Author Archives: tanya brown

USDA Unveils Sequenced Genome of Cacao Tree; Gives Boost to Farmers

Posted on September 15, 2010 by tanya brown

Scientists with the USDA Agricultural Research Service released the sequenced genome of the cacao tree, a feat that will help protect small farmers by speeding up development and creating trees that are resistant to drought and disease. The cacao tree … Continue reading →

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First African-American Appointed Chair of KY FSA State Committee

Posted on September 15, 2010 by tanya brown

President Obama has selected David R. Duncan, Jr., to be the first African-American chairman of the USDA Farm Service Agency State Committee in Kentucky. "It is with great pleasure I accept the position to serve on the Kentucky State Farm … Continue reading →

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TN FSA Sets Goal to Deliver 2,000 Pounds of Food to Needy

Posted on September 14, 2010 by tanya brown

Laura Booker (left) and Sheila Spears set the bar high for the Sumner County FSA Service Center to collect 2,000 pounds of food during the national Feds, Farmers and Friends Feed Families initiative, which ends today. Farm Service Agency employees … Continue reading →

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4.3 Million Acres Enrolled in Latest CRP General Sign-Up

Posted on September 14, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA will accept 4.3 million acres offered by landowners to preserve and enhance environmentally sensitive lands under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). This was the 39th general sign-up of the CRP, which will protect millions of acres of topsoil from … Continue reading →

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Farmers, Labor Unions Blame Wal-Mart for Low Ag Prices

Posted on September 14, 2010 by tanya brown

The National Farmers Union along with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union is accusing Wal-Mart of unfairly cutting food costs at farmer’s expense. Previously, farmers and ranchers focused their attention to Tyson Foods Inc. and Smithfield Foods Inc. … Continue reading →

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Award-Winning People’s Garden Donates 889 Pounds of Produce to Seniors

Posted on September 13, 2010 by tanya brown

Employees at the FSA West Liberty Service Center planted an award-winning People’s Garden that helped provide food to senior citizens who lost their homes to flooding. The senior citizen’s centers in seven Kentucky counties are benefitting from fresh produce grown as part … Continue reading →

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Corn Estimates Lowered But Still on Record Pace

Posted on September 13, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA lowered its corn production and yield estimates by 2 percent compared to last month’s figures. The lowered figures still keeps U.S. corn production on record-setting pace, producing 50 million bushels more than the previous record set in 2009. The … Continue reading →

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USDA Grant to Move Iowa Company from Fossil to Biofuel

Posted on September 10, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA has awarded $1.9 million to Lincolnway Energy LLC, to stop it from burning fossil fuels in favor of renewable biomass for production of biofuel. The Iowa-based company produces between 55 to 60 million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol each year. … Continue reading →

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Applications Sought by USDA for Renewable Energy Studies

Posted on September 10, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA is seeking applications from producers to conduct feasibility studies that would assist in creating renewable energy systems for farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses. The studies include projects that will produce energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro power … Continue reading →

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USDA Transition Program Gives Hope to Young and Old Alike

Posted on September 10, 2010 by tanya brown

When Taylor Grabanksi, a 23-year-old beginning farmer in Walsh County, N.D., heard about the Farm Service Agency’s Transition Incentive Program (TIP) he knew this was a program he wanted to check out. Taylor grew up on a farm near Inkster, … Continue reading →

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