This subpart prescribes rules of practice and procedure in connection with any formal hearing before the Farm Credit Administration (FCA) that is required by the Farm Credit Act of 1971, as amended (Act) or is ordered for other reasons by the FCA. In connection with any particular matter, reference should also be made to any special requirements of practice and procedure that may be contained in applicable provisions of the Act or the rules adopted by the FCA in subpart B of this part, which special requirements are controlling. The rules in subpart A do not apply to the informal hearings described in subpart C of this part, to any other informal hearing that may be ordered by the FCA, or to formal investigations described in subpart D of this part.