Author Archives: tanya brown

Farmers Markets Conference Provides Networking Opportunities for Growers

Posted on April 2, 2010 by tanya brown

The Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association (MFMA) held its spring conference last week in Shoreview, Minn., welcoming members from Minnesota and Wisconsin who came to network and exchange ideas. MFMA was established to help represent farmers markets with a voice and … Continue reading →

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Environmental Regulations, Estate Taxes Afflict Maryland Farmers

Posted on April 2, 2010 by tanya brown

Maryland farmers told Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday that environmental regulations along with federal estate taxes add to their growing list of challenges as their influence continues to shrink. Vilsack said he is pushing policies to aid owners of small … Continue reading →

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USDA Releases 2009 Actual, 2010 Benchmark Yields for ACRE

Posted on April 1, 2010 by tanya brown

The 2009 actual and 2010 benchmark yields for Average Crop Revenue Election were released today by USDA for wheat, long grain rice, medium grain rice, oats and barley. The yields are used in calculating payments through ACRE, which provides producers … Continue reading →

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Commodity Credit Corporation Releases Lending Rates for April

Posted on April 1, 2010 by tanya brown

The USDA Commodity Credit Corporation, which helps stabilize, support and protect farm income and prices, released interest rates for April. The borrowing rate-based charge is 0.375, unchanged from March, while the 1996 and subsequent crop year commodity and marketing assistance … Continue reading →

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County Committee Election Calendar Now Available

Posted on March 31, 2010 by tanya brown

The 2010 county committee election calendar is now available on the Farm Service Agency Web site. The calendar outlines important dates and deadlines regarding the upcoming elections. County committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA … Continue reading →

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Commentary: Seriously Think About Knowing Your Farmer

Posted on March 31, 2010 by tanya brown

  Maloney Farms opened their first store after having success at the local farmers market. Pictured are (l to r) Sheena Maloney holding Anna, Carolyn Maloney, Patrick Maloney and Kevin Maloney holding Charles.     I work at the FSA … Continue reading →

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Record Level of Soybean Acres Expected to Be Planted in 2010

Posted on March 31, 2010 by tanya brown

U.S. Farmers expect to plant a record 78.1 acres of soybean this year, according to a report released today by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The acreage increase is one percent higher than last year, with major increases expected … Continue reading →

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Expo Connects Local Farmers to Local Restaurants

Posted on March 31, 2010 by tanya brown

Farmers in Frederick County, Md., had the opportunity to meet with restaurateurs this week during the areas first ever Farm to Restaurant Expo. Organized by the county office of economic development, the event connected local producers with local restaurants as … Continue reading →

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FSA Retiree Joins Parkinson’s Quilt Project

Posted on March 31, 2010 by tanya brown

Janice Kroger slowly unfolded the colorful, red-trimmed quilt, her hands gliding over the 26 blocks, all designed and stitched by men and women who have Parkinson’s disease. “It shows we still can do things,” said the 60-year-old Columbus resident and … Continue reading →

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Loan Assistance to Boost Economies in Rural America

Posted on March 30, 2010 by tanya brown

Loan guarantees are being provided through USDA to businesses in 24 states to help promote job creation and provide economic opportunities. According to an agency press release, funding for the loans is made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment … Continue reading →

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