Author Archives: tanya brown

Biofuels, Agriculture on Agenda During Obama Missouri Tour

Posted on April 30, 2010 by tanya brown

Northeast Missouri was buzzing with excitement this week, when President Obama toured the area as part of his White House to Main Street Tour. During his travels, Obama made an unannounced stop at Peggy Sue’s Café in Monroe City, Mo., … Continue reading →

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Adult Checklist for Keeping Kids Safe on the Farm

Posted on April 29, 2010 by tanya brown

Farm accidents kill more children than disease, kidnapping and drugs combined. Each year, about 300 people under the age of 19 die and nearly 24,000 are seriously injured on farms across the country. There are steps that can be taken to … Continue reading →

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Corn Planting on Pace for Record-Setting Season

Posted on April 28, 2010 by tanya brown

This year’s corn season is off and running with record-setting planting, according to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. Nationally, about 50 percent of the crop is already in the ground, making this year one to contend with the reigning 2004 national … Continue reading →

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New Computer Application to Speed-Up Loan Payments to Farmers

Posted on April 28, 2010 by tanya brown

Farmers and ranchers can expect to receive faster delivery of new loans and better assistance with current loans with the launch of the Farm Service Agency’s new Direct Loan System computer application. The application, which became fully functional on April … Continue reading →

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Texas Resident Inspired to Start People’s Garden After Watching TV

Posted on April 28, 2010 by tanya brown

While watching the news, one Texas resident became inspired to start a People’s Garden that honored her parents and helped her community. The news segment featured First Lady Michelle Obama addressing employees at USDA about the People’s Garden initiative. From … Continue reading →

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Nominees Sought for USDA Minority Farmers Advisory Committee

Posted on April 28, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA is seeking nominations for the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers. The committee — which is composed of no more than 15 members — provides recommendations on outreach and assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, methods to maximize participation … Continue reading →

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Commentary: Earth Day Then and Now

Posted on April 27, 2010 by tanya brown

Earl Hauge, a local farmer that prepared the soil assists FSA employees Diane Duchene and Darlene Noland as they plant potato slips and radishes. I was a senior in high school when we observed the first Earth Day in 1970. … Continue reading →

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Iowa FSA Leads State in Planting People’s Gardens

Posted on April 27, 2010 by tanya brown

 Employees at the Iowa Farm Service Agency planted strawberries, onions, lettuce, radishes, beets, potatoes, peas, string beans, tomatoes, carrots, peppers and flowers as part of the People’s Garden initiative.   Nearly 11 vegetables were planted at the Iowa Farm Service … Continue reading →

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USDA County Loan Rates Released for Wheat, Feed Grains, Oilseeds

Posted on April 20, 2010 by tanya brown

The Commodity Credit Corporation released county loan rates today for the 2010 wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, soybeans and other oilseed crops. The national loan rates reflect increases for wheat, barley, oats and other oilseed relative to the corresponding … Continue reading →

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Interest in Farming Draws Urban Youngsters to Farm Internships

Posted on April 20, 2010 by tanya brown

Young people are being lured back the farm through internships that offer the full experience of owning, operating and working on a farm. World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is one of several exchanges that match organic farmers with interns. In … Continue reading →

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