Author Archives: tanya brown

USDA Cutting Some Statistical Reports Due to Reduced Funding

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service is suspending several statistical surveys and reports for the rest of the fiscal year due to reduced funding caused by sequestration. According to an agency press release, the decision to suspend the reports was … Continue reading

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Largest Crop Insurance Fraud Ring Brought Down in N.C.

Federal authorities dismantled a crop insurance scheme in North Carolina that brought down agents, claims adjusters, brokers and farmers who stole more than $100 million from government-backed insurance companies. The 41 defendants, who either pleaded guilty or accepted a plea … Continue reading

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New TSP App Could Pose Security Threat

A new app developed for the Apple iPhone and iPad to access individual Thrift Savings Plan accounts could be phishing for personal information. A warning issued by TSP said the new app was not developed by them and could pose … Continue reading

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Joint Effort Enlightens Kansas Producers on Tax and Estate Planning

Farmers in several Kansas counties got a crash course in agricultural law and estate planning as part of a day-long conference cosponsored by the Farm Service Agency offices in Douglas, Franklin, Osage and Shawnee counties. “I now have a better … Continue reading

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House Extends Pay Freeze to End of Fiscal Year; Supports Sequester

Members of the House of Representatives voted on a continuing resolution Wednesday that would keep federal salaries frozen through September and uphold the $982 billion sequester. Should the legislation pass, the government would avoid a shut down on March 27 … Continue reading

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Lanier County FSA Participants Win Big in Georgia Cotton Awards

By Terrie Wolford, County Executive Director, Lowndes County, Ga. The Lanier County Farm Service Agency in Georgia congratulates owners of three farms that won awards for having the highest quality cotton in the surrounding 20 counties in the Southeast portion … Continue reading

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USDA Meteorologist: Drought Conditions Are Improving

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Small Farmer Finds Success with FSA Microloan Program

By Cassie Bable, Texas FSA Public Affairs Specialist John Lee Meyer applied for his first loan with the Smith County Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Texas to purchase a John Deere 2750 tractor with cab for his hay operation. Meyer owns … Continue reading

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Senate Wants to Cut Congressional Pay During Sequestration

New legislation was birthed in the Senate this week that would reduce congressional pay once government furloughs begin. The bill would force congressional leaders to sacrifice a portion of their paycheck to align with the loss many government employees will … Continue reading

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Deadline Approaches for Hispanic and Women Farmers to File Claims

Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by USDA in past decades have until March 25, 2013, to file a claim in order to receive a cash payment or loan forgiveness. The claims process is a voluntary alternative … Continue reading

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