Author Archives: tanya brown

U.S. Farmers Travel to Afghanistan to Wean Growers Off Poppy

Posted on November 29, 2010 by tanya brown

More than 60 American farmers have traveled to Afghanistan to help train and convince their Afghan counterparts to grow corn, wheat, rice and other crops instead of poppy, which makes opium that finances the Taliban. But it’s a hard sell. … Continue reading →

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Canadian Biotech Asks USDA to Approve Apple That Won’t Brown

Posted on November 29, 2010 by tanya brown

A biotechnology company in Canada has asked USDA to approve a genetically modified apple that won’t turn brown once sliced. The move would help lower the cost of producing fresh apple slices, generally used in kid’s lunchboxes, and increase the … Continue reading →

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Strong Harvest Provides Record Grain Storage Licenses in N.D.

Posted on November 24, 2010 by tanya brown

A strong harvest has resulted in a record number of grain storage licenses this year in North Dakota. According to state regulators, nearly 406 million bushels of storage have been licensed, up from the record 343 million set in 2007. … Continue reading →

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Kansas FSA Aiming to Reach Women, Minority Farmers

Posted on November 24, 2010 by tanya brown

The Kansas Farm Service Agency wants more women and minority farmers involved with farm programs. So they are reaching out to inform underrepresented groups about available FSA resources. “We’re in the business of helping our farmers and ranchers—all of them,” … Continue reading →

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USDA Scientist Develops Catfish Production Booster

Posted on November 24, 2010 by tanya brown

A USDA scientist is using a “see-saw” to find new ways to enhance farm-raised catfish production. Les Torrans, a fish biologist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, discovered the precise amount of oxygen levels needed to affect catfish egg development … Continue reading →

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Young Farmers Take on Debt, Uncertainty to Focus on Family

Posted on November 23, 2010 by tanya brown

Young Pennsylvania residents are getting into the farming business, but it’s not because they expect to make a lot of money. “It’s not the most profitable industry around,” said Charlene Berg, Farm Service Agency loan officer. “It’s a lifestyle choice. … Continue reading →

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USDA County Fair Raises $4,000 for CFC

Posted on November 23, 2010 by tanya brown

 Mike Wooden, deputy administrator for field operations served up chili during FSA’s annual County Fair for CFC. About $4,000 was raised for the Combined Federal Campaign last week during the Farm Service Agency’s annual County Fair. The event — held … Continue reading →

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Private Forest Landowners Receive Disaster Support

Posted on November 22, 2010 by tanya brown

Nearly $18 million is being made available to private forest landowners to help restore land damaged by natural disasters. “Restoration activities promote rural resiliency, forest health and support sustainable economic development,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The Obama Administration is … Continue reading →

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People’s Garden to Be Urban Oasis for Baltimore City

Posted on November 22, 2010 by tanya brown

School kids from Baltimore will plant, feed and harvest a People’s Garden in Patterson Park — a grassy oasis in the middle of an inner city neighborhood. The area, currently known as a food desert because it’s void of supermarkets … Continue reading →

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Hmong Chicken Farmer to Sit on USDA Beginning Farmer Advisory Committee

Posted on November 22, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA has tapped a Hmong chicken farmer to sit on a 19-member committee that will advise the agency on ways to help beginning farmers. Maykia Yang is a farmer by night and provides Web support for American Express during the day. A native … Continue reading →

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