Author Archives: tanya brown

Farmer Pleads Guilty to Forging Signature of FSA Rep to Defraud Government

Posted on January 15, 2010 by tanya brown

A Minnesota farmer pled guilty in a U.S. District Court yesterday to a scheme to defraud the government and illegally get money from two banks. Allen Eugene Starkson admitted to forging the endorsement of a Farm Service Agency representative and … Continue reading →

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Several Arkansas Counties Designated as Natural Disaster Areas

Posted on January 15, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA has designated 32 counties in Arkansas as natural disaster areas due to excessive rainfall and flooding. According to an agency press release, several contiguous counties as well as counties in the adjacent states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and … Continue reading →

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USDA Scientist Sequence Soybean Genome

Posted on January 14, 2010 by tanya brown

A team of researchers have sequenced the majority of the soybean genome, providing a look into how the legume crop converts sunlight, water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen into protein and oil. The results could lead to soybeans that contain more protein … Continue reading →

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FSA Employee Supports CFC With Six Percent Salary Donation

Posted on January 13, 2010 by tanya brown

When Nancy Glynn joined the Farm Service Agency and participated in the Combined Federal Campaign for the first time, she had no idea that seven years later she would be one of the largest contributors in FSA. “I assumed everyone … Continue reading →

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Effects of Florida Freeze to Be Told in February Report

Posted on January 13, 2010 by tanya brown

Generally, citrus is not a focal point of the USDA monthly crop report, but with the recent Florida freeze many are wondering what impact the weather will have on the citrus crop. According to reporter Rob Bain, the January report … Continue reading →

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Farmers Produce Record Corn, Soybean Crop in 2009

Posted on January 12, 2010 by tanya brown

Farmers produced record-breaking corn and soybean crops in 2009, according to final production numbers released today by USDA. The soybean crop broke records for planted and harvested area as well as for yield and production, while corn yields reached an … Continue reading →

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Florida Not Alone in Southern Deep Freeze

Posted on January 12, 2010 by tanya brown

Florida’s citrus and vegetable crops have been the focus of a recent deep freeze blanketing the South, but according to USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey, the effects can be felt as far west as Louisiana and Texas. Listen to the report

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USDA Buys Genetic Test for Cattle

Posted on January 12, 2010 by tanya brown

A testing system that can be used to genetically indicate cattle growth rates, disease resistance, milk productivity, and health and longevity has been purchased by the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The test, developed by San Francisco-based Fluidigm Corp., will help … Continue reading →

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Education, Broadband Expansion Tops List at Tri-State Jobs Forum

Posted on January 12, 2010 by tanya brown

More education, an increase in government programs and the expansion of broadband to rural areas, were some of the concerns discussed during the tri-state roundtable forum sponsored by the USDA Farm Service Agency. The forum — which was held last … Continue reading →

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Florida Crops Face Windy, Cold Canadian Air This Weekend

Posted on January 8, 2010 by tanya brown

The Canadian cold front that brought blizzard-like conditions across North and South Dakota and pushed through the western Corn Belt are scheduled to hit Florida this weekend. Cold, high winds are expected for the Sunshine State beginning Friday. Farmers — … Continue reading →

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