Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Awards
References
Timeline
Generic

Louise Hicks

Little River,KS

Summary

Dedicated and knowledgeable Farm Service Agency Program Technician with 8 years of experience supporting agricultural programs and services. Proficient in program administration, customer assistance, and compliance management. Skilled in documentation, data entry, and financial transactions. Excellent communicator and problem solver, committed to providing exceptional service to farmers and ranchers. Strong understanding of FSA programs and regulations, with a track record of ensuring program success and participant satisfaction. I can work in a fast-paced environment and can adapt to various situations and prioritizing multiple work assignments simultaneously. I have a reputation for delivering a high quality, personal service to both junior and senior work colleagues. I also have a strong background in general administration along with experience of working within a customer focused company. I am willing to be accountable, liable, and answerable for actions and decisions.

Dedicated and knowledgeable Farm Service Agency Program Technician with 8 years of experience supporting agricultural programs and services. Proficient in program administration, customer assistance, and compliance management. Skilled in documentation, data entry, and financial transactions. Excellent communicator and problem solver, committed to providing exceptional service to farmers and ranchers. Strong understanding of FSA programs and regulations, with a track record of ensuring program success and participant satisfaction. I can work in a fast-paced environment and can adapt to various situations and prioritizing multiple work assignments simultaneously. I have a reputation for delivering a high quality, personal service to both junior and senior work colleagues. I also have a strong background in general administration along with experience of working within a customer focused company. I am willing to be accountable, liable, and answerable for actions and decisions.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

County Executive Director in Training

Harvey County Farm Service Agency
09.2023 - Current
  • Managing and directs activities of staff
  • Performing office and field activities as needed to accomplish program objectives
  • Performing farm loans assignments when delegated
  • Oversee FSA farm programs and administrative operations
  • Promoting of programs through outreach efforts with groups, businesses, educational institutions and other area organizations
  • Leads communication functions for the office

Program Technician

Rice County Farm Service Agency
03.2022 - 09.2023
  • Deliver USDA programs efficiently, effectively and with integrity, and I focus on customer service
  • Deliver data across the agency, other federal agencies, and non-federal partners to improve service delivery
  • Provide leadership and/or expertise for the programs I am responsible for, namely payment & eligibility, ARC/PLC, reconstitutions, and farm changes
  • Explain procedures, program regulations and forms to producers and other agency personnel
  • Utilize various web-based software applications to maintain producer data and process automated forms
  • Use a high degree of initiative and judgement in planning and carrying out assigned tasks and resolving problems encountered
  • Updating signature authorization when changes in the farm operation occur
  • Payment eligibility and payment limitation determinations
  • Completing and revising farm operating plans
  • Loading direct deposits and POA’s
  • Maintaining sensitive documents
  • Gathers data to provide support for direct attribution, actively engaged, cash rent tenant, foreign person, and adjusted gross income determinations
  • Communicates with other county offices and agencies on a regular basis to coordinate determinations and regulate payments to multi-county producers
  • Maintaining files containing PII in a secure location
  • Develops tools to ensure program consistency and integrity is uniform throughout the office
  • Assists other employees with payment and non-payment eligibility issues
  • Processing payments
  • Obtain new producer info
  • Create, update, and maintain automated farm program records
  • Verify farm ownership information through research of deeds and local government records
  • Assists producers in the preparation of acreage reports detailing crop acreage and land uses
  • Take requests for measurement services, collect and records payments
  • Maintaining voter eligibility database
  • Help with all the office activities and functions pertaining to one or more of the program areas administered in Rice County
  • Provide update on changes to COC
  • Ensures that customers are aware they have access to additional agricultural resources provided by USDA and other agricultural stakeholders through FSA
  • Processing of written FOIA requests
  • Loading FOIA requests into tracking system
  • Maintaining and organizing records for disposal
  • Maintaining and updating personnel leave and travel records
  • Prepare travel forms and calculate travel reimbursements
  • Maintaining office inventories, initiates order for office supplies and prepares equipment requests and required justifications for submission to the State Office
  • Oversees mail management activities including ensuring that office have adequate postage supplies
  • Acting CED

Program Technician

McPherson County Farm Service Agency
01.2017 - 03.2022
  • Deliver USDA programs efficiently, effectively and with integrity, and I focus on customer service
  • Deliver data across the agency, other federal agencies, and non-federal partners to improve service delivery
  • Provide leadership and/or expertise for the programs I am responsible for, namely payment & eligibility and farm changes
  • Explain procedures, program regulations and forms to producers and other agency personnel
  • Utilize various web-based software applications to maintain producer data and process automated forms
  • Use a high degree of initiative and judgement in planning and carrying out assigned tasks and resolving problems encountered
  • Updating signature authorization when changes in the farm operation occur
  • Payment eligibility and payment limitation determinations
  • Completing and revising farm operating plans
  • Loading direct deposits and POA’s
  • Maintaining sensitive documents
  • Gathers data to provide support for direct attribution, actively engaged, cash rent tenant, foreign person, and adjusted gross income determinations
  • Communicates with other county offices and agencies on a regular basis to coordinate determinations and regulate payments to multi-county producers
  • Maintaining files containing PII in a secure location
  • Develops tools to ensure program consistency and integrity is uniform throughout the office
  • Assists other employees with payment and non-payment eligibility issues
  • Processing payments
  • Obtain new producer info
  • Create, update, and maintain automated farm program records
  • Verify farm ownership information through research of deeds and local government records
  • Assists producers in the preparation of acreage reports detailing crop acreages, and land uses
  • Take requests for measurement services, collects, and records payments
  • Maintaining voter eligibility database
  • Help with all the office activities and functions pertaining to one or more of the program areas administered in McPherson County
  • Provide update on changes to COC
  • Ensures that customers are aware they have access to additional agricultural resources provided by USDA and other agricultural stakeholders through FSA

Temporary Program Technician

Rice County Farm Service Agency
10.2015 - 01.2017
  • Assisting in all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the office
  • Assisting in performing office duties related to that of compliance and in other areas as assigned
  • Provide information, assistance and service to producers, farmers, and fellow employees, the public and others while maintaining a professional environment
  • Transmitting messages, responding to inquiries and/or making personal contacts upon instruction or as related to the Farm Service Agency
  • Such duties include answering the office telephones, filing, copying and mailings, working the office counter, operating all office machines and equipment (fax, copier, computers, printers, postage meter, etc.)
  • Taking crop reports
  • Working on revision of aerial maps
  • Sending out AGI forms and enter into system, sending originals to IRS
  • Performing reconstitutions and farm changes
  • Processing LDP applications
  • Payment and eligibility updates
  • In and out transfers of farms
  • Checking ownership on farms and set up new entities in the system

Quality Control Assistant

Talley’s Group New Zealand
11.2010 - 07.2011
  • Quality characteristics assessment of products and performed several chemical, as well as physical tests on products
  • Ensuring the results are within the specifications set out
  • Verify that product packaging characteristics comply with customer requirements as well as New Zealand and overseas market requirements
  • Food safety and good manufacturing practices comply with company regulations
  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of quality control activities, test results, and any deviations or non-conformances
  • Assist in the calibration and maintenance of testing equipment and instruments to ensure accuracy and reliability
  • Actively engaged in problem-solving and identify opportunities to enhance product quality and reduce waste
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and quality assurance departments, to address quality-related issues, share information, and implement corrective actions
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders to ensure a clear understanding of quality expectations and requirements

Relief Milker

Tarbury Farms New Zealand
11.2009 - 11.2010
  • Responsible for milking 800 dairy cows in a stand rotary, twice a day
  • Perform milk tasks, including preparing cows for milking, attaching milking equipment, and monitoring the milking process to ensure proper milking procedures are followed
  • Ensure that all equipment is clean, sanitized, and properly maintained before and after milking
  • Observe c health, behavior, and milk production during milking
  • Report any signs of illness or abnormalities to the manager
  • Follow specific milking routines and protocols set by the farm to maintain cow comfort and maximize milk production
  • Implement and follow milk quality control measures, such as proper udder preparation, milk sampling for quality testing, and adherence to hygiene practices to prevent contamination and ensure milk safety
  • Maintain accurate records of milking activities, including milk production data, health observations, and any relevant notes or incidents during milking
  • Complete milk reports and other documentation as required
  • Maintain effective communication with farm managers, supervisors, and other team members to report any issues, share observations, and ensure smooth operations

General Office Clerk

Mossel Bay South Africa
11.2004 - 10.2009
  • Responsible for all the administrative processes within the office
  • Invoicing
  • Handling all creditors and debtors
  • Handling all payroll activities for 60+ employees
  • Answering incoming phone calls
  • Resolving issues with both customers and billing departments
  • Bank manager of all bank accounts
  • Monthly taxes and PAYE reports
  • Ensuring all filing is complete and up to date

Education

National Senior Certificate in Business Studies: Secretarial -

South Cape College
Mossel Bay, South Africa
01.2003

Skills

  • Self-motivated
  • Critical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Adaptability
  • Work good under pressure
  • Thoroughness
  • Customer service focused
  • Reliable
  • Excellent work ethic
  • Fast learner
  • Self-starter
  • Active team member
  • Agricultural knowledge
  • Organization

Accomplishments

  • County Executive Director in Training | April 2024
  • Attended one of the State Office COC meetings.
  • Program Technician Rice County | May 2023
  • Successfully processed a high volume of program applications and paperwork within strict deadlines, ensuring accurate data entry and documentation. Received consistent positive feedback from farmers and ranchers for providing exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries promptly, and guiding them through program options and requirements.
  • Program Technician McPherson County | March 2022
  • Performance review has found my work ethic, execution of duties, contribution to the team and customer service to be outstanding. I have helped Rice County with updating PE, crop certification, clear non-payment reports and training. Offer tips, direction, and suggestion to other PE PT’s. Updated all payment and eligibility for entities and individuals for 2019, 2020 and 2021 program years.
  • Temporary Program Technician Rice County | January 2017
  • I was given a program to be responsible for namely reconstitutions. I ensured all ARC/PLC contract signatures were received on time.

Languages

  • Afrikaans (expert)
  • English (expert)

Awards

  • Individual Special Act or Service Award – August 2023
  • Group Time Off Award – August 2023
  • Group Time Off Award - April 2023
  • Individual Special Act or Service Award - April 2023
  • Group Special Act or Service Award - August 2022
  • Individual Special Act or Service Award - August 2022
  • Certificate of Appreciation Award - August 2021
  • KS Accomplishment Award - August 2021
  • KS 2018 End of Year Review Team Award - August 2021
  • Performance Award - August 2020
  • Kansas 2017 End of Year Review Team Award - August 2020
  • Cash Award - August 2020
  • Time off Award - November 2019
  • Performance Award - September 2019
  • Sunflower Team Award - November 2018
  • Superior Accomplishment Award - November 2018
  • Extra Effort Award - August 2018
  • Performance Award - July 2018
  • Performance Award - November 2017
  • Performance Award - December 2016

References

  • Julia Smith, CED - Harvey County Farm Service Agency, 316-283-0370 ext. 3463
  • Chris Wilson, NRCS - Rice County, 620-257-5184
  • Michael Westerman, Retired CED - McPherson County Farm Service Agency, 620-242-5445
  • Sara Morey, CED - Marion County Farm Service Agency, 620-382-3714
  • Tammy Clark, Retired PT - Reno County Program Technician, 620-894-0121
  • Cori Johanning, Family Friend - Lyons Hospital, 913-908-1905

Timeline

County Executive Director in Training

Harvey County Farm Service Agency
09.2023 - Current

Program Technician

Rice County Farm Service Agency
03.2022 - 09.2023

Program Technician

McPherson County Farm Service Agency
01.2017 - 03.2022

Temporary Program Technician

Rice County Farm Service Agency
10.2015 - 01.2017

Quality Control Assistant

Talley’s Group New Zealand
11.2010 - 07.2011

Relief Milker

Tarbury Farms New Zealand
11.2009 - 11.2010

General Office Clerk

Mossel Bay South Africa
11.2004 - 10.2009

National Senior Certificate in Business Studies: Secretarial -

South Cape College

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Louise Hicks