Author Archives: tanya brown

Solution to Dairy Industry Woes in Hands of Newly-Formed Advisory Committee

Posted on April 13, 2010 by tanya brown

  A group of 17 men and women that represent the dairy industry met at USDA headquarters on Tuesday for the first time to find a solution to the volatile pricing of milk and milk products that has decreased industry … Continue reading →

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USDA Sets Tone for Nationwide People’s Gardens

Posted on April 13, 2010 by tanya brown

Starting this month, about 80 volunteers at USDA are lending a hand to an organic garden created by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack along the Mall at the agency’s headquarters. Last year Vilsack took a jackhammer to an asphalt parking lot … Continue reading →

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Blend Wall Closing In; Future of Ethanol Hinges on E15

Posted on April 12, 2010 by tanya brown

Four months of stagnant gasoline demand combined with record ethanol production could mean that the corn-based fuel is close to hitting the blend wall. A sharp drop in ethanol prices has cut returns for ethanol producers dramatically, which meant the … Continue reading →

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States Entice California Dairies With Fewer Regulations

Posted on April 12, 2010 by tanya brown

California dairies are being wooed by other states with large incentives and the promise of fewer regulations. At least eight states, including Texas and Iowa are looking to boost their revenue by bringing in dairies. Air and water quality rules … Continue reading →

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Citrus Black Spot Disease Confirmed in Florida

Posted on April 9, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA has confirmed the presence of a fungal disease in Florida that attacks citrus fruits and causes early fruit drop and reduces crop yields. Cuignardia citricarpa or citrus black spot — a fungal disease marked by dark, speckled spots on … Continue reading →

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Monitoring Flood Waters for Disaster Declarations

Posted on April 9, 2010 by tanya brown

Ben Fast, Redwood County, Minn., Farm Service Agency director is aiding USDA and FEMA to assess flood damage in the state. For the past few weeks, Fast has monitored flooding from the Minnesota River and documented its effects on the … Continue reading →

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Hawaii Sugarcane Plantation to Aid in Production of Biofuels

Posted on April 9, 2010 by tanya brown

The last sugar plantation in Hawaii could provide jet fuel for the Navy. In a series of public and private partnerships announced by USDA on Wednesday, federal officials said they will budget millions to study producing advanced biofuels from sugarcane … Continue reading →

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California Hosts First Listening Session on USDA Cultural Transformation

Posted on April 9, 2010 by tanya brown

  RMS staff member Zandra Pendarvis studies the Agenda for the Listening Session in Davis, Calif. More than 220 USDA employees met Thursday at the Varsity Theatre in Davis, Calif. to share their thoughts during the first listening session designed … Continue reading →

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Minnesota Researchers Begin Study to Solve Declining Honey Bee Mystery

Posted on April 8, 2010 by tanya brown

Researchers at the University of Minnesota will begin a three-year study to solve the declining honey bee mystery. The study, announced Wednesday, will use scientists from across the country to analyze the effects of pesticides and environmental factors on the … Continue reading →

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Hawaii Partnerships to Help Navy Achieve Biofuel, Renewable Energy Goals

Posted on April 8, 2010 by tanya brown

A series of public and private partnerships were announced by USDA on Wednesday that will help establish commercial production of biofuels and other renewable energy systems in Hawaii for use by the U.S. Navy. The partnerships were made in support … Continue reading →

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