Author Archives: cassiebable

Be the Link: The Value of Conversation

By Jay Ivey, Farm Service Agency  It’s time once again for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s annual county committee elections. We’re introducing you to current committee members across the nation throughout the nomination period, which runs now through Aug. 1, … Continue reading

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Be the Link: Carrying on Traditions and Overcoming Challenges

By Elise Gaboury, Farm Service Agency   It’s time once again for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s annual county committee elections. We’re introducing you to current committee members across the nation throughout the nomination period, which runs now through Aug. 1, … Continue reading

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Growing to New Heights with Conservation and Pollinators

By Andrew Thomason, NRCS, Iowa Meet Rhonda Larson of Hayti, South Dakota. During the school year Rhonda serves special needs students as a teaching aide in Hamlin County. When she’s not focused on her day job, her passion is flowers, … Continue reading

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Be the Link: Rooted in Resiliency

By Ellyn Oelfke, Farm Service Agency  It’s time once again for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s annual county committee elections. As FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux says, being a part of your local county committee is “your chance to ensure that … Continue reading

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The Ice Cream Rises to the Top at Fox Meadows Farms

By Kimberly Merlau, FSA, Pennsylvania   The Fox family of Fox Meadows Farms in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, is owned and operated by brothers Chad and Corey Fox, their wives, Krista and Andrea, and their parents, Bob and Ruthie. This generational farm demonstrates … Continue reading

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Urban Youth Loan Borrower Grows Lettuce and a Passion for Hydroponics

By Shantelle Turner, Management and Program Analyst, USDA Farm Service Agency Trinity Waguespack is an 11-year-old urban farmer in Lafayette, Louisiana. When she’s not tackling her schoolwork, Trinity is busy growing lettuce in her three hydroponic garden towers. Through precision … Continue reading

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An Opportunity of a Lifetime

By Sydney Erickson, FSA, Nebraska  Meet Jesse Hegemann, a first-generation farmer and rancher from Burchard, Nebraska. Growing up, Jesse developed a passion for agriculture while helping on his uncles’ farms and watching his dad raise hogs. He aspired to start … Continue reading

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A Labor of Love

By Leila Naylor, FSA, Rhode Island Jan and Michelle Eckhart are the owners and operators of Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown, Rhode Island. What began as a small farm primarily growing strawberries has turned into a labor of love. In … Continue reading

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Growing Sweet Results in Virginia

By Samantha Blair, Latoyia Elliott and Samantha Turner, FSA, Virginia  Meet Elisha Barnes, a fourth–generation farmer from Southampton County, Virginia. Elisha’s love of agriculture began while working in his family’s peanut fields at the age of six. He purchased his … Continue reading

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Apples Don’t Fall Far from the Tree

By Leila Naylor, FSA, Rhode Island  Meet siblings Allison Jaswell Molis and Chris Jaswell, fourth–generation owners and operators of Jaswell’s Farm located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, the state’s Apple Valley. The farm consists of 80 acres, 20 of which are … Continue reading

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