Author Archives: tanya brown

Report Shows More Farming Could Create Jobs, Fuel

Posted on January 21, 2010 by tanya brown

A report by the Chesapeake Bay Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture shows biofuels from plants grown in the Chesapeake Bay could create more than 18,000 jobs, 500 million gallons of fuel and help prevent millions of pounds of … Continue reading →

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Profiting from Ethanol Production

Posted on January 21, 2010 by tanya brown

Profit margins for ethanol producers are starting to improve, but measuring its success is difficult, according to Agribusiness Economist Cole Gustafson of North Dakota State University. Timing is essential in determining success, forcing economists to see if firms have earned … Continue reading →

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Farmers Reap Benefits of Directly Marketing to Consumers

Posted on January 20, 2010 by tanya brown

A growing trend to sell agricultural commodities directly to consumers has surged among farmers in the past ten years. According to USDA Economist Michelle Dapra, direct-to-consumer sales has jumped 120 percent, yet that increase only accounts for one percent of … Continue reading →

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Report Shows Milk Production Down in 2009

Posted on January 20, 2010 by tanya brown

Milk production in the 23 major states during December 2009 totaled 14.6 billion pounds, down 0.8 percent from December 2008, according to the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service. Although production per cow increased 29 pounds above December 2008 averages, the … Continue reading →

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Upcoming Jobs Forum to Be Held in Two California Counties

Posted on January 20, 2010 by tanya brown

A job forum hosted by USDA will give residents of Yolo and Solano counties a chance tell what programs and policies are needed in the rural areas. Dubbed “a town hall listening session,” the forum — which will be held Tuesday, … Continue reading →

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High-Tech Food Production Lures Students to Ag Schools

Posted on January 19, 2010 by tanya brown

More college students are flocking to agricultural schools looking to earn food science and technology degrees along with the promise of a good job after graduation. Agricultural schools in the United States have seen a 22 percent increase in enrollment … Continue reading →

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USDA to Provide $950 Million in Tobacco Transition Payments

Posted on January 19, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA announced today that is will issue more than $950 million to quota holders and producers through the Tobacco Transition Payment Program this year. The program, also called “tobacco buyout,” helps participants transition to the free market and provides annual … Continue reading →

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Farmers Receive Help From USDA to Improve Irrigation System

Posted on January 19, 2010 by tanya brown

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has stepped in to help farmers upgrade outdated irrigation systems. By using plastic pipelines and implementing projects to conserve water resources, USDA is helping farmers save water and money.

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Last Day to Apply for DELAP Benefits is Jan. 19

Posted on January 19, 2010 by tanya brown

Today is the last day for dairy producers to apply for the Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Program. The DELAP program offers dairy farmers a one-time direct payment based on the amount of milk produced and commercially marketed by their farm … Continue reading →

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Corn, Soybean Farmers in States With Late Harvests to Be Resurveyed

Posted on January 15, 2010 by tanya brown

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service is re-contacting farmers who previously reported acreage not yet harvested and may release updated numbers for corn and soybeans crops. According to a press release, a significant amount of unharvested acreage of corn and … Continue reading →

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