Author Archives: tanya brown

Late Harvest Frustrates Georgia Cotton Farmers

Posted on January 8, 2010 by tanya brown

Georgia cotton farmers had a frustrating year in 2009. Long periods of rain caused a late start to the planting season, which has pushed back the harvest well into February 2010.

Posted in Features | Comments Off on Late Harvest Frustrates Georgia Cotton Farmers

Livestock Disaster Payments Exceed $175 Million

Posted on January 8, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA has already made more than $175 million in disaster payments to America’s livestock producers by implementing the Livestock Indemnity Program and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program. In a press release, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated that the new programs … Continue reading →

Posted in News | Comments Off on Livestock Disaster Payments Exceed $175 Million

Nine Counties in Montana Designated as Natural Disaster Areas

Posted on January 7, 2010 by tanya brown

Nine counties in Montana have been designated as natural disaster areas by the USDA due to heavy freeze and cold weather that occurred Oct. 8-14, 2009. These counties along with several contiguous counties qualify for low interest emergency loans from … Continue reading →

Posted in News | Comments Off on Nine Counties in Montana Designated as Natural Disaster Areas

Kansas Charter School Fully Implements Agriculture in Curriculum

Posted on January 7, 2010 by tanya brown

A charter school in Kansas has fully incorporated agriculture into its classroom, and with the change the school has seen an increase in enrollment and a decrease in absences and discipline problems. By using farm animals, a garden, a greenhouse … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Comments Off on Kansas Charter School Fully Implements Agriculture in Curriculum

New Year May Bring Relief to Dairy Farmers

Posted on January 7, 2010 by tanya brown

Dairy producers may see some relief in 2010 after a devastating year in 2009. According to USDA Chief Economist Joe Glauber, most dairy farmers were losing money, forced into bankruptcy or went out of business last year. “That now looks … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Comments Off on New Year May Bring Relief to Dairy Farmers

Five Counties in Maine Designated as Natural Disaster Areas

Posted on January 7, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA has designated five counties in Maine as primary disaster areas due to several weather-related disasters. Farmers and ranchers in Aroostook, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Somerset Counties as well as several contiguous counties are eligible for low interest emergency loans … Continue reading →

Posted in News | Comments Off on Five Counties in Maine Designated as Natural Disaster Areas

Additional Wyoming County Designated as Disaster Area

Posted on January 6, 2010 by tanya brown

Another county in Wyoming has been designated a disaster area by USDA. Farm operators in Platte County and several counties contiguous to Platte are eligible for low interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency due to hailstorms that occurred … Continue reading →

Posted in News | Comments Off on Additional Wyoming County Designated as Disaster Area

Two Wyoming Counties Designated as Natural Disaster Areas

Posted on January 6, 2010 by tanya brown

Big Horn and Park Counties in Wyoming have been designated primary natural disaster areas by the USDA due to a freeze that occurred last October. Several contiguous counties as well as nearby counties in Montana also qualify for natural disaster … Continue reading →

Posted in News | Comments Off on Two Wyoming Counties Designated as Natural Disaster Areas

USDA, USTA “Disappointed” in Taiwan’s Ban of Some U.S. Beef Products

Posted on January 6, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA and the United States Trade Representative issued a joint statement yesterday expressing disappointment with the decision by Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan to bar the import of certain U.S. beef and beef products. In the statement, Deputy United States Trade Representative … Continue reading →

Posted in News | Comments Off on USDA, USTA “Disappointed” in Taiwan’s Ban of Some U.S. Beef Products

Farm Service Agency Redefines “Actively Engaged” for Payment Programs

Posted on January 6, 2010 by tanya brown

Amended rules to the Farm Service Agency payment programs have modified the term “actively engaged” to assist smaller, family-run operations. In a radio interview, FSA Administrator Jonathan Coppess said he heard from producers that current regulations don't work and create negative outcomes … Continue reading →

Posted in News | Comments Off on Farm Service Agency Redefines “Actively Engaged” for Payment Programs