Author Archives: tanya brown

More U.S. Potato Growers Can Compete in Thailand

Posted on March 3, 2011 by tanya brown

More U.S. states are now eligible to ship potatoes to Thailand. In an announcement made this week by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the Thailand government will now accept potatoes from Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota … Continue reading →

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Study: Grazing Improves Soil Quality, Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Posted on March 3, 2011 by tanya brown

Land that has been moderately grazed restores soil quality and cuts greenhouse gases, according to researchers with the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The study, conducted on rolling, eroded land in northeastern Georgia, showed that fertilizer type made no difference in … Continue reading →

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Commodity Credit Corporation Releases Lending Rates for March

Posted on March 1, 2011 by tanya brown

The USDA Commodity Credit Corporation, which helps stabilize, support and protect farm income and prices, released interest rates for March 2011. The borrowing rate-based charge is 0.250, which is unchanged from February 2011, while the 1996 and subsequent crop year … Continue reading →

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Clinton: Ag Has Solution to Worldwide Problems

Posted on February 28, 2011 by tanya brown

Three major problems plague the world today and what happens in agriculture will help shape the resolution of these issues, according to former President Bill Clinton. The president — speaking before a crowd of 2,000 attendees at the 2011 Agricultural … Continue reading →

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USDA to Resolve Discrimination Claims of Hispanic, Women Farmers

Posted on February 25, 2011 by tanya brown

In an effort to resolve all claims of past discrimination, USDA has set up a claims process for Hispanic and women farmers who can show that they were denied a loan or loan servicing due to discriminatory practices. The process … Continue reading →

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Farm Economy Strong, Poised to Set Record

Posted on February 24, 2011 by tanya brown

The farm economy is quite strong and 2011 is expected to bring record numbers, according to USDA Chief Economist Joe Glauber. Speaking before a crowd of nearly 2,000 people during the Agricultural Outlook Forum in Alexandria, Va., Glauber said that … Continue reading →

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Dairy Groups Ask Congress for Safety Net

Posted on February 23, 2011 by tanya brown

Despite a slight rebound of milk prices, farm groups say they still need a federal safety net. The National Milk Producers Federation said higher feed prices have eaten into any profits seen from the increase in milk prices and is … Continue reading →

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Snow Pile-Up Translates to Better Soil, Farm Income

Posted on February 23, 2011 by tanya brown

A series of snow storms that hit just about all of the U.S. this winter has one agricultural bright spot. The white stuff not only provides entertainment for kids, but is beneficial for soil and the water table. Ultimately, this … Continue reading →

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Agriculture is Leader in Economic Recovery

Posted on February 23, 2011 by tanya brown

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack gave a statement before the U.S. House of Representatives last week, indicating that agriculture is leading the U.S. economic recovery. Although the farm economy remains strong and debt levels have stabilized, Vilsack warned that prices are increasing, … Continue reading →

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Researcher Find Way to Extend Shelf Life of Tomato

Posted on February 22, 2011 by tanya brown

Nearly 20 percent of all tomatoes are lost due to spoilage, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. To help alleviate that problem and give the fruit a longer shelf life, researchers are manipulating compounds known as polyamines that play … Continue reading →

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