agreements, chattel mortgages, and other security instruments.
Civil action. Court proceedings to protect Rural Development's financial interests such as obtaining possession of property from borrowers or third parties, judgments on indebtedness evidenced by notes or other contracts or judgments for the value of converted property, or judicial foreclosure. Bankruptcy and similar proceedings to impound and distribute the bankrupt's assets to creditors and probate and similar proceedings to settle and distribute estates of incompetents or of decendents under a will, or otherwise, and pay claims of creditors are not included.
Criminal action. Prosecution by the United States to exact punishment in the form of fines or imprisonment for alleged violations of criminal statutes. These include but are not limited to violations such as:
Unauthorized sale of security.
Purchase of security with intent to defraud and without payment of the purchase price to Rural Development;
Falsification of assets or liabilities in loan applications;
Application for a loan for an authorized purpose with intent to use and use of loan funds for an unauthorized purpose;
Decision after obtaining a loan to use and using the funds for an unauthorized purpose and then making false statements regarding their use;
By scheme, trick, or other device, covering up or concealing misuse of funds or authorized dispositions of security or EO property or other illegal action; or
Any other false statements or representations relating to Rural Development matters. To establish that a criminal act was committed by selling EO property, it is necessary to show that the borrower, at the time the loan agreement or the check on the supervised bank account was signed, intended to sell the property in violation of the loan agreement. The Federal criminal statute of limitations bars institution of criminal action 5 years after the date the act was committed. Unauthorized disposition of even minor items by the borrower will be considered criminal violations.
Default. Failure of the borrower to observe the agreements with Rural Development as contained in notes, security instruments, and similar or related instruments. Some examples of default or factors to consider in determining whether a borrower is in default are when a borrower:
Is delinquent, and the borrower's refusal or inability to pay on schedule, or as agreed upon, is due to lack of diligence, lack of sound farming or other operation, or other circumstances within the borrower's control.
Ceases to conduct farming or other operations for which the loan was made or to carry out approved changed operations.
Has disposed of security or EO property without Rural Development, has not cared properly for such property, has not accounted properly for such property or the proceeds from its sale, or taken some action which resulted in bad faith or other violations in connection with the loan.
Has progressed to the point to be able to obtain credit from other sources, and has agreed in the note or other instrument to do so but refuses to comply with that agreement.
EO property. Nonsecurity chattel property purchased, refinanced, or improved with EO loan funds.
EO property essential for minimum family living needs. Nonsecurity chattel or real property required to provide food, shelter, or other necessities for the family or to produce income without which the family would not have such necessities. This includes livestock, poultry, or other animals used as food or to produce food for the family or to produce income for minimum essential family living needs; modest amounts of real property needed for family shelter or to produce food or income for minimum essential family living needs, and items such as equipment, tools, and motor vehicles, which are of minimum value and are essential for family living needs or to produce income for that purpose. Any such item of a value in excess of the minimum need may be sold and a portion of the sale proceeds used to purchase a similar item of less value to meet such need. The remainder of the proceeds will be paid on the EO loan.
Farm income. Proceeds from the sale of chattel security which is normally sold annually during the regular course of business such as crops, feeder livestock and other farm products.
Farmer Program loans. These loans and Farm Ownership (FO), Operating (OL), Soil and Water (SW), Recreation (RL), Economic Emergency (EE), Emergency (EM), Economic Opportunity (EO) and Special Livestock (SL) loans and Rural Housing loans made for farm service buildings (RHF).
Foreclosure sale. Act of selling security either under the “Power of Sale” in the security instrument or through court proceedings.
Liquidation. The act of selling security or EO property to close the loan when no further assistance will be given; or instituting civil suit against a borrower to recover security or EO property or against third parties to recover security or its value or to recover amounts owed to Rural Development; or filing claims in bankruptcy or similar proceedings or in probate or administrative proceedings to close the loan.
Normal income security. All security not considered basic security, including crops, livestock, poultry products, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service payments and Commodity Credit Corporation payments, and other property covered by Farmers Home Administration or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 liens that is sold in conjunction with the operation of a farm or other business, but shall not include any equipment (including fixtures in States that have adopted the Uniform Commercial Code), or foundation herd or flock. that is the basis of the farming or other operation, and is the basic security for a Rural Development farmer program loan.
Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The Regional Attorneys, Attorneys-in-Charge, and National Office staff of the Office of the General Counsel of the United States Department of Agriculture.
Purchase money security interest. Special type of security interest which, if properly perfected, takes priority over an earlier-perfected security interest. A security interest is a purchase money security interest to the extent that it is taken by the seller of the collateral to secure all or part of its purchase price or by a lender who makes loans or is obligated to make loans or otherwise gives value to enable the debtor to acquire the particular collateral or obtain rights in it. Such value must be given not later than the time the debtor acquires the collateral or obtains rights in it.
Repossessed property. Security or EO property in Rural Development's custody, but still owned by the borrower.
Security. Also means “Chattel security” when appropriate.
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 13481, Apr. 21, 1986; 53 FR 35783, Sept. 14, 1988]
(a) Chattel property not covered by Agency lien.
(1) When additional chattel property not presently covered by an Agency lien is available and needed to protect the Government's interest, the County Supervisor will obtain one or more of the following:
(i) A lien on such property.
(ii) An assignment of the proceeds from the sale of agricultural products when such products are not covered by the lien instruments.
(iii) An assignment of other income, including FSA Farm Programs (formerly ASCS) payments.
(2) When a current loan is not being made to a borrower, a crop lien will be taken as additional security when the County Supervisor determines in individual cases that it is needed to protect the Government's interests. However, a crop lien will not be taken as additional security for Farm Ownership (FO), Rural Housing (RH), Labor Housing (LH), and Soil and Water (SW) loans. When a new security agreement or chattel mortgage is taken, all existing security items will be described on it.
(b) [Reserved]
(c) Assignments of upland cotton, rice, wheat and feed grain payments. Borrowers may assign FSA Farm Programs (formerly ASCS) payments under upland cotton, rice, wheat and feed grain programs.
(1) Obtaining assignments. Assignments will be obtained as follows:
(i) Only when it appears necessary to collect operating-type loans.
(ii) Only for the crop year for which operating-type loans are made, and
(iii) For only the amount anticipated for payments as indicated on Form RD 1962-1, “Agreement for the Use of Proceeds/Release of Chattel Security,” of the applicable upland cotton, rice, wheat and feed grain programs.
(2) Selecting counties. The County Supervisor then will:
(i) Determine, at the time of loan processing for indebted borrowers and new applicants, who must give assignments and obtain them no later than loan closing. Special efforts will be made to obtain the bulk of assignments before the sign-up period for enrolling in the annual Feed Grain and Wheat set aside programs.
(ii) Obtain assignments from selected borrowers on Form ASCS-36, “Assignments of Payment,” which will be obtained from FSA Farm Programs.
(3) Releasing assignments and handling checks.
(i) The County Supervisor will inform FSA Farm Programs that releasing its assignment whenever a borrower pays the amount due for the year on the operating-type loan debt or pays the debt in full.
(ii) Checks obtained as a result of an assignment will be made only to the Agency, and the proceeds used as indicated on Form RD 1962-1.
[61 FR 35929, July 9, 1996]
The County Supervisor will take a lien on a borrower's chattel property in accordance with § 1962.6 of this subpart if it is necessary to rely on such property for the collection of the borrower's unsecured indebtedness, or if it will assist in accomplishing loan objectives.
The County Supervisor may take the best lien obtainable on any real estate owned by the borrower, including any real estate which already serves as security for another loan. Additional liens will be taken only when the borrower is delinquent, the existing security is not adequate to protect Rural Development interests, and the borrower has substantial equity in the real estate to be mortgaged, and taking such mortgage will not prevent making a Rural Development real estate loan, if needed, later.
(a)-(b) [Reserved]
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 53 FR 35783, Sept. 14, 1988; 56 FR 15824, Apr. 18, 1991; 61 FR 35930, July 9, 1996]
(a) In States without a Central Filing System (CFS), all Farm Credit Programs borrowers prior to loan closing or prior to any servicing actions which require taking a lien on farm products, such as crops or livestock, must provide the names and addresses of potential purchasers. A written notice will be sent by the Agency, certified mail, return receipt requested, to these potential purchasers to protect the Government's security interest.
(1) The name and address of the debtor.
(2) The name and address of any secured party.
(3) The Social Security number or tax ID number of the debtor.
(4) A description of the farm products given as security by the debtor, including the amount of such products where applicable, the crop year, the county in which the products are located, and a reasonable description of the farm products.
(5) Any payment obligation imposed on the potential purchaser by the secured party as a condition for waiver or release of lien. The original or a copy of the written notice also must be sent to the purchaser within 1 year before the sale of the farm products. The written notice will lapse on either the expiration period of the Financing Statement or the transmission of a letter signed by the County Supervisor and showing that the statement has lapsed or the borrower has performed all obligations to the Agency.
(b) Lists of borrowers whose chattels or crops are subject to an Agency lien may be made available, upon request, to business firms in a trade area, such as sale barns and warehouses, that buy chattels or crops or sell them for a commission. These lists will exclude those borrowers whose only crops for sale require FSA Farm Programs (formerly ASCS) marketing cards. The list is furnished only as a convenience and may be incomplete or inaccurate as of any particular date.
(1)-(2) [Reserved]
[61 FR 35930, July 9, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 10157, Mar. 5, 1997]
Within 2 weeks after receipt of a written request from the borrower, the Agency must inform the borrower of the security and the total unpaid balance of the Agency indebtedness covered by the Financing Statement.
(a) If the Agency fails to provide the information, it may be liable for any loss caused the borrower and, in some States, other parties, and also may lose some of its security rights. The UCC provides that the borrower is entitled to such information once every 6 months without charge, and the Agency may charge up to $10 for each additional statement. However, the Agency provides them without charge.
(b) Although the UCC only requires the Agency to give information pursuant to the borrower's written request, the Agency will also answer oral requests. Furthermore, the UCC does not prohibit giving this information to others who have a proper need for it, such as a bank or another creditor contemplating advancing additional credit to the borrower.
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 54 FR 47960, Nov. 20, 1989; 61 FR 35930, July 9, 1996]
The Agency will maintain a current record of each borrower's security. Whenever an inspection is performed, the borrower must advise the Agency of any changes in the security and will complete and sign Form RD 1962-1 in accordance with § 1924.56 if it has not been previously completed for the year.
(a) Agency responsibilities. Chattel security will be inspected annually except in cases where the Agency official has justified in assessment or analysis review that no undue risk exists. An FO borrower who has been current with the Agency and who has provided chattels as additional security is an example of a case where an inspection may not be needed. All inspections will be recorded in the running record of the borrower's file. More frequent inspections should be made for delinquent borrowers or borrowers that have been indebted for less then 1 full crop year. The Agency official will discuss the provisions of §§ 1962.17 and 1962.18 and assist the borrower in completing the form. If a borrower does not plan to dispose of any chattel security, the form should be completed to show this and should be signed. When the Agency official has other contacts with the borrower, the official should also check for dispositions and acquisitions of security. Changes will be recorded on the form, dated and initialed by the borrower and the agency official. The purpose of all inspections is to:
(1) Verify that the borrower possesses all the security,
(2) Determine security is properly maintained, and
(3) Supplement security instruments.
(b) Dispositions. The County Supervisor will record all dispositions of chattel security on Form RD or its successor agency under Form RD 1962-1, and on the file copy of the security agreement or chattel mortgage. The original security instrument must not be altered. Additional acquired chattel security should be entered on the file copy of the security agreement or chattel mortgage and must be described on subsequent security instruments.
(c) Unapproved dispositions. Unapproved dispositions of security will be handled in accordance with §§ 1962.18 and 1962.49 of this subpart.
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 58 FR 46075, Sept. 1, 1993; 61 FR 35930, July 9, 1996]
(a) General.
(1) The borrower must account for all security. When the borrower sells security, the property and proceeds remain subject to the Agency's lien until the lien is released. All checks, drafts, or money orders which the borrower receives for the sale of collateral listed on Form RD 1962-1 (available in any Agency office) must be payable to both the borrower and the Agency unless all Agency loan installments for the period of the form have been paid including any past-due installments. If the borrower disposes of collateral or uses the proceeds in a way not listed on Form RD 1962-1, the borrower will have violated the loan agreement, and the Government will not release its security interest in the collateral. Releases of sales proceeds will be terminated when the borrower's accounts are accelerated.
(2) Section 1924.56 requires that there must always be a current Form RD 1962-1 in the file of a borrower with a loan secured by chattels. If a borrower asks the Agency to release proceeds from the sale of chattels and there is a current Form RD 1962-1 in the file, the request will be approved or disapproved in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section. If the borrower's request for release is denied, the borrower must be given attachment 1 of exhibit A of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter, a written explanation of the reasons for the denial, and the opportunity for an appeal in accordance with 7 CFR part 780. Immediately upon determining that the borrower does not have a current Form RD 1962-1 in the file, the County Supervisor will immediately contact the borrower to develop one.
(3) If the borrower requests a change(s) to Form RD 1962-1, and the County Supervisor can approve the change(s), the borrower and the County Supervisor will initial and date each change in accordance with item (6) in the Forms Manual Insert (FMI) for Form RD 1962-1. The form will be marked “Revised” and the borrower will be notified in writing confirming that the change(s) has been approved.
(b) Use of Form RD 1962-1.
(1) County Supervisors are authorized to approve or disapprove dispositions of Agency chattel security in accordance with this subpart. The County Supervisor, with the assistance of the borrower, will complete Form RD 1962-1 in accordance with the FMI (available in any Agency office) to show how, when, and to whom the borrower will sell, exchange, or consume security and use sale proceeds (include milk sale proceeds). Government payments, crop insurance and insurance proceeds derived from the loss of security will also be accounted for on Form RD 1962-1. This includes, for example, sale proceeds on hand and crops in storage. Only the proceeds from the sale of normal income security can be used to pay essential family and farm operation expenses. Proceeds from the sale of basic security will not be used for essential family living and farm operating expenses. In addition to payment of prior liens, basic security can only be released for the purposes listed in paragraphs (b)(2)(iv) through (b)(2)(vii). When proceeds from the disposition of normal income security are to be used to pay essential family living or farm operating expenses, County Supervisors must approve the disposition. Any disposition of basic or normal income security must be recorded on Form RD 1962-1. However, the borrower is responsible for providing the County Supervisor with the necessary information to update the Farm and Home Plan and Form RD 1962-1.
(2) Under all circumstances, sales proceeds must be remitted to creditors with liens on the proceeds, in order of priority of those liens. Proceeds which are released by a prior lienholder or which are in excess of the amount due to prior lienholder and which come to the Agency can be used as follows:
(i) The Form RD 1962-1 must provide for releases of normal income security so that the borrower can pay essential family living and farm operating expenses. However, proceeds from the sale of basic security will not be used to pay essential family living or farm operating expenses.
(ii) Essential expenses are those which are basic, crucial or indispensable. The following items are guidelines of what normally may be considered essential family living and farm operating expenses:
Household operating
Food, including lunches
Clothing and personal care
Health and medical expenses, including medical insurance
House repair and sanitation
School, church, recreation
Personal insurance
Transportation
Furniture
Hired labor
Machinery repair
Farm building and fence repair
Interest on loans and credit or purchase agreement
Rent on equipment, land, and buildings
Feed for animals
Seed
Fertilizer
Pesticides, herbicides, and spray materials
Farm supplies not included above
Livestock expenses, including medical supplies, artificial insemination, and veterinarian bills
Machinery hire
Fuel and oil
Personal property tax
Real estate taxes
Water charges
Property and crop insurance
Auto and truck expenses
Utilities payments
Payments on contracts or loans secured by farmland, necessary farm equipment, livestock, or other chattels
Essential farm machinery. An item of essential farm machinery which is beyond repair may be replaced when the County Supervisor determines that replacement is a better choice than alternatives such as the lease of a similar piece of machinery or the hiring of the service.
(iii) All of the items in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section may not always be considered essential for every family and farming operation. County Supervisors must consider the individual borrower's operation, what is typical for that type of operation in the area administered by the County Supervisor, and what would be an efficient method of production considering the borrower's resources. County Supervisors will refer to exhibit E of this subpart for guidance in determining whether an expense will be considered essential and the amount of proceeds which should be released. When the borrower and County Supervisor cannot agree that an expense is essential, the County Supervisor will notify the borrower, in writing, of why the requested release was denied, including why it is not basic, crucial or indispensable to the family and/or the farming operation and will give the borrower an opportunity to appeal in accordance with subpart B of part 1900 of this chapter and paragraphs (a)(2) and (b)(5) of this section.
(iv) Proceeds can be applied to the Agency debt.
(v) Proceeds can be used to purchase property better suited to the borrower's need if the Agency will acquire a lien on the new property. The new property, together with any proceeds applied to the Agency indebtedness, will have a value to the Agency at least equal to the value of the lien formerly held by the Agency on the old security.
(vi) Proceeds can be used to preserve the security because of a natural disaster or other severe catastrophe, when the need for funds cannot be met by other means or with an Agency loan or an Agency loan cannot be made in time to prevent the borrower and Agency from suffering a substantial loss.
(vii) Property can be exchanged, with prior Agency approval and in accordance with paragraph (b)(5) of this section, for property which is better suited to the borrower's needs if the Agency will acquire a lien on the new property, at least equal in value to the lien held on the property exchanged.
(viii) Property can be consumed by the borrower as follows:
(A) Livestock can be used by the borrower's family for subsistence.
(B) If crops serve as security and usually would be marketed, the County Supervisor can allow such crops to be fed to livestock, provided, this is preferable to direct marketing and also provided that the Agency obtains a lien (or assignment) on the livestock and livestock products at least equal to the lien on the crops.
(3) The borrower must maintain records of dispositions of property and the actual use of proceeds and must make these records available to the Agency at the end of the period covered by the Form RD 1962-1, or when requested by the Agency. The County Supervisor will complete the “Actual” columns on that form, indicating approval or disapproval, making sure that the dispositions of property and uses of proceeds were as agreed upon. If they were not, the County Supervisor will take the actions required by § 1962.18 of this subpart. On the form, the County Supervisor will note approval or disapproval of each disposition.
(4) If, for any sale, the amount of proceeds actually received is above or below the amount of proceeds planned to be received as shown on Form RD 1962-1, the borrower will immediately notify the County Supervisor. If the borrower sells security to a purchaser not listed on the Form RD 1962-1, the borrower must immediately notify the County Supervisor of what property has been sold and of the name and business address of the purchaser. Such notification may be by telephone to the County Office, by letter, by visit to the County Office, or any other method the borrower chooses.
(5) If a borrower wants to dispose of chattel security which is not listed on Form RD 1962-1 or wants to dispose of chattel security in a way not listed in the “How” section or wants to use proceeds in a way not listed in the “Use of Proceeds” section on Form RD 1962-1, the borrower must obtain the Agency consent before the disposition or before the proceeds are used. The Agency must give consent for the release of normal income security if the change is necessary for the borrower to meet essential family living and farm operating expenses. The Agency must also give consent if the conditions set out on the form and in paragraph (b)(2) of this section are met. The borrower may obtain prior consent by telephoning the county office, by letter, by visiting the county office, or by any other method the borrower chooses. When revisions are agreed to over the telephone, the County Supervisor must revise the Form RD 1962-1 contained in the borrower's case file, initial and date the change, and mark the form “Revised.” The County Supervisor will then either write to the borrower and send a copy of the “Revised” form to the borrower asking the borrower to date and initial the change and return the form to the county office, or the County Supervisor will ask the borrower to date and initial the change the next time the borrower is in the county office. Changes that would result in a major change (examples of major changes are: Feeder pig to sow operation, cow/calf to feeder steer operation, dairy to row crop, etc.) in a borrower's operation will always require a visit to the county office so that the County Supervisor and the borrower can complete a new farm and home plan and revise Form RD 1962-1. The County Supervisor will be responsible for determining if the requested change is major or not. If a revision cannot be agreed upon, see § 1924.56 of subpart B of part 1924 of this chapter.
(c) Release of liens.
(1) Liens will be released by the County Supervisor when security is sold, exchanged or consumed, provided the conditions set out on Form RD 1962-1 and in this subpart are met.
(2) Junior Agency liens on chattels and crops serving as security for Agency loans can be released when such property has no present or prospective security value or enforcement of the Agency lien would be ineffectual or uneconomical. The following information will be documented in the running case record:
(i) The present market value of the chattels or crops, as determined by the County Supervisor, on which the Agency has a valueless junior lien.
(ii) The names of the prior lienholders, amount secured by each prior lien, and the present market value of any property which serves as security for the amount. The value of all property which serves as security for amounts owed to prior lienholders must be considered to determine whether the junior Agency lien has any present or prospective value.
(3) Liens obtained through a mutual mistake can be released. The reasons for the release must be documented in the running case record.
(4) Liens can be released when there is no evidence of an existing indebtedness secured by the lien in the records of the Agency, County, State, or Finance Office.
(5) Liens on separate items of chattels can be released to another creditor for any authorized Farm Credit Programs loan purpose when it has been determined by a current appraisal that the value of the remaining security is substantially greater than the remaining Agency debt.
(d) Processing the release of chattel security.
(1) If the borrower or an interested third party requests a release of specific items which must be recorded under the UCC or chattel mortgage laws, Form RD462-12, “Statements of Continuation, Partial Release, Assignments, etc.,” Form RD 460-1, “Partial Release,” or other Forms approved by OGC and required by State statute will be used. Care must be used to be sure that only specific items are released; for example, if a borrower requests a release of five cows, make sure that not all the cattle are released from the Agency lien. When specific items are listed on the security agreement, the County Supervisor should record the disposition on the work copy of the security agreement and on Form RD 1962-1.
(2) Assignments and consent to payment of proceeds will be processed under subpart A of part 1941 of this chapter and recorded on Form RD 1962-1.
(i) When it is necessary to temporarily amend Form RD 441-18, “Consent to Payment of Proceeds From Sale of Farm Products,” or Form RD 441-25, “Assignment of Proceeds From the Sale of Dairy Products and Release of Security Interest,” Form RD 462-9, “Temporary Amendment of Consent to Payment of Proceeds From Sale of Farm Products,” will be used. All amendments of assignment agreements will be made on forms approved by OGC. The State Director will issue a State Supplement with the advice of OGC and prior approval of the National Office on the use of other forms. The original form after completion will be forwarded directly to the person or firm making the payment against which the assignment is effective, and a copy will be kept in the borrower's case file. All amendments of assignment agreements will be approved and recorded on Form RD 1962-1. Conditions of this section must be met. The County Supervisor will see that payments are made in accordance with the original consent when the amendment period expires. Normally, a temporary amendment will not exceed a six month period.
(ii) When the Agency is not expecting payment from the proceeds of a product on which it has a lien but the purchaser of the product inquires about payment, a letter should be written to the purchaser as follows:
Rural Development has a security interest in the (name of product) being sold to you by (name and address of borrower), but at the present time is not looking to the proceeds from the sale of that product for payment on the debt owned to this agency. Therefore, until further notice, it will not be necessary for you to make payment to the Agency for such product.
(e) Releases of liens on wool and mohair marketed by consignment —
(1) Conditions. Liens on wool and mohair may be released when the security is marketed by consignment, provided all the following conditions are met:
(i) The producer assigns to the Agency the proceeds of any advances made, or to be made, on the wool or mohair by the broker, less shipping, handling, processing, and marketing costs.
(ii) The producer assigns to the Agency the proceeds of the sale of the wool or mohair, less any remaining costs in shipping, handling, processing, and marketing, and less the amount of any advance (including any interest which may have accrued on the advance) made by the broker against the wool or mohair.
(iii) The producer and broker agree that the net proceeds of any advances on, or sale of, the wool or mohair will be paid by checks made payable jointly to the producer and the Agency.
(2) Authority. The County Supervisor may execute releases of the Government's lien on wool and mohair on Form RD 462-4, “Assignment, Acceptance, and Release.” Since Form RD 462-4 is not a binding agreement until executed by all parties in interest, including the producer, the broker and the Government, the County Supervisor may execute it before other parties sign it.
(f) Notice of termination of security interest to purchasers of farm products under consents or assignments upon payment in full. County Supervisors will notify purchasers of farm products as soon as the Agency has received payment in full of indebtedness for collection of which it has accepted assignments or consents to payment of proceeds from the sale of the farm products. When Form RD 441-18 is in effect under the UCC, the notice to the purchaser will be made on Form RD 460-8, “Notice of Termination of Security Interest in Farm Products.” When assignments have been used, the notice to the purchaser will be by letter or by forms prescribed by State Supplements.
(g) Release of Agency interest in insurance policies. When an Agency lien on property covered by insurance has been released, the County Supervisor is authorized to notify the insurance company of the release.
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 13481, Apr. 21, 1986; 52 FR 32121, Aug. 26, 1987; 53 FR 35784, Sept. 14, 1988; 56 FR 15824, Apr. 18, 1991; 57 FR 18680, Apr. 30, 1992; 57 FR 60085, Dec. 18, 1992; 58 FR 46075, Sept. 1, 1993; 61 FR 35930, 35931, July 9, 1996]
(a) General. When the County Supervisor learns that a borrower has made a disposition of chattel security in a manner not provided for on the applicable Agency form or becomes aware of the misuse of proceeds by a borrower, corrective action must be taken to protect the Government's interest.
(b) Notice to borrowers. When a borrower has not properly accounted for the use of proceeds from the sale of chattel security, the County Supervisor must request restitution by use of a letter similar to Guide Letter 1962-A-5.
(1) If the borrower makes restitution or provides sufficient information to enable the County Supervisor to post-approve the transaction on the applicable Agency form, no further action will be taken against the borrower. Post-approval can only be given under the conditions set out in 1962.17(b) of this subpart. Only one such transgression can be allowed in any period covered by the RD 431-2, or other similar plan of operation acceptable to Rural Development, between annual security inspections, whichever is appropriate, and this must be made clear to the borrower.
(2) If the borrower does not make restitution, if the County Supervisor cannot post-approve the transaction, or if the borrower makes a second unauthorized disposition of security or a misuse of proceeds after settling the first offense as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the County Supervisor will proceed in accordance with § 1962.49 of this subpart.
[54 FR 14791, Apr. 13, 1989]
This section is based on a Memorandum of Understanding between CCC and Rural Development (see Exhibit A of this subpart). The memorandum sets forth the procedure to follow when producers sell or pledge to CCC as loan collateral under the Price Support Program, commodities on which Rural Development holds a prior lien, and when the proceeds, or an agreed amount from them, are not remitted to Rural Development to apply against the producer's indebtedness to Rural Development. In addition to the procedures outlined in Exhibit A, the following apply:
(a) County Office action.
(1) Claims will not be filed with CCC until it is determined that the amount involved cannot be collected from the borrower. Therefore, after preliminary notice is given of this fact to CCC by the State Director, the County Supervisor will make immediate demand on the borrower for the amount of the CCC loan or the portion of it which should have been applied to the borrower's account. If payment is made, the State Director will be notified.
(i) If payment is not made, the County Supervisor will determine whether or not the case should be liquidated in accordance with § 1962.40 of this subpart. Any liquidation action will be taken immediately. If the borrower has no property from which recovery can be made through liquidation or, if after liquidation, an unpaid balance remains on the indebtedness secured by the commodity pledged or sold to CCC, the County Supervisor will make a full report to the State Director on Form RD 455-1, “Request for Legal Action,” with a recommendation that a claim be filed againt CCC. However, if the indebtedness is paid through liquidation action, the State Director will be notified by memorandum.
(ii) If the facts do not warrant liquidation action, the State Director will be notified, and a recommendation will be made that no claim be filed against CCC.
(2) On receiving information from the State Director that CCC has called the borrower's loan, the County Supervisor will act to protect Rural Development's interest with respect to the commodity if CCC is repaid.
(b) State Office action.
(1) The State Director, on receipt of reports and recommendations from the County Supervisor, will:
(i) If in agreement with the County Supervisor's recommendation not to file a claim against CCC or if notice is received that the indebtedness has been paid, forward notice to CCC.
(ii) If in agreement with the County Supervisor's recommendation to file a claim against CCC, refer the case to OGC with a statement of facts.
(iii) If OGC determines that Rural Development holds a prior lien on the commodity and the amount due on its loan is not collectible from the borrower, send CCC a copy of the OGC memorandum with a complete statement of facts supporting the claim through the applicable ASCS office or notify CCC if the OGC memorandum does not support Rural Development 's claim.
(2) The State Director will notify the County Supervisor promptly on receiving information from CCC that the borrower's loan is being called.
(3) If collection cannot be made from the borrower or other party (see paragraph 5 of Exhibit A of this Subpart), the State Director will give CCC the reasons, Rural Development will then be paid by CCC through the applicable ASCS office.
The County Supervisor may use Form RD 462-12, to correct minor errors in a financing statement when the errors are not serious (i.e., a slightly misspelled name). OGC will be asked to determine whether or not such errors are in fact minor. The County Supervisor may also use Form RD 462-12 to add chattel property to the financing statement (i.e., a new type or item of chattel or crops on land not previously described).
(a) Conditions. The County Supervisor may terminate financing statements and satisfy chattel mortgages, chattel deeds of trust, assignments, severence agreements and other security instruments when:
(1) Payment in full of all debts secured by collateral covered by the security instruments has been received; or
(2) All security has been liquidated or released and the proceeds properly accounted for, including collection or settlement of all claims against third party converters of security, even though the secured debts are not paid in full. This includes collection-only and debt settlement cases; or
(3) The U.S. Attorney has accepted a compromise offer in full settlement of the indebtedness and has asked that action be taken to satisfy or terminate such instruments; or
(4) Rural Development has a financing statement or other lien instrument which describes the real estate upon which crops are located but neither the borrower non Rural Development has an interest in the crops because the borrower no longer occupies or farms the premises described in the lien instrument. Such action will only relate to the crops.
(b) Form of payment.
(1) Security instruments may be satisfied or the financing statements may be terminated on receipt of final payment in currency, coin, U.S. Treasury check, cashier's or certified check, bank draft, postal or bank money order, or a check issued by a party known to be financially responsible.
(2) When the final payment is tendered in a form other than those mentioned above, the security instruments will not be satisfied until 15 days after the date of the final payment. However, in UCC States the termination statement will be signed and sent to the borrower within 10 days after receipt of the borrower's written request but not until the 10th day unless it previously has been ascertained that the payment check or other instrument has been paid by the bank on which it was drawn. (See subsection (c) of this section for the reason for the 10-day requirement.)
(c) Filing or recording termination statements. Financing statements will be terminated by use of Form RD or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 462-12 if provided by a State supplement.
(1) Under UCC provisions if Rural Development fails to give a termination statement to the borrower within 10 days after written demand, it will be liable to the borrower for $100 and, in addition, for any loss caused to the borrower by such failure unless otherwise provided by a State supplement. In the absence of demand for a termination statement by the borrower, a termination statement will be delivered to the borrower when the notes have been paid in full.
(2) However, if Rural Development has been meeting the borrower's annual operating credit needs in the past and expects to do so the next year, the financing statements need not be terminated in the absence of such demand unless a loan for the succeeding year will not be made or earlier termination is required by a State supplement.
(d) Filing or recording satisfactions. Satisfactions of chattel mortgages and similar instruments will be made on Form RD 460-4, “Satisfaction,” or other form approved by the State Director. The original of the satisfaction form will be delivered to the borrower for recording or filing and the copy will be retained in the borrower's case file. However, if the State supplement based on State law requires recording or filing by the mortgagee, a second copy will be prepared for the borrower and the original will be recorded or filed by the County Supervisor. When State statutes provide that satisfactions may be accomplished by marginal entry on the records of the recording office, or when Form RD 460-4 is not legally sufficient because special circumstances require some other form of satisfaction, County Supervisors are authorized to make such satisfactions according to State supplements. In such cases, Form RD 460-4 will not be prepared but a notation of the satisfaction will be made on the copy of Form RD 451-1, “Acknowledgment of Cash Payment,” or Form RD 456-3, “Journal Voucher for Write-Off or Judgment,” which will be retained in the borrower's case folder.
(e) Satisfaction or termination of lien when old loans cannot be identified. When a request is received for the satisfaction of a crop or chattel lien, or for the termination of a financing statement and the status of the account secured by the lien cannot be ascertained from County Office records, the County Supervisor will prepare a letter to the Finance Office reflecting all the pertinent information available in the County Office regarding the account. The letter will request the Finance Office to tell the County Supervisor whether the borrower is still indebted to Rural Development and, if so, the status of the account. If the Finance Office reports to the County Supervisor that the account has been paid in full or otherwise satisfied or that there is no record of an indebtedness in the name of the borrower, the County Supervisor is authorized to issue a satisfaction of the security instruments on Form RD 460-4 or other approved form or to effect the satisfaction by marginal release, or a termination on Form RD 462-12 as appropriate.
(a) Fees.
(1) Security instruments. Borrowers must pay statutory fees for filing or recording financing statements or other security instruments (including Form RD 462-12, or other renewal statements) and any notary fees for executing these instruments. They also must pay costs of obtaining lien search reports needed in properly servicing security as outlined in this subpart. Whenever possible, borrowers should pay these fees directly to the officials giving the service. When cash is accepted by Rural Development employees to pay these fees, Form RD 440-12, “Acknowledgment of Payment for Recording, Lien Search and Releasing Fees,” will be executed. If the borrower cannot pay the fees, or if there are fees referred to in paragraphs (a) (2) and (3) of this section that must be paid by Rural Development, the County Supervisor may pay them as a petty purchase or as the bill of a creditor of Rural Development in accordance with Rural Development Instructions 2024-E, copies of which are available in any Rural Development office.
(2) Satisfactions. The borrower must pay fees for filing or recording satisfactions or termination statements unless a State supplement based on State law requires Rural Development to pay them.
(3) Notary fees. Rural Development will pay fees for notary service for executing releases, subordinations, and related documents for and on behalf of Rural Development if the service cannot be obtained without cost.
(b) Insurance premiums. County Supervisors are authorized to voucher for the payment of bills for insurance premiums on chattel security, in accordance with Rural Development Instruction 2024-A (available in any Rural Development Office). Bills may be paid when:
(1) A borrower cannot pay the premiums from the borrower's own resources at the time due;
(2) Anticipated crop income does not materialize which would normally be released for the payment of crop insurance.
(3) It is not pratical to process a loan for that purpose;
(4) It is necessary to protect Rural Development's interests; and
(5) The amount advanced can be charged to the borrower under the provisions of the security instrument.
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 53 FR 35785, Sept. 14, 1988; 56 FR 15825, Apr. 18, 1991; 57 FR 36592, Aug. 14, 1992]
(a) Purposes. Subject to the limitations set out in paragraph (b) of this section, the Agency chattel liens may be subordinated to a lien of another creditor in either of the following situations:
(1) The prior lien will soon mature or has matured and the prior lienholder desires to extend or renew the obligation, or the obligation can be refinanced. The relative lien position of the Agency must be maintained; and
(2) The subordination will permit another creditor to refinance other debt or lend for an authorized direct loan purpose.
(b) Conditions. Agency chattel liens may be subordinated to a lien of another creditor if all of the following conditions are met:
(1) If the lien is on basic chattel security, the amount of subordination is necessary to provide the lender with the security it requires to make the loan;
(2) Approval of a subordination is limited to a specific amount and the loan to be secured by the subordination is closed within a reasonable time;
(3) Only one subordination to one creditor may be outstanding at any one time in connection with the same security;
(4) The borrower has not been convicted of planting, cultivating, growing, producing, harvesting or storing a controlled substance under Federal or state law. “Borrower” for purposes of this provision, specifically includes an individual or entity borrower and any member stockholder, partner, or joint operator, of an entity borrower and any member, stockholder, partner, or joint operator of an entity borrower. “Controlled substance” is defined at 21 CFR part 1308. The borrower will be ineligible for a subordination for the crop year in which the conviction occurred and the four succeeding crop years. Applicants must attest on the Agency application form that it and its members, if an entity, have not been convicted of such a crime;
(5) The borrower can document the ability to repay the total amount due under the subordination and pay all other debt payments scheduled for the subject operating cycle; and
(6) The Agency loan is still adequately secured after the subordination, or the value of the loan security will be increased by at least the amount of the advances to be made under the terms of the subordination.
(c) Subordination to make a guaranteed loan. In addition to the requirements of this section, subordinations on chattel security to make a guaranteed loan will be approved in accordance with § 1980.108 of subpart B of part 1980 of this chapter.
(d) Forms. Subordinations will be requested and executed on Agency forms available in any Agency office or on any other form approved by the Agency.
(e) Rescheduling of existing Agency debts. The Agency may consent to rescheduling of an existing Agency debt when a subordination is granted to the debt of another lender. The rescheduling will be allowed only when the borrower cannot reasonably be expected to meet all currently scheduled installments when due and the conditions of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter are met.
(f) Appraisal. The Agency will prepare a chattel appraisal report when the existing appraisal report is more than 2 years old or is inadequate to make the determination in this section. The Agency may use an appraisal submitted by the borrower if it is substantially similar to Form RD 440-21, “Appraisal of Chattel Property,” and prepared by a licensed appraiser.
[63 FR 20297, Apr. 24, 1998, as amended at 82 FR 19320, Apr. 27, 2017]
Chattel and EO property may be transferred to eligible or ineligible transferees who agree to assume the outstanding loan, subject to the provisions set out in this section. A transfer and assumption may also be made when one or more of the borrowers or the former spouse and co-obligor of a divorced borrower withdraws from the operation or dies. The transfer of accounts secured by real estate or both real estate and chattels will be processed under Subpart A of Part 1965 of this chapter. The transferor (borrower) must be sent Attachment 1 of exhibit A of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter as soon as the borrower contacts the County Supervisor inquiring about a transfer. In accordance with the Food Security Act of 1985 (Pub. L. 99-198) after December 23, 1985, if a loan is being transferred and assumed by an eligible or ineligible transferee, and if an individual or any member, stockholder, partner, or joint operator of an entity transferee is convicted under Federal or State law of planting, cultivating, growing, producing, harvesting or storing a controlled substance (see 21 CFR Part 1308, which is Exhibit C of Subpart A of Part 1941of this chapter and is available in any Rural Development office, for the definition of “controlled substance”) prior to the approval of the transfer and assumption in any crop year, the individual or entity shall be ineligible for a transfer and assumption of a loan for the crop year in which the individual or member, stockholder, partner, or joint operator of the entity was convicted and the four succeeding crop years. Transferee applicants will attest on Form RD 410-1, “Application for RD Services,” that as individuals or that its members, if an entity, have not been convicted of such crime after December 23, 1985. A decision to reject an application for transfer and assumption for this reason is not appealable.
(a) Transfer to eligibles. Transfers of chattel security and EO property to a transferee who is eligible for the kind of loan being assumed or who will become eligible after the transfer may be approved, provided:
(1) The transferee assumes the total outstanding balance of the Rural Development debts or that portion of the outstanding balance equal to the present market value of the chattel security or EO property, less any prior liens, if the property is worth less than the entire debt.
(2) Generally the debts assumed will be paid in accordance with the rates and terms of the existing notes or assumption agreements. Form RD 460-9, “Assumption Agreement (Same Terms-Eligible Transferee),” will be used. Any delinquency and any deferred interest outstanding will be scheduled for payment on or before the date the transfer is closed. If the existing loan repayment period is extended, the debt being assumed may be rescheduled using Form RD 1965-13, “Assumption Agreement (Farmer Programs Loans).” The new repayment period may not exceed that for a new loan of the same type and the current interest rate for such loans will be charged. If any deferred interest is not paid by the time the transfer takes place, it must be added to the principal balance and the loan must be assumed at new rates and terms. Upon request of an applicant assuming a loan at new rates and terms and/or an applicant eligible to receive limited resource rates and terms, the interest rate charged by Rural Development will be the lower of the interest rates in effect at the time of loan approval or loan closing. If the applicant does not indicate a choice, the loan will be closed at the rate in effect at the time of loan approval. Interest rates are specified in Exhibit B of RD Instruction 440.1 (available in any RD office) for the type assistance involved.
(3) The transfer of EM actual loss loans, or EM loans made before September 12, 1975, will be made as provided under paragraph (b) of this section. However, when one or more of the borrowers or jointly obligated partners or joint operators withdraw from the operation and those remaining desire to assume the total indebtedness and continue the operation, a transfer to the remaining borrowers, partners, or joint operators may be made as an eligible transferee.
(b) Transfer to ineligibles. Transfer of the chattel security and EO property to a transferee who is not eligible for the kind of loan being assumed may be approved, provided:
(1) It is in the Agency's financial interest to approve the transfer of security or EO property and assumption of the debts rather than to liquidate the security or EO property immediately.
(2) The transferee assumes the total outstanding balance of the Agency debt, or an amount equal to the present market value of the security or EO property as determined by the County Supervisor, less any prior liens, if the value is less than the entire debts.
(3) Agency debts assumed will be repaid in amortized installments not to exceed 5 years using Form FmHA 1965-13. The Farm Credit Programs NP interest rate for chattel property set forth in a National Office issuance, in effect at the time of loan approval, will be charged. Any deferred interest not paid by the time the transfer takes place must be added to the principal balance. The transferred property, including EO property, will be subject to any existing Agency lien. In the absence of an existing Agency lien, new lien instruments will be executed.
(4) The transferee can repay the Agency in accordance with the assumption agreement and can legally enter into the contract.
(5) The requirements found in Exhibit M to Subpart G of Part 1940 of this chapter are met.
(6) The transferee has never been liable for a previous Farm Loan Programs (FLP) loan or loan guarantee which was reduced or terminated in a manner that resulted in a loss to the Government.
(c) Effect of signature. In all cases the purpose and effect of signing an assumption agreement or other evidence of indebtedness is to engage separate and individual personal liability, regardless of any State law to the contrary.
(d) Release of transferor from liability. The borrower and any cosigner may be released from personal liability to Agency when all the chattel security or EO property is transferred to an eligible or ineligible applicant and the total outstanding debt or that portion of the debt equal to the present market value of the security is assumed. However, no such release will be granted to any borrower who was liable for any direct FLP loan which was reduced or terminated in a manner that resulted in a loss to the Government. The appropriate official is authorized to approve releases from liability in accordance with § 1962.34(h) of this subpart. When there will be no release from liability, the transferor and co-signer of a Farm Credit Programs loan must be sent a letter similar to exhibit F of subpart A of part 1955 of this chapter (available in any Agency office).
(e) Agency actions —
(1) Transfer to eligible applicant. The Agency will determine the transferee's eligibility for the type of loan to be assumed.
(2) Release from liability. If the total outstanding debt is not assumed, the Agency must make the following determinations before it releases the transferor from personal liability:
(i) The transferor and any cosigner do not have reasonable ability to pay all or a substantial part of the balance of the debt not assumed after considering their assets and income at the time of transfer,
(ii) The transferor and any cosigner have cooperated in good faith, used due diligence to maintain the security against loss, and have otherwise fulfilled the covenants incident to the loan to the best of their ability, and
(iii) The transferee will assume a portion of the indebtedness at least equal to the present market value of the security.
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985]
(a) Voluntary liquidation —
(1) General. When a borrower contacts the agency and asks about voluntarily liquidating security, the borrower will be sent attachments 1 and 2 of exhibit A of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter or attachments 1, 3 and 4, and the preliminary application forms by certified mail, or the forms will be hand delivered at the County Office. The servicing notices which provide possible alternatives to liquidation provide a maximum of 60 days for the borrower to apply for servicing. Therefore, the agency will not discuss liquidation or methods of liquidation until 60 days after the borrower receives the notices except in serious situations which are documented in detail in the case file. During the 60-day time period the County Supervisor may answer questions regarding the servicing notices. After 60 days, the borrower will be told that liquidation can be accomplished by:
(i) Selling the security under § 1962.41 of this subpart,
(ii) Transferring the security under § 1962.34 of this subpart,
(iii) Conveying the security to the agency under Subpart A of Part 1955 of this chapter, or
(iv) Refinancing the debt with another lender.
The provisions of these regulations will be explained to the borrower.
(2) Lien search. The County Supervisor will obtain a current lien search report to determine the effect that liens of other parties will have on liquidation, the record lienholders to whom notices of sale will be given, and the distribution that will be made of the sales proceeds. Normally, lien searches should be obtained from the same source as is used when making a loan. If obtaining the searches from third party sources causes undue delay which interferes with orderly liquidation, searches may be made by the County Supervisor. If the lien search is made by third parties, the borrower will pay the cost from personal funds or if the borrower refuses, the agency will pay the cost and charge it to the borrower's account in accordance with the security instrument or EO Loan Agreement. The records to be searched and the period covered by the search will be in accordance with a State supplement.
(b) Involuntary liquidation —
(1) General. When a borrower makes an unapproved disposition of security, the directions in §§ 1962.18 and 1962.49 of this subpart will be followed. In all other cases, when the County Supervisor, with the advice of the District Director, determines that continued servicing of the loan will not accomplish the objectives of the loan, or that further servicing cannot be justified under the policy stated in § 1962.2 of this subpart, liquidation of the account(s) will be accomplished as quickly as possible under this section and subpart A of part 1955 of this chapter. When liquidation is begun, it is the agency policy to liquidate all security and EO property, except EO property that the County Supervisor determines is essential for minimum family living needs. The present market value of security that may be retained by the borrower for minimum family living needs will not exceed $600. However, only so much of the security and EO property will be liquidated as necessary to pay the indebtedness.
(2) Farm Loan Programs loan cases. In Farm Loan Programs loan cases, borrowers who are 90 days past due on their payments must receive exhibit A with attachments 1 and 2 or attachments 1, 3, and 4 of exhibit A of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter in cases involving nonmonetary default. The County Supervisor will send these forms to the borrower as soon as a decision is made to liquidate. The procedures set out in subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter shall be followed and any appeal must be concluded before any liquidation action (including termination of releases of sales proceeds) is taken. If the borrower fails to return attachment 2 of exhibit A of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter and a preliminary application within 60 days, the County Supervisor will send attachments 9 and 10 or 9-A and 10-A, as appropriate, of exhibit A of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter. If the borrower fails to return attachments 4, 6, 6-A, 10, or 10-A of exhibit A of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter within 60 days, the borrower's account will be accelerated in accordance with § 1955.15(d)(2) of subpart A of part 1955 of this chapter and paragraphs (b)(2) (i) and (ii) of this section. The County Supervisor will then attempt to repossess the security in accordance with § 1962.42 of this subpart. If this is not possible, the case will be referred for civil action in accordance with § 1962.49 of this subpart. Unmatured installments will be accelerated as follows:
(i) The District Director will accelerate all unmatured installments by using exhibits D, E, or E-1 of subpart A of part 1955 of this chapter except in cases referred to OGC for civil action, if the notice has previously been given.
(ii) Exhibits D, E, or E-1 of subpart A of part 1955 of this chapter will be sent to the last known address of each obligor, with a copy to the Finance Office in those cases referred to OGC for civil action. County Office and Finance Office loan records will be adjusted to mature the entire indebtedness only.
(3) Lien search. The County Supervisor will follow the directions set out in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
(c) Multiple loans and loans secured by both real estate and chattels. Follow the provisions of § 1965.26(c) of subpart A of part 1965 of this chapter for liquidating these loans.
(d) Assignment of direct loans. When liquidation of a direct loan is approved, the State Director will be asked by the official who approved the liquidation to immediately obtain an assignment of the loan to if the promissory note is not held in the County Office. Pending the assignment, preliminary steps to effect liquidation should be taken, but civil or other court action will not be started and claims will not be filed in bankruptcy or similar proceedings or in probate or administration proceedings with respect to the insured loan claim, unless essential to protect Government's interests and OGC recommends such action. However, other steps need not be held up pending assignment. If any problems are encountered in obtaining the assignment, OGC may be contacted for advice.
(e) Protective advances.
(1) After attachments 1 and 2 or 1, 3, and 4 of exhibit A of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter have been sent and if security is in danger of loss or deterioration, the State Director will protect Government's interest and approve protective advances in payment of:
(i) Delinquent taxes or assessments that constitute prior liens which would be paid ahead of the Agency under § 1962.44(a) of this subpart.
(ii) Premiums on insurance essential to protect Rural Development's interest, and
(iii) Other costs including transportation necessary to protect or preserve the security.
(2) However, such advances may not be made unless the amount advanced becomes a part of the debt secured by the Agency's lien, or is for expenses of administration of estates or for litigation. If a case is in the hands of the U.S. Attorney, such advances may not be made without the U.S. Attorney's concurrence. Moreover, such advances may not be made in any case to pay expenses incurred by a U.S. Marshal or other similar official such as a local sheriff. However, if the official seizes the property and delivers it to the Agency for sale by the Agency, costs incurred by the Agency after delivery to the Agency will be paid.
(3) The County Supervisor will submit a report on the need for such advances to the State Director, including:
(i) Borrower's County Office case file;
(ii) Current lien search report;
(iii) Statement of the type and value of the property and of the circumstances which may result in the loss or deterioration of such property; and
(iv) A recommendation as to whether or not the advance should be approved.
(4) [Reserved]
(f) When a borrower's security property is liquidated voluntarily or involuntarily and there is an unpaid balance on the account, the County Supervisor will meet with the borrower within 30 days to assist the borrower in developing a debt settlement offer in accordance with subpart B of part 1956 of this chapter.
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 4139, Feb. 3, 1986; 53 FR 35785, Sept. 14, 1988; 56 FR 15825, Apr. 18, 1991; 57 FR 36592, Aug. 14, 1992; 57 FR 60085, Dec. 18, 1992; 61 FR 35931, July 9, 1996; 62 FR 10157, Mar. 5, 1997; 69 FR 5267, Feb. 4, 2004]
Borrowers who are liquidating voluntarily and who have not been sent exhibit A and attachments 1 and 2 or 1, 3 and 4 of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter will be processed in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of § 1962.40 of this subpart before any sale occurs.
(a) Public sale. A borrower may voluntarily liquidate chattels by selling the property at auction in the borrower's own name. RD 455-3, “Agreement for Sale by Borrower (Chattels and/or Real Estate)”, will be executed by the borrower, all lienholders, and the clerk of the sale or other person who will receive the sale proceeds before execution by the County Supervisor. When EO property is involved delete from the Agency lien wherever it appears on the forms. No Agency official is authorized to bid at such sales. The County Supervisor will arrange to promptly receive the proceeds of the sale due the Agency for application on the borrower's indebtedness.
(b) Private sale. The borrower may sell chattel security or EO property at a private sale if:
(1)
(i) The borrower has ready purchasers and can sell all of the property for its present market value; or
(ii) The property is perishable; or
(iii) The property is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market; or
(iv) The property consists of items of small value or a limited number of items which do not justify public sale.
(2) Form RD 1962-1 may be used to approve liquidation of such security. The County Supervisor will document in the running case record the reasons that a public sale was not justified.
(3) Form RD 455-3 is completed before the sale.
(c) Government takes possession. The borrower may also turn over possession of the chattels to the agency by signing Form RD 455-4, “Agreement for Voluntary Liquidation of Chattel Security.” This form authorizes the agency to sell the security at either public or private sale. If the agency hires a caretaker, services should be obtained by use of Form AD-838, “Purchase Order.”
(d) Record of Sale. The sale will be recorded on Form RD 1962-1.
(e) Unpaid debt. If the sale of all security results in less than full payment of the debt, the borrower may request debt settlement of the remaining debt. The servicing official will consult with the County Committee before determining if the borrower's account can be debt settled in accordance with subpart B of part 1956 of this chapter.
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 13482, Apr. 21, 1986; 53 FR 35785, Sept. 14, 1988; 56 FR 15825, Apr. 18, 1991; 57 FR 60085, Dec. 18, 1992; 62 FR 10157, Mar. 5, 1997; 68 FR 7701, Feb. 18, 2003]
(a) Repossession. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, prior to any repossession of agency security a borrower and all cosigners on the note must receive exhibit A and attachments 1 and 2, or 1, 3 and 4 of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter and the application forms. The appropriate procedures of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter must be followed and any appeal must be concluded. The County Supervisor will take possession of security or EO property when the value of the property, based on appraisal, is substantially more than the estimated sale expenses and the amount of any prior lien, and if the prior lienholder does not intend to enforce the lien. See § 1955.20 of subpart A of part 1955 of this chapter.
(1) Conditions. The County Supervisor will take possession under any of the following conditions:
(i) When RD 455-4 has been executed. For EO property this form will be revised by placing a period after “interest” in the first sentence beginning “The Debtor” and deleting the remainder of that clause; deleting the words “collateral covered by the security instruments” in the second part of the sentence and inserting instead “property covered by the debtor's loan agreement which is referred to as the collateral.”
(ii) When the borrower has abandoned the property.
(iii) When peaceable possession can be obtained, but the borrower has not executed RD 455-4.
(iv) When the property is delivered to the agency as a result of court action.
(v) When Form RD 455-5, “Agreement of Secured Parties to Sale of SecurityProperty,” is executed by all prior lienholders. If prior lienholders will not agree to liquidate the property, their liens may be paid if their notes and liens are assigned to the agency on forms prepared or approved by OGC. When prior liens are paid, the payment will be made in accordance with RD Instruction 2024-A (available in any agency office) and charged to the borrower's account.
(vi) When arrangements cannot be made with the borrower or a member of the borrower's family to sell EO property in accordance with the loan agreement.
(2) Recording. A list, dated and signed by the servicing official, of all security or EO property repossessed except for those items on Form RD 455-4, will be maintained in the borrower's case file. Whenever the servicing official is transferred to another position or leaves the agency or there is a change in jurisdiction, the District Director will give the succeeding servicing official in writing, the names of such borrowers and a list of the property repossessed in the custody of the servicing official and caretakers, its location, and the names and addresses of the caretakers.
(b) Care. The County Supervisor will arrange for the custody and care of repossessed property as follows:
(1) Livestock. Care and feeding of livestock will be obtained by contract pursuant to subpart B of part 1955 of this chapter. The value of animal products (such as milk) may constitute all or part of the contractor's quotation, and if this is desired, such a statement should be included in the solicitation. Possession of the livestock will be turned over to the contractor only after the contract is awarded using Form AD-838, “Purchase Order.” If a contractor's services are needed for a longer period than is authorized in paragraph (c)(4)(i) of this section, the State Director may authorize the County Supervisor to continue obtaining the necessary services for the time needed.
(2) Machinery, equipment, tools, harvested crops, and other chattels. Property will be stored and cared for pending sale. Storage and necessary services may be obtained by contract using Form AD-838. Use of property by the contractor is not authorized.
(3) Crops. Form AD-838 will be used for obtaining services for the custody, care, and disposition of growing crops and for unharvested matured crops unless the crops are to be sold in place. Where a loanlord is involved, written consent of the landlord should be obtained. If landlord consent cannot be obtained, where applicable, the circumstances should be reported to the State Director for advice.
(c) Sale. Repossessed property may be sold by Rural Development at public or private sale for cash under Form RD 455-4, “Agreement for Voluntary Liquidation of Chattel Security,” Form RD 1955-41, “Notice of Sale,” the power of sale in security agreements under the UCC, or in crop and chattel mortgages and similar instruments if authorized by a State supplement. Also, repossessed property may be sold at private sale when the borrower executes Form RD 455-11, “Bill of Sale ‘B’ (Sale by Private Party).”
(1) Tests and inspections of livestock. If required by State law as a condition of sale, livestock will be tested or inspected before sale. A State supplement will be issued for those States.
(2) Public sales. Such sales will be made to the highest bidder. They may be held on the borrower's farm or other premises, at public sale barns, pavilions, or at other advantageous sales locations. No Rural Development employee will bid on or acquire property at public sales except on behalf of FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 in accordance with § 1955.20 of subpart A of part 1955 of this chapter. The County Supervisor will attend all public sales of repossessed property.
(3) Private sales. Rural Development will sell perishable property such as fresh fruits and vegetables for the best price obtainable. Rural Development will sell staple crops such as when, rye, oats, corn, cotton, and tobacco for a price in line with current market quotations for products of similar grade, type, or other recognized classification. Chattel property sold under Form RD 455-4, other than perishable property and staple crops, will not be sold for less than the minimum price in the agreement. Rural Development will sell other property, including that sold when the borrower executes Form RD 455-11, for its present market value.
(4) Selling period. Repossessed property will be sold as soon as possible. However, when notice is required by paragraph (c)(5) of this section, the sale will not be held until the notice period has expired.
(i) The sale will be made within 60 days, unless a shorter period is indicated by a State supplement because of State law. Crops will be sold when the maximum return can be realized but not later than 60 days after harvesting, or the normal marketing time for such crops. The State Director may extend the sale time within State law limits.
(ii) These requirements do not apply to irrigation or other equipment and fixtures which, together with real estate, serve as security for Rural Develoment real state loans and will be sold or transferred with the real estate. However, a State Supplement will be issued for any State having a time limit within which such items must be sold along with or as a part of the real estate.
(5) Notice.
(i) Notice of public or private sale of repossessed property when required will be given to the borrower and to any party who has filed a financing statement or who is known by the County Supervisor to have a security interest in the property, except as set forth below. The notice will be delivered or mailed so that it will reach the borrower and any lienholder at least 5 days (or longer time if specified by a State supplement) before the time of any public sale or the time after which any private sale will be held. Form RD 1955-41, “Notice of Sale,” may be used for public or private sales.
(A) Notice of the borrower or lienholder is not required when the property is sold under Form RD 455-4 because the parties are placed on notice when they execute the form. When the sale involves only collateral which is perishable, will decline quickly in value, or is a type customarily sold on a recognized market, notice is not required but may be given if time permits to maintain good public relations.
(B) Notice only to lienholder is required when repossessed property is sold at private sale and the borrower executes Form RD 455-11.
(C) If the property is to be sold under a chattel mortgage, the manner of notice will be set forth in a State supplement or on an individual case basis.
(ii) Notice of Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If a Federal tax lien notice has been filed in the local records more than 30 days before the sale of the repossessed security, notice to the District Director of IRS must be given at least 25 days before the sale. It should be given by sending a copy of Form RD 1955-41 and a copy of the filed Notice of Federal Tax Lien (Form IRS 668). If the security is perishable, the full 25 days' notice must be given to the District Director by registered or certified mail or by personal service before the sale. Also, the sale proceeds must be held for 30 days after the sale so that they may be claimed by IRS on the basis of its tax lien priority. In such perishable property cases, the proceeds or an amount large enough to pay the IRS tax lien will be forwarded to the Finance Office with a notation “Hold in suspense 30 days because of Federal Tax Lien.” OGC will advise the Finance Office about disposing of the funds.
(6) Advertising.
(i) Private sales and sales at established public auctions will be advertised by Rural Development only if required by a State supplement based on State law.
(ii) Other public sales, whether under power of sale in the lien instrument or under Form RD 455-4, will be widely publicized to assure large attendance and a fair sale by one or more of the following methods customarily used in the area.
(A) The sale may be advertised by posting or distributing handbills, posting Form RD 1955-41, or a revision of it approved by OGC to meet State law requirements, or by a combination of these methods. The length of time and place of giving notice will be covered by a State supplement.
(B) Advertising in newspapers or spot advertisting on local radio or TV stations may be used depending on the amount of property to be sold and the cost in relation to the value of the property, the customs in the area, and State law requirements. When newspaper advertising is required, a State supplement will indicate the types of newspapers to be used, the number and times of insertions of the advertisement, and the form of notice of sale. All advertising must contain non-discrimination clauses.
(7) Payment of costs and prior lienholders. If expenses must be paid before the sale or if cash proceeds are not available from the sale of the property to pay costs referred to in § 1962.44(b) of this subpart or to pay lienholders, such costs or prior liens will be paid in accordance with RD Instruction 2024-A (available in any RD office). The amount of the voucher will be charged to the borrower's account, except as limited by State law in a State Supplement. No costs in the repossession and sale of security should be incurred unless they can be charged to the borrower's account, and in no event will the Government pay them. However, if costs are legally chargeable to the borrower, they may be paid as provided in this subpart, and charged to an account set up for the officials or other persons found responsible for them.
(8) Bill of sale or transfer of title. If a purchaser requests a written conveyance of repossessed property sold by Rural Development at public or private sale, the County Supervisior will execute and deliver to the purchaser Form RD 455-12, “Bill of Sale ‘C’ (Sale Through Government as Liquidating Agent),” or other necessary instruments to convey all the rights, title, and interests of the borrower and Rural Development. A State supplement will be issued as necessary for conveying title to motor vehicles and boats.
(d) Risk of injury. If a farmer program loan borrower has abandoned security and the security is in danger of being substantially harmed or damaged, the County Supervisor will attempt to repossess the security as explained in paragraph (a) of this section. Then the County Supervisor will send the borrower and all cosigners on the note attachments 1, 3 and 4 of exhibit A of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter. The security will be cared for as explained in paragraph (b) of this section until all appeal rights have been given and any appeal has been concluded. When the appeal process is concluded, the security will be returned to the borrower or sold in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section, depending on the outcome of any appeal. The County Supervisor will document the abandonment and the danger of substantial damage in the borrower's case file. In the case of livestock, abandonment occurs if a borrower stops caring for the animals, as determined by the County Supervisor. However, an independent third party (not a Rural Developmnet employee) must determine that livestock is in danger of substantial damage. Protective advances may be made in accordance with § 1962.40(e) of this subpart.
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 13482, Apr. 21, 1986; 53 FR 35786, Sept. 14, 1988; 56 FR 15825, Apr. 18, 1991; 57 FR 36592, Aug. 14, 1992; 62 FR 10158, Mar. 5, 1997]
This section applies to proceeds of nonjudicial liquidation sales conducted under the power of sale in lien instruments or under Form RD 455-4, Form RD 455-3, or Form RD 462-2.
(a) [Reserved]
(b) Order of payment. Sales proceeds will be distributed in the following order of priority.
(1) To pay expenses of sale including advertising, lien searches, tests and inspection of livestock, and transportation, custody, care, storage, harvesting, marketing, and other expenses chargeable to the borrower, including reimbursement of amounts already paid by the Agency and charged to the borrower's account. Bills can be paid, after liquidation has been approved, for essential repairs and parts for machinery and equipment to place it in reasonable condition for sale, provided written agreements from any holders of liens which are prior to those of the Agency state that such bills may be paid from the sales proceeds ahead of their liens.
(i) However, any such expenses incurred by the U.S. Marshal or other similar official such as a local sheriff may not be paid from sale proceeds turned over to the Agency.
(ii) On the other hand, if the U.S. Marshal or other similar official such as a local sheriff has taken possession of the property and delivered it to the Agency for sale, such costs incurred by the Agency after delivery of the property to it may be paid from the proceeds of the sale.
(2) To pay liens which are prior to the Agency liens provided that:
(i) State and local tax liens on security or EO property which are prior to the liens of the Agency will be paid only when demand is made by tax collecting officials before distributing the sale proceeds. The sale proceeds will not be used to pay real estate, income, or other taxes which are not a lien against the security, or to pay substantial amounts of personal property taxes on nonsecurity personal property.
(ii) If action is threatened or taken by the sheriff or other official to collect taxes not authorized in suparagraph (b)(2)(i) of this section to be paid out of the security or the sale proceeds, the sale will be postponed unless an arrangement can be made to deposit in escrow with a responsible, disinterested party an amount equal to the tax claim, pending determination of priority rights. When the sale is postponed, or an escrow arrangement is made, the matter will be reported promptly to the State Director for referral to OGC.
(iii) If the Agency subordinations have been approved, their intent will be recognized in the use of sale proceeds even though the creditor in whose favor the Agency lien was subordinated did not obtain a lien. If there are other third party liens on the property, however, the lien-holders must agree to the use of the sale proceeds to pay such creditor first.
(3) To pay rent for the current crop year from the sale proceeds of other than basic security or EO property. However, there must be no liens junior to the Agency other than the landlord's lien, if any, and the borrower must consent in writing to the payment.
(4) To pay debts owed the Agency which are secured by liens on the property sold.
(5) To pay liens junior to those of the Agency in accordance with their priorities on the property sold, including any landlord's liens for rent unless such liens already have been paid. Junior liens will not be paid unless, on request, the lienholder gives proof of the existence and the amount of his or her lien.
(6) To pay on any EO unsecured debt.
(7) To pay rent for the current crop year if the borrower consents in writing to payment and if such rent has not already been paid as provided in paragraph (b) (2), (3), or (5) of this section.
(8) To pay on any other the Agency debts, either unsecured or secured by liens on property which is not being sold. However, in justifiable circumstances, the State Director may approve the use of a part or all of the remainder of such sale proceeds by the borrower for other purposes, provided the other the Agency debts are adequately secured, or the borrower arranges to pay the other debts from income or other sources and these payments can be depended upon.
(9) To pay the remainder to the borrower.
(c) [Reserved]
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 61 FR 35931, July 9, 1996; 80 FR 9903, Feb. 24, 2015]
Form RD 1955-3, “Advice of Property Acquired,” will be prepared and distributed according to the FMI when property is acquired by Rural Development.
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 80 FR 9904, Feb. 24, 2015]
Immediately on learning of the death of any person liable to the Agency, the County Supervisor will prepare Form RD 455-17, “Report on Deceased Borrower,” to determine whether any special servicing action is necessary unless the County Supervisor recommends settlement of the indebtedness under subpart B of part 1956 of this chapter. If a survivor will not continue with the loan, it may be necessary to make immediate arrangements with a survivor, executor, administrator, or other interested parties to complete the year's operations or to otherwise protect or preserve the security.
(a) Reporting. The borrower's case files including Form 455-17 will be forwarded promptly to the State Director for use in deciding the action to take if any of the following conditions exist (When it is necessary to send an incomplete Form RD 455-17, any additional information which may affect the State Director's decision will be sent as soon as available on a supplemental Form RD 455-17 or in a memorandum.):
(1) Probate or other administration proceedings have been started or are contemplated.
(2) The debts owed to the Agency are inadequately secured and the state has other assets from which collection could be made.
(3) The Agency's security has a value in excess of the indebtedness it secures and the deceased obligor owes other debts to the Agency which are unsecured or inadequately secured.
(4) The County Supervisor recommends continuation with a survivor who is not liable for the indebtedness or recommends transfer to, and assumption by, another party.
(5) The County Supervisor recommends, but does not have authority to approve liquidation.
(6) The County Supervisor wants advice on servicing the case.
(b) Probate or administration proceedings. Generally, probate or administration proceedings are started by relatives or heirs of the deceased or by other creditors. Ordinarily, the Agency will not start these proceedings because of the problems of designating an administrator or other similar official, posting bond, and paying costs. If probate or administration proceedings are started by other parties or at the Agency's request, and any security is to be liquidated by the Agency instead of by the administrator or executor or other similar official, it will be liquidated in accordance with the advice of OGC. The State Director may request OGC to recommend that the U.S. Attorney bring probate or administration proceedings when it appears that:
(1) Such proceedings will not be started by other parties;
(2) The Agency's interests could best be protected by filing a proof of claim in such proceedings, and
(3) Public administrators or other similar officials or private parties, including banks and trust companies, are eligible to, and will serve as administrator or other similar official and will provide the required bond.
(c) Filing proof of claim. When a proof of claim is to be filed, it will be prepared on a form approved by OGC, executed by the State Director, and transmitted to OGC. It will be filed by OGC or by the Agency official as directed by OGC or it will be referred by OGC to the U.S. Attorney for filing if representation of the Agency by counsel may be required. If a judgment claim is involved, the notification to the U.S. Attorney will be the same as for judgment claims in bankruptcy. If a direct loan is involved, the proof of claim will not be prepared until the note has been assigned to the Government. A proof of claim will be filed when probate or administration proceedings are started, unless:
(1) After considering liens and priority rights of the Agency and other parties, costs of administration, and charges against the estate, the Agency cannot reach the assets in the estate except for the Agency's own security and the Agency will liquidate the security by foreclosure or otherwise if necessary to collect its claim, or
(2) Continuation with an individual or transfer to and assumption by another party is approved, and either the debt owed to the Agency is fully secured, or the amount of the debt in excess of the value of the security which could be collected by filing a claim is obtained in cash or additional security, or
(3) The debt owed to the Agency by the estate is settled under subpart B of part 1956 of this chapter, well ahead of the deadline for filing proof of claim.
(d) Priority of claims.
(1) Each secured claim will take its relative lien priority to the extent of the value of the property serving as security for it. These claims include those secured by mortgages, deeds of trust, landlord's contractual liens, and other contractual liens or security instruments executed by the borrower or real or personal property. However, tax, judgment, attachment, garnishment, laborer's, mechanic's, materialmen's, landlord's statutory liens, and other noncontractual lien claims may or may not be secured claims. Therefore, if any noncontractual claims are allowed as secured claims and the Agency claim is not paid in full, the advice of OGC will be obtained as to whether they constitute secured claims and as to their relative priorities.
(2) Unsecured claims will be handled as follows:
(i) The remaining assets of the estate, including any value of security for more than the amount of the secured claims against it, are to be applied first to payment of administration costs and charges against the estate and second to unsecured debts of the deceased.
(ii) If the total of the remaining assets in the estate being administered is not enough to pay all administration costs, charges against the estate, and unsecured debts of the deceased, the Government's unsecured claims against the remaining assets will have priority over all other unsecured claims, except the costs of administration and charges against the estate. Under such circumstances unsecured claims are payable in the following order of priority:
(A) Costs of administration and charges against the estate unless under State law they are payable after the Government's unsecured claims. Such costs and charges include costs of administration of the estate, allowable funeral expenses, allowances of minor children and surviving spouse, and dower and curtesy rights.
(B) The Government's unsecured claims.
(3) A State supplement will be issued as needed taking into consideration 31 U.S.C. § 3713 lien waivers and subordinations, and notice and other statutory provisions which affect lien priorities.
(e) Withdrawal of claim. It may not be necessary to withdraw a claim when it is paid in full by someone other than the estate or when compromised. However, when it is necessary to permit closing of an estate, compromise of a claim, or for other justifiable reasons, the State Director will recommend to OGC that the claim be withdrawn on receipt of cash or security, or both, of a value at least equal to the amount that could be recovered under the claim against the estate. When the Agency keeps existing security, arrangements must be made to assure that withdrawal of the claim will not affect the Agency's rights under the existing notes or security instruments with respect to the retained security. In some cases, with OGC's advice, the claim may be properly handled without filing a formal petition for withdrawal of the claim. However, if the claim has been referred to the U.S. Attorney, or if a formal withdrawal of the claim is necessary, the matter will be referred by OGC to the U.S. Attorney.
(f) Liquidation of security. When the County Supervisor determines that the account of a deceased borrower is in monetary or nonmonetary default, and liquidation is necessary because no survivor or third party has applied to assume the borrower's the Agency loan, chattel security and real estate security will be liquidated promptly in accordance with this subpart and subpart A of part 1965 of this chapter. Before liquidation, the notices required by subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter will be sent to the executor of the estate and/or other appropriate person(s) or entity(ies) as advised by OGC. If a suvivor(s) or heir(s) who will continue with the borrower's operation applies for servicing, the Agency will determine whether these individuals meet the requirements of paragraph (g) of this section. If a third party who will not continue with the borrower's operation applies for servicing, the requirements of § 1962.34 of this subpart, or § 1965.47 of subpart A of part 1965 of this chapter, as applicable, must be met. To qualify for servicing, the eligibility and feasibility requirements in § 1951.909 of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter must also be met. However, the borrower's estate is not eligible for servicing. After the provisions of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter have been complied with, and the opportunity to appeal has expired, the State Director will request OGC to effect collection if the proceeds from the sale of security are insufficient to pay in full the indebtedness owed to the Agency and other assets are available in the estate or in the hands of heirs.
(g) Continuation of secured debt and transfer or security. When a surviving member of a deceased borrower's family or other person is interested in continuing the loan and taking over the security for the benefit of all or a part of the deceased borrower's family who were directly dependent on the borrower for their support at the time of the borrower's death, continuation may be approved subject to the following:
(1) Any individual who is liable for the indebtedness of the deceased borrower may continue with the loan provided that individual can comply with the obligations of the notes or other evidence of debt and chattel or real estate security instruments and so long as liquidation is not necessary to protect the interest of the Agency. When an individual who is liable for the indebtedness is to continue with the account, Form 450-10, “Advice of Borrower's Change of Address or Name,” will be sent to the Finance Office to change the account to that individual's name. A new case number will be assigned or, if the continuing individual already has a case number, that number will be used regardless of whether that individual assumed all or a portion of the amount of the debt owed by the estate of the deceased.
(2) When a surviving member of a deceased borrower's family, a relative or other individual who is not liable for the indebtedness desires to continue with the farming or other operations and the loan, the State Director may approve the transfer of chattel or real estate security or both to the individual and the assumption of the debt secured by such property without regard to whether the transferee is eligible for the type of loan being assumed, subject to the following conditions:
(i) The transferee will continue the farming or other operations for the benefit of all or a part of the deceased borrower's family who were directly dependent on the borrower for their support at the time of death.
(ii) The amount to be assumed and the repayment rates and terms will be the same as provided in § 1962.34(a) of this Subpart.
(iii) The State Director determines that the continuation will not adversely affect repayment of the loan.
(iv) The transferee has never been liable for a previous Farm Loan Programs direct farm loan or loan guarantee which was reduced or terminated in a manner that resulted in a loss to the Government.
(3) In determining whether to continue with individuals, whether they are already liable or assume the indebtedness, all pertinent factors will be considered including whether:
(i) Probate or administration proceedings have been or will be started and, with OGC's advice, whether the filing of a claim on the debt owed to the Agency in such proceedings is necessary to protect the Agency's interests.
(ii) Arrangements can be made with the heirs, creditors, executors, administrators, and other interested parties to transfer title to the security to the continuing individual and to avoid liquidating the assets so that the individual can continue with the loan on a feasible basis.
(4) If continuation is approved, all reasonable and practical steps, short of foreclosure or other litigation, will be taken to vest title to the security in the joint debtor or transferee.
(5) The deceased borrower's estate may be released from liability for the Agency indebtedness if title to the security is vested in the joint debtor or transferee, and:
(i) The full amount of the debt is assumed, or
(ii) If only a portion of the debt is assumed, the amount assumed equals the amount as determined by OGC which could be collected from the assets of the estate of the deceased borrower, including the value of any security or EO property.
(h) Special servicing of deceased EO borrower cases. If the EO loan is secured, all paragraphs in this section will be followed. If the EO loan is unsecured, paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this section will be followed along with the following requirements.
(1) An individual who is liable for the indebtedness of the deceased borrower and wishes to continue with the EO debt and the EO property, may do so in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this section.
(2) A surviving member of the deceased borrower's family, a joint operator with the deceased borrower, a relative, or other individual who is not liable for the EO debt who desires to continue with the farming or other operation may do so in accordance with paragraph (g)(2) of this section. This individual must execute a loan agreement in addition to the assumption agreement and secure the EO debt with a lien on the remaining EO property when title to the property is vested in the individual and the County Supervisor determines that security is necessary to protect the interests of the deceased borrower's family or the Agency.
(3) If no individual listed in paragraphs (h) (1) and (2) of this section wishes to continue, but a member of the borrower's family turns over to the Agency the EO property in which the estate has an interest and which is not essential for minimum family living needs, the County Supervisor will take possession of EO property and sell it in accordance with § 1962.42 of this Subpart. If this cannot be done, or if real property is involved, the case will be referred to OGC. If the property is sold, notice will be delivered to any of the borrower's heirs who are in possession of the property and to any administrator or executor of the borrower's estate.
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 4140, Feb. 3, 1986; 51 FR 45439, Dec. 18, 1986; 56 FR 15826, Apr. 18, 1991; 61 FR 35931, July 9, 1996; 62 FR 10158, Mar. 5, 1997; 68 FR 7701, Feb. 18, 2003; 80 FR 9903, Feb. 24, 2015]
(a) Borrower files bankruptcy. When the Agency becomes aware that a Farm Loan Programs borrower has filed for protection under Title 11 of the United States Code (bankruptcy), the borrower and the borrower's attorney, if any, will be notified in writing of the borrower's remaining servicing options.
(1) If the borrower wishes to apply for servicing options remaining, the borrower, or the borrower's attorney on behalf of the borrower, must sign and return the appropriate response form, or similar written request for servicing, and any forms or information as requested by the Agency, within 60 days from the date the borrower or the borrower's attorney received the notification, or the time remaining from a previous notification that was suspended when the borrower filed bankruptcy, whichever is greater.
(2) The Agency will consider a request for servicing options to be an acknowledgment that the Agency will not be interfering with any rights or protections under the Bankruptcy Code and its automatic stay provisions.
(3) The Agency's processing of any request for servicing may include consideration of primary and preservation loan servicing options, notification of the Agency's decision on the request or application for servicing, mediation, and holding of any meetings or appeals requested by the borrower.
(4) If court approval is required for the borrower to exercise these servicing rights, it will be the borrower or the borrower's attorney's responsibility to obtain that approval.
(5) If a plan is confirmed before servicing and any appeal is completed under 7 CFR part 11, the Agency will complete the servicing or appeals process and may consent to a post-confirmation modification of the plan if it is consistent with the Bankruptcy Code and 7 CFR part 1951, subpart S, as appropriate.
(6) In chapter 7 cases, the Agency will not provide primary loan servicing to a borrower discharged in bankruptcy unless the borrower reaffirms the entire Agency debt. If the chapter 7 debtor obtains the permission of the court and reaffirms the debt, the loan servicing application will be processed in accordance with 7 CFR part 1951, subpart S. If the borrower reaffirms the Agency debt in order to be considered for restructuring but is later denied restructuring, the borrower may revoke the reaffirmation subject to the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. No reaffirmation is necessary for any discharged chapter 7 borrower to be eligible for preservation loan servicing in accordance with 7 CFR part 1951, subpart S.
(b) Borrower defaults on plan or bankruptcy is dismissed —
(1) 90 days past due on a reorganization plan while still under court jurisdiction.
(i) If allowed by the Bankruptcy Code or court, the borrower and the borrower's attorney, if any, will be notified of any remaining servicing options under 7 CFR part 1951, subpart S, that were not exhausted prior to filing bankruptcy or during the bankruptcy proceedings according to paragraph (a) of this section.
(ii) No notices will be sent if the account was previously accelerated, such action is inconsistent with the provisions of the confirmed bankruptcy plan or the Bankruptcy Code, or the case has been referred to the Department of Justice.
(iii) If a borrower operating under a confirmed bankruptcy plan desires to apply for loan servicing and qualifies for servicing under 7 CFR part 1951, subpart S, the borrower must also comply with Bankruptcy Code rules and requirements concerning modification of the plan.
(2) Bankruptcy is dismissed without a confirmed plan. If the borrower's bankruptcy is dismissed without a confirmed plan, and the borrower is in default on Farm Loan Programs loans, the borrower's account will be liquidated after all remaining servicing options under 7 CFR part 1951, subpart S are exhausted. The borrower will be notified of any servicing options remaining according to 7 CFR part 1951, subpart S. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, no notices will be sent if the account was previously accelerated, the Agency is advised that such an act is inconsistent with the confirmed bankruptcy plan or the Bankruptcy Code, or the account has been referred to the Department of Justice.
(3) Bankruptcy is dismissed after a confirmed reorganization plan. If a bankruptcy is dismissed after a reorganization plan was confirmed, the account will be serviced as follows:
(i) If the borrower has substantially complied with the plan, but later defaults for reasons beyond the borrower's control, (see 7 CFR 1951.909(c)), the borrower will be notified of loan servicing in accordance with 7 CFR 1951.907. No notices will be sent if the account was previously accelerated; such action is inconsistent with the provisions of the confirmed bankruptcy plan or the Bankruptcy Code; or the case has been referred to the Department of Justice.
(ii) If the borrower failed to make one full payment under the plan, or did not comply with the plan for reasons not beyond the borrower's control, the borrower will be serviced according to paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(c) Servicing of bankruptcy loans after the case is closed. In chapter 11, 12, or 13 cases after the case is closed and the discharge order is issued by the court, if the borrower becomes delinquent after performing as agreed under the plan, the borrower will be sent a notice explaining the loan servicing options available under 7 CFR part 1951, subpart S. The borrower's attorney of record will be sent a courtesy copy if the bankruptcy has not been closed for at least 2 years. No notices will be sent if the account has been accelerated, such act is inconsistent with the provisions of a confirmed bankruptcy plan or other provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, or the account has been referred to the Department of Justice.
(d) Liquidation. The account will be liquidated after obtaining any necessary relief, if required, from the automatic stay. In chapter 7 cases after discharge, the account can be liquidated if the debt has not been reaffirmed and the property is no longer part of the estate. Liquidation can proceed prior to discharge if allowed by the court.
(1) If the borrower or borrower's attorney was not previously notified of any remaining servicing options available under 7 CFR part 1951, subpart S before or during the course of the bankruptcy proceedings, the borrower and the borrower's attorney will be sent the notices referenced in paragraph (c) of this section prior to liquidating any security property.
(2) If the borrower or the borrower's attorney had been previously notified of loan servicing options remaining, the account will be liquidated.
[63 FR 29341, May 29, 1998]
All cases in which court actions to effect collection or to enforce Rural Development rights are recommended, as well as actions relating to apparent violations of Federal criminal statutes, will be handled under this section.
(a) Criminal action. When facts or circumstances indicate that criminal violations may have been committed by an applicant, a borrower, or third party purchaser, the State Director will refer the case to the appropriate Regional Inspector General for Investigations, Office of Inspector General (OIG), USDA, in accordance with RD Instruction 2012-B (available in any Rural Development office) for criminal investigation. Any questions as to whether a matter should be referred will be resolved through consultation with OIG for Investigations and the State Director and confirmed in writing. In order to assure protection of the financial and other interest of the government, a duplicate of the notification will be sent to the Office of General Counsel (OGC). After OIG has accepted any matter for investigation, Rural Development staff must coordinate with OIG in advance regarding any administrative action on the matter/borrower other than routine servicing actions on existing loans. Cases requiring further action by OGC will be handled in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
(b) Civil action. Court action or other judicial process will be recommended to OGC when all other reasonable and proper efforts and methods to obtain payment, to remove other defaults, and to protect Rural Development 's property/financial interests have been exhausted. However, if an emergency situation exists or criminal action is to be recommended, the case will be submitted to OGC without taking the action necessary to report the information required by Part II of Form RD 455-22, “Information for Litigation.” This is because delay in submitting cases in emergency situations may affect the financial interests of Rural Development and collection efforts may adversely affect the criminal investigation and/or criminal prosecution.
(1) Civil action will be recommended when one or more of the following conditions exists:
(i) There is a need to repossess security or EO property or to foreclose a lien and such action cannot be accomplished by other means authorized in this subpart.
(ii) There is a need for filing claims against third parties because of a conversion of security or other action.
(iii) Payment due on debts are not made in accordance with the borrower's ability to pay, and the borrower has assets or income from which collection can be made.
(iv) The borrower has progressed to the point that credit can be obtained from other sources, has agreed in the note or other instrument to do so, but refuses to comply with that agreement.
(v) Rural Development or its security becomes involved in court action through foreclosure by a third-party lienholder or through some other action.
(vi) Other conditions exist which indicate that court action may be necessary to protect Rural Development 's interests.
(2) Claims of less than $600 principal will not be referred to OGC for court action unless:
(i) A statement of facts is submitted as to the exact manner in which the interest of Rural Development, other than recovery of the amount involved, would be adversely affected if suit were not filed; and
(ii) Collection of a substantial part of the claim can be made from assets and income that are not exempt under State or Federal law. A State supplement will be issued to set forth such exemptions or a summary of those exemptions with respect to property to which Rural Development normally would look for payment such as real estate, livestock, equipment, and income.
(3) When a borrower has not properly accounted for the proceeds of the sale of security, it is the general policy to look first to the borrower for restitution rather than to third-party purchasers. In line with this policy the remaining chattel security on which Rural Development holds a first lien usually will be liquidated before demand is made, or civil action to recover from third-party purchasers.
(i) When the County Supervisor determines that full collection cannot be made from the borrower and that it will be necessary to collect the full value of the security purchased by a converter, a demand (see Guide Letter 1962-A-1, a copy of which is available in any Rural Development county office) will be sent to the purchaser at the same time that exhibit D or E of subpart A of part 1955 of this chapter, is sent to the borrower.
(ii) When the County Supervisor determines that it is likely that action will have to be taken to collect from third-party pruchasers, the County Supervisor will notify such purchasers by letter (see Guide Letter 1962-A-2, a copy of which is available in any Rural Development county office) that Rural Development security has been purchased by them and that they may be called upon to return the property or pay the value thereof in the event restitution is not made by the borrower. If it later becomes necessary to make demand on such third-party purchasers, Rural Development will do so unless the case already has been referred to OGC or the U.S. Attorney, in which event the demand will be made by one of those offices.
(iii) When restitution is made by the borrower, or a determination is made, with the advice of OGC, that the facts in the case do not support the claim against the third-party purchaser, the third-party purchaser will be informed by the County Supervisor that Rural Development will take no adverse action (see Guide Letter 1962-A-3, a copy of which is available in any Rural Development county office). Ordinarily, it will not be necessary to inform the third-party purchaser of OGC's decision when OGC determines that the facts support the claim against the third-party purchaser but no substantial part of the claim can be collected. If OGC makes such a determination and the third-party purchaser asks what determination has been made, the County Supervisor will say that no further action is to be taken on the claim “at this time.”
(iv) In addition, unless personal contacts with the third-party purchaser, or other efforts to collect demonstrate that further demand would be futile, and a satisfactory compromise offer has not been received, a follow-up letter (see Guide Letter 1962-A-4, a copy of which is available in any Rural Development county office) will be sent by the State Director as soon as possible after the 15-day period set forth in the demand letter has expired. Unless response to the State Director's followup letter or personal contacts or other efforts indicate that further demand would be futile, an additional follow-up letter will be sent to the third-party purchaser by OGC after the case has been referred to that office.
(c) Handling civil and criminal cases. All cases in which court actions to effect collection or to enforce the rights of Rural Development are recommended, will be forwarded to OGC by the State Director in accordance with paragraph (c)(3) of this section.
(1) County Office actions. Forms RD 455-1, “Request for Legal Action,” and RD 455-22 will be prepared. Form RD 455-2, “Evidence of Conversion,” will be prepared for each unauthorized disposal. The original and two copies of Forms RD 455-1 and RD 455-22 and, wh = n applicable, Rural Development 455-2 together with the borrower's case file, will be submitted to the State Office. Signed statements should be obtained, if possible, from the borrower, any third party purchasers, or others to support the information contained on Form RD 455-1. Appropriate recommendations regarding civil actions will be made on Forms RD 455-1 and RD 455-22 against the borrower or others. When a case is referred to the State Office the County Supervisor will keep that office informed of any future developments in the case. If Attachments l, 2 and other appropriate attachments to exhibit A of subpart S of part 1951 of this chapter have not been sent, they will now be sent to the borrower and any other obligor(s) on the note. Any appeal must be concluded before a civil action can be filed.
(2) District Office actions. Exhibits D, E, or E-1 of subpart A of part 1955 of this chapter will be prepared and sent after any appeal is concluded.
(3) State Office actions.
(i) upon receipt of Form RD 455-1 and, when applicable, Form RD 455-2, the State Director will analyze each form to determine if all of the necessary information is documented and, if not, whether an appropriate effort was made to obtain the information. If all the necessary information is not documented, the State Director will return the case and request the County Supervisor to obtain the information to complete Forms RD 455-1 and 455-2. The State Director may assign any qualified Rural Development employee to help a County Supervisor obtain the information necessary to complete the reports. After diligent efforts, if Rural Development employees are unable to obtain the additional information, the case will be returned to the State Office with an explanation of why the information is unavailable.
(ii) After all of the pertinent information available has been obtained, the State Director will refer the case to OGC for civil action, if referral is required under the policy expressed in this section. If such referral is not required, the State Director will set forth in Item 19 of Form RD 455-1 the basis for the determination not to refer the case and instructions for follow-up servicing action. The State Director will not recommend a third-party conversion claim to the OGC if more than one year has run from the date of the annual accounting following the disposition of security, unless the Administrator or delegate determines a longer period of time should be applied either because of compelling circumstances such as the case has been referred to and accepted by OIG for criminal or civil investigation. The period of time during which a suit may be filed is set by federal statute and is not changed by this section. Demands on third-party purchasers will be made in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section. In cases referred to OGC, the State Director will make comments and recommendations regarding the civil aspects of the case on Form RD 455-1.
(A) When cases are referred to OGC, the County Office case file, Form RD 455-1, and, when appropriate, Form RD 455-2 will be transmitted. In addition, when the institution of civil court proceedings by Rural Development is recommended, the notes, financing statements, security agreements, loan agreements, other legal instruments and copies thereof, as required by OGC, and Form RD 451-11, “Statement of Account,” and Form RD 455-22 will be submitted to OGC. The State Director, with the advice of OGC, will determine the number of copies of such instruments needed and the information required on the certified statement of account. Each request for a certified statement of account will specify the type of information needed.
(B) Notes, statements of account, files, or other documents and copies thereof needed in referring cases to OGC for civil court or other action will be obtained from the Finance Office, or County Office, by the State Director. When the time required for obtaining the above material or documents may jeopardize Rural Development's interest by permitting the diversion or dissipation of assets which otherwise could be expected as a source of payment, the Finance Office, upon the request of the State Director, will forward such material or documents directly to OGC or (at the State Director's direction) to the U.S. Attorney.
(d) Actions on cases referred to OGC. When a civil case is referred to OGC, the State Director will notify the County Supervisor of the referral and will return the County Office case file when it is no longer needed. The State Director will also prepare and distribute Form RD 1951-6 according to the FMI. The Rural Development field office will process the descriptive code via the Rural Development field office terminal system. This will flag the borrower's account indicating court action is pending (CAP). After notice of the referral is received by the County Supervisor, no collection or servicing action will be taken except upon specific instructions from the State Director or OGC. However, when a borrower voluntarily proposes to make a payment on an account, the County Supervisor will accept the collection unless notice has been received that the case has been referred to the U.S. Attorney for civil action. The County Supervisor will immediately notify OGC directly by memorandum, with a copy sent to the State Director, of any collections received. The County Supervisor also will notify the State Director and OGC of any developments which may affect a case which has been referred to OGC.
(e) Actions on cases referred to the U.S. Attorney and on judgement cases (including third-party judgements). OGC will notify the State Director, the Finance Office, and the County Supervisor when a case is referred to the U.S. Attorney or is otherwise closed. When a case is referred to the U.S. Attorney, the Finance Office will discontinue mailing Form RD 1951-9, Annual “Statement of Loan Account,” to such borrowers. OGC will also notify the State Director when a judgement (including third-party) is obtained.
(1) When the County Supervisor receives notice from OGC that a judgment (including third-party) has been obtained, the County Supervisor will establish a judgment account by completing Form RD 1962-20, “Notice of Judgment,” in accordance with the FMI. The Rural Development field office will process the judgment or the third party judgment via the Rural Development field office terminal.
(2) After notice has been received that a case has been referred to the U.S. Attorney or a judgment has been obtained and has not been returned to Rural Development by the U.S. Attorney, no action will be taken by the County Supervisor except upon specific instructions from the State Director, OGC, or the U.S. Attorney. However, the County Supervisor will keep the State Director informed of any developments which may affect the Rural Development security interest or any pending court action to enforce collection. If information is obtained indicating that such debtors have assets or income not previously reported by the County Supervisor to the State Director from which collection of such judgment accounts can be obtained, the facts will be reported to the State Director. The State Director immediately will notify OGC of any developments which might have a bearing on cases referred to the U.S. Attorney, including such judgment cases.
(i) If the debtor proposes to make a payment, Rural Development employees will not accept such payment but will offer to assist in preparing a letter for the debtor's signature to be used in transmitting the payment to the U.S. Attorney. In such case, the debtor will be advised to make payment by check or money order payable to the Treasurer of the United States.
(ii) Collection items received through the mail from the debtor or from other sources by the County Office to be applied to such accounts will be forwarded by the County Supervisor through OGC to the appropriate U.S. Attorney. Likewise, collections received by the District Director or the State Office will be forwarded through OGC to the appropriate U.S. Attorney. Such items will be forwarded in the form received except that cash will be converted into money orders made payable to the Treasurer of the United States. The money order receipts will remain attached to the money orders. Form FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 451-1 will not be issued in any such case. The debtor will be informed in writing by the County Supervisor of the disposition of the amount received.
(3) When the U.S. Attorney has returned a judgment case to Rural Development, the County Supervisor is responsible for servicing it as follows:
(i) When the judgment debtor has the ability to make periodic payments, action will be taken by the County Supervisor to make arrangements for the judgment debtor to do so.
(ii) [Reserved]
(iii) At the time of the annual review of collection-only or delinquent and problem cases, the County Supervisor will determine whether such judgment debtors, whose judgments have not been charged off and who are not making regular and satisfactory payments, have assets or income from which the judgment can be collected. If such debtors have either assets or income from which collection can be made and they have declined to make satisfactory arrangements for payment, the facts will be reported by the County Supervisor to the State Director. The State Director will notify OGC of developments when it appears that collections can be enforced out of income or assets.
(iv) Such judgments will not be renewed or revived unless there is a reason to believe that substantial assets have or may become subject thereto.
(v) Such judgments may be released only by the U.S. Attorney when they are paid in full or compromised.
(4) In all judgment cases, any proposed compromise or adjustment will be handled in accordance with subpart B of part 1956 of this chapter.
(5) If the debtor requests information as to the amount of outstanding indebtedness, such information, including court costs, should be obtained from the Finance Office if the County Supervisor does not have that information. If questions arise as to the payment of court costs, information as to such costs will be obtained through the State Office from OGC.
[50 FR 45783, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 45439, Dec. 18, 1986; 53 FR 35787, Sept. 14, 1988; 54 FR 42799, Oct. 18, 1989; 55 FR 35296, Aug. 29, 1990; 57 FR 60085, Dec. 18, 1992; 68 FR 61332, Oct. 28, 2003; 80 FR 9904, Feb. 24, 2015]
IT IS HEREBY AGREED by and between the Farmers Home Administration or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 (hereinafter referred to as “FHA”) and the Commodity Credit Corporation (hereinafter referred to as “CCC”) that the following procedure will be observed in those cases where producers sell to CCC or pledge to CCC as loan collateral under the Price Support Program, agricultural commodities such as, but not limited to, cotton, tobacco, peanuts, rice, soybeans, grains, on which FHA holds a prior lien and the proceeds from such sales or loans are not remitted to FHA for application against the loan(s) secured by such lien:
1. When an FHA County Supervisor learns that an FHA borrower has obtained a loan from CCC on a commodity or sold a commodity to CCC under such circumstances, he shall immediately notify his State Director. The State Director, immediately upon receipt of the notice, shall furnish CCC (see Appendix 1) with the name and address of such borrower, the county of his location at the time the commodity was placed under loan or sold, and the amount of the FHA loan secured by the lien.
2. When CCC receives such a notice from FHA, CCC shall take steps to prevent the making of any further loans on or purchases of the commodity of the borrower. If the CCC loan is still outstanding and CCC calls the loan, CCC shall notify the FHA State director of the demand.
3. If the CCC loan is repaid, whether prior to or after the receipt by CCC of the notice from FHA, the FHA State Director shall be notified immediately, at which time CCC will have discharged its responsibility under this agreement.
4. FHA shall, in each case in which the CCC loan is not repaid or the commodity has been sold to CCC, endeavor to collect from the borrower the amount due on the FHA loan. Such collection efforts shall include the making of demand on the borrower and the following of FHA's normal administrative policies with respect to the collection of debts, but shall not include the making of demand for payment upon the area peanut producer cooperative marketing associations through which CCC makes price support available to producers. If collection efforts are not successful, the FHA County Supervisor shall make a complete report on the matter to his State Director. If the State Director determines that the amount due on the FHA lien is not collectible by administrative action, he shall refer the matter to the appropriate local office of the General Counsel, with a full statement of the facts, for a determination of the validity of the FHA lien. If it is determined by the General Counsel's Office that FHA holds a valid prior lien on the commodity, the State Director shall furnish CCC with a copy of such determination, together with all other pertinent information, and shall request payment to FHA of the lesser of
(1) the amount due on its loan, or
(2) the value of the commodity at the time the CCC loan or purchase was made (based on the market value of the commodity on the local market nearest to the place where the commodity was stored). The information to be furnished CCC shall include
(a) the principal balance plus interest due FHA on the date of the request,
(b) the amount due on the FHA loan at the time the CCC loan or purchase was made, and
(c) the amount of the CCC loan or purchase proceeds, if any, applied by the producer against the FHA loan. FHA shall continue to make collection efforts and shall notify CCC of any amount collected from the producer or any other party.
5. Upon receipt of evidence, including a copy of the determination of the Office of the General Counsel, from the State Director of FHA that the proceeds from the CCC loan or purchase have not been received by FHA from the borrower, and that collection cannot be made by FHA, CCC will if the CCC loan has not been repaid or if CCC has purchased the commodity, pay FHA the amount specified in paragraph 4 above or deliver the commodity (or warehouse receipts representing the commodity) to FHA: Provided, That if CCC has any information indicating that collection may be made by FHA from the borrower or any other party, it may notify FHA and delay payment pending additional collection efforts by FHA.
6. It is the desire of both FHA and CCC that claims to be processed under this agreement receive prompt attention by both parties and be disposed of as soon as possible. Instructions for the implementation of these procedures at the field office level will be developed and issued by the Washington offices of FHA and CCC.
7. Any question with regard to the handling of any claim hereunder shall be reported by the applicable ASCS office to ASCS in Washington and by the FHA State Director to the National Office of FHA.
This Memorandum of Understanding supersedes the agreement entered into between FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 and CCC on November 5, 1951.
Entered into as of this 29th day of May, 1973.
Farmers Home Administration or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354,
Frank B. Elliott,
Acting Administrator.
Commodity Credit Corporation,
Kenneth E. Frick,
Executive-Vice President.
Appendix 1—Furnishing Notice or Information to Commodity Credit Corporation
| Commodity | Direct to |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Prairie Village, Kansas, ASCS Commodity Office. |
| Tobacco | Applicable tobacco association. |
| Peanuts | Applicable peanut association. |
| All other commodities | Applicable State ASCS office. |
[44 FR 4437, Jan. 22, 1979]
The Farmers Home Administration or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 (FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354) sometimes makes loans to farmers on the security of agricultural commodities that are eligible for price support under loan and purchase programs conducted by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 and CCC desire that price support be made available to farmers without unnecessarily impairing or undermining the respective security interests of FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 and CCC in and without undue inconvenience to producers and FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 and CCC in securing lien waivers on such commodities.
Now, therefore, it is agreed as follows:
(1) Upon request of an official of a State ASCS office, the FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 State Director in such State shall furnish designated county ASCS offices with the names of producers in the trade area from whom FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 holds currently effective liens on commodities with respect to which CCC conducts price support programs. FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 will try to furnish a complete and current list of the names of such producers; however, FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354's liens with respect to any commodity will not be affected by an error in or omission from such lists.
(2) For a loan disbursed by a county ASCS office, CCC will issue a draft in the amount (Iess fees and charges due under CCC program regulations) of the loan on, or purchase price of, the commodity payable jointly to FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 and the producer if
(a) his name is on the Iist furnished by FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354, or
(b) he names FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 as lienholder. The draft will indicate the commodity covered by the loan or purchase.
(3) On issuance of the draft, the security interest of FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 shall be subordinated to the rights of CCC in the commodity with respect to which the loan or purchase is made. The word “subordinated” means that, in the case of a loan, CCC's security interest in the commodity shall be superior and prior in right to that of FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 and that, on purchase of a commodity by CCC or its acquisition by CCC in satisfaction of a loan, the security interest of FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 in such commodity shall terminate.
(4) Nothing contained in this Memorandum of Understanding shall be construed to affect the rights and obligations of the parties except as specifically provided herein.
(5) This agreement may be terminated by either party on 30 days' written notice to the other party.
Dated: July 20, 1980.
Ray V. Fitzzerald,
Executive Vice President. CCC.
Dated: July 14, 1980.
Gordon Cavanaugh,
Administrator, FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354.
[53 FR 35787, Sept. 14, 1988]
Rotation of Grain Crops
Under the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Farmer-Owned Grain Reserve Program, a producer may request to rotate or exchange new crop grain for the original crop grain that is in the Farmer-Owned Grain Reserve Program and already encumbered by CCC. The Farmers Home Administration or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 (FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354) may have subordinated their first lien position to CCC on the original grain placed in reserve and/or may have a first lien on the new crop. FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 and CCC desire to devise a mechanism whereby the CCC can relinquish its first lien position on the original grain reserve crop to FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 and in turn the FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 can relinquish its first lien position to CCC on the replacement grain reserve crop.
Now, therefore, it is agreed as follows:
(1) Upon receipt of a memorandum from an Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) County Executive Director or other designated county office official requesting the rotation of a grain reserve crop for a producer borrower(s), the FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 County Supervisor and the ASCS county office official will jointly indicate approval or rejection of the request on the bottom of the original and a copy of the memorandum (Approval Memorandum) as follows:
“We hereby agree to and authorize the rotation of the subject producer's grain crops in accordance with the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding between Farmers Home Administration or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 and Commodity Credit Corporation dated________.”
FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354
ASCS
In the memorandum, ASCS will include the name(s) of the producer(s) desiring to rotate the grain crops, the approximate number of bushels being rotated, the type of crop, years' crop being rotated and the location of the original grain reserve crop (approximate land and facility description).
(2) Upon execution of the Approval Memorandum by both ASCS and FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354, the security interest of FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 in the new crop grain shall be subordinated to the security interest of CCC in such grain and the security interest of CCC in the original crop grain shall be subordinated to the security interest of FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 in such grain. At that point in time it will be the responsibility of each agency and the borrower to account for their respective interests in the grain crops and/or proceeds from the sale of the grain. The crop rotation and subordination of liens will only involve the amount of grain that has been specifically provided for in the memorandum from ASCS.
(3) If there is an intervening third party lien and it is impossible for FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 or CCC to have a first lien on their respective grain crops, the request of the producer to rotate crops will not be granted.
(4) Nothing contained in this Memorandum of Understanding shall be construed to affect the rights and obligations of the parties except as specifically provided herein.
(5) This agreement may be terminated by either party on 30 days written notice to the other party.
[44 FR 4437, Jan. 22, 1979]
Family Living Expenses
Expenses for household operating, food, clothing, medical care, house repair, transportation, insurance and household appliances, i.e., stove, refrigerator, etc., are essential family living expenses. We do not expect there will be any disagreements over this. However, when proceeds are less than expenses, there might be disagreements about the amounts FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 should release to pay for particular items within these broad categories. For example, FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 has to release for transportation expenses, but should FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 release so that a borrower can buy a new car? If at planning time or during the crop year it appears that there will be sales proceeds available to pay for the borrower's operating and living expenses, including the expense of a new car, the Form FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 1962-1 can be completed to show that FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 plans to release for a new car. On the other hand, it would also be proper to complete the Form FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 1962-1 to release for a used car or for gas and repairs to the borrower's present car. Since it is necessary for FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 to release for essential family living expenses and because transportation is an essential family living expense, some proceeds must be released for transportation. However, nothing requires FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 to release for a specific expense; usually, there will be several ways to use proceeds to provide for essential family living expenses. We must provide the borrower with a written decision and an opportunity to appeal whenever there is a disagreement over the use of proceeds or whenever we reject a request for a release.
Farm Operating Expenses
We would expect farm operating expenses to present more of a problem than family living expenses. There will probably be a few disagreements over whether an expense is an operating expense (as opposed to a capital expense), but it is more likely that there will be disagreements over the amount FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 should release for operating expenses and whether a particular farm operating expense is “essential.” As is the case with family living expenses, disagreements will most likely arise when proceeds are less than expenses.
To resolve disputes over the amount to be released, remember that we must be reasonable and release enough to pay for essential farm operating expenses. Although a borrower might not always agree that enough money is being released, if the borrower's essential farm operating expenses are being paid, we are fulfilling the requirements of the statute. We must provide the borrower with an opportunity to appeal when there is a disagreement over the use of proceeds or when we reject a request for a release.
Section 1962.17 of this subpart states that essential expenses are those which are “basic, crucial or indispensable.” Whether an expense is basic, crucial or indispensable depends on the circumstances. For example, feed is a farm operating expense, but it is not always an essential expense. If adequate pasture is available to meet the needs of the borrower's animals, feed is not essential. Feed is essential if animals are confined in lots. Hiring a custom harvester is a farm operating expense, but is not an essential expense if the farmer has the equipment and labor to harvest the crop just as well as a custom harvester. Hired labor is an operating expense which might be essential in a dairy operation but not in a beef cattle operation. Payments to creditors are essential if the creditor is unable to restructure the debt or to carry the debt delinquent. Renting land is not essential if the borrower plans to use it to grow corn which can be purchased for less than the cost of production. Paying outstanding bills is essential if a supplier is refusing to provide additional credit but not if the supplier is willing to carry a balance due. Of course, the long term goal of any farming operation is to pay all of its expenses, but when this is not possible, FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 and the borrower must work together to decide which farm operating expenses are essential and demand immediate attention and cannot be neglected. These are the essential expenses.
We absolutely must release to pay for essential family living and farm operating expenses; there are no exceptions to this. When deciding whether an expense is essential and when deciding how much to release, the choices we make must be rational, reasonable, fair and not extreme. They must be based on sound judgment, supported by facts, and explained to the borrower. Following these rules will help us avoid disagreements with borrowers.
[56 FR 15829, Apr. 18, 1991]