Author Archives: tanya brown

USDA Releases Plan for Transparency and Openness

Posted on April 8, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA released its Open Government Plan yesterday in an effort to integrate transparency and participation into the agency’s daily operations. “We owe the American people an open and transparent government, but to make the government as effective as possible in … Continue reading →

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Kansas to Include Agriculture as Part of Emergency Plans

Posted on April 7, 2010 by tanya brown

The state of Kansas has made plans to include agriculture as part of its emergency preparedness plans, even on the county level. State officials, emergency managers and other leaders attended a workshop designed to build capacity to handle agricultural issues … Continue reading →

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Annual Outreach Conference Educates Producers on USDA Programs

Posted on April 7, 2010 by tanya brown

 Michael Wooden, state executive director, Virginia Farm Service Agency, addresses a crowded auditorium during the 3rd Annual USDA Outreach Conference. Virginia State University was host to the 3rd Annual USDA Outreach Conference recently held as part of the agency’s effort … Continue reading →

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A Dedicated Farm Wife or What?

Posted on April 7, 2010 by tanya brown

 Patsy Bronner, advisor for the county committee in Howard County, Iowa, headed home from a committee meeting in a tractor after her husband was delayed and unable to pick her up on time. The tractor, which is owned by the … Continue reading →

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USDA, Navy Launch First Forum to Discuss Renewable Energy to Power Fleet

Posted on April 6, 2010 by tanya brown

The first of several energy forums to look into ways of increasing biofuels production and meeting the Navy’s renewable energy needs, took place today in Honolulu. The forum is a result of the memorandum of understanding signed by USDA and … Continue reading →

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U.S., Brazil Agree on Path to Settle Cotton Dispute

Posted on April 6, 2010 by tanya brown

The United States and Brazil have agreed upon a path toward a negotiated settlement over a long-running cotton dispute. The dispute, brought by Brazil against the United States, was arbitrated by the World Trade Organization, which found agricultural subsidies were … Continue reading →

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Former Agriculture Secretary Under Nixon Dies

Posted on April 6, 2010 by tanya brown

Former agriculture secretary who served in the Nixon administration and succeeded in limiting subsidy payments to the nation’s largest farmers has died. Clifford Hardin died Sunday at his home in Lincoln, Neb. He was 94. As agriculture secretary, Hardin limited … Continue reading →

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Women Becoming Growing Force in Agriculture

Posted on April 6, 2010 by tanya brown

Women are increasing their role in Mississippi agriculture and becoming an important force in the industry. Nearly 29 percent of all farm operators in the state are women, and in 15 percent of the operations they are key decision-makers, according to … Continue reading →

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Biomass Gets Boost from BCAP

Posted on April 6, 2010 by tanya brown

The Biomass Crop Assistance Program has boosted the biomass industry, benefitting energy facilities and communities, according to Farm Service Agency Administrator Jonathan Coppess. To date, the program has approved 4,605 agreements for the delivery of more than 4.18 million tons … Continue reading →

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Alaska Farmland Trust Not a Bad Deal

Posted on April 5, 2010 by tanya brown

The Alaska Farmland Trust is creating an opportunity for local farmers to help preserve farmland for future generations, according to Arthur Keyes, chairperson of the Alaska Farm Service Agency State Committee. In a letter to the editor, Keyes defends the … Continue reading →

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