Author Archives: tanya brown

WWOOFing Movement a Boon for Organic Farms

Posted on June 11, 2012 by tanya brown

Young people are sacrificing paid jobs and internships to leave urban settings and volunteer with one of 1,500 organic farms that are part of Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF). The go-organic and farm-to-table movement has sparked a large interest … Continue reading →

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Nomination Period for County Committees Opens June 15

Posted on June 7, 2012 by tanya brown

A little more than one week remains before the nomination period opens for the 2012 county committee elections. The nomination period — which opens Friday, June 15 and runs through Aug. 1 — allows farmers and ranchers to select themselves … Continue reading →

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Reminder: Comments Sought on Microloan Proposal

Posted on June 7, 2012 by tanya brown

Comments are being sought on a proposal to improve the Farm Service Agency operating loan program to better meet the needs of small farmers. The new microloan program would simplify and streamline the application process and cut the paperwork in … Continue reading →

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USDA Ag Statistics Service to Contact Producers for Surveys

Posted on June 6, 2012 by tanya brown

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is contacting farmers and ranchers across the country to gather information for three simultaneous surveys that focus on agricultural acreage, crops produced and stored, and hog inventory. Trained NASS enumerators will personally interview … Continue reading →

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FSA Loan Helps Veteran Succeed in Farming

Posted on June 6, 2012 by tanya brown

Edward Avegalio transformed his farm into a hydroponic haven that expanded his acreage and made the land accessible to his needs. by Josephine Lealasola, agricultural specialist, American Samoa FSA Edward Avegalio fought for his country in Operation Desert Shield in … Continue reading →

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Ohio CED Trip to Africa: ‘I Will Never Be The Same’

Posted on June 4, 2012 by tanya brown

Don Henry, county executive director in Delaware County, Ohio, gives out stickers to kids of the Karamajong tribe during a visit to Africa. by Don Henry, county executive director, Delaware County, Ohio Early last summer I was surfing the Web … Continue reading →

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Ring the Bell! Tis The Season for Farmers Markets

Posted on June 1, 2012 by tanya brown

USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan kicked off the start of the USDA Farmers Market USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan rang the copper cow bell this morning at the USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C., signaling the start of the department’s annual … Continue reading →

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Commodity Credit Corporation Releases Lending Rates for June

Posted on June 1, 2012 by tanya brown

The USDA Commodity Credit Corporation, which helps stabilize, support and protect farm income and prices, released interest rates for June 2012. The borrowing rate-based charge is 0.125, which is unchanged from May 2012, while the 1996 and subsequent crop year … Continue reading →

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20,000 Acres Added to Conservation Program to Benefit Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Posted on June 1, 2012 by tanya brown

USDA has finalized changes to the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), that will help reduce harmful sediments and fertilizers coming from farmland and entering into Pennsylvania rivers and streams. The improvement also will enhance waters downstream in Maryland, Virginia and … Continue reading →

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Upcoming Seminar Highlights Effects of Climate Change on Producers

Posted on June 1, 2012 by tanya brown

The USDA Climate Change Program Office will host a seminar on “Climate Change Science: What USDA Needs to Know” on Thursday, June 7 from 2-4 p.m. in the USDA South Building Jefferson Auditorium in Washington, D.C. Scientists from within and … Continue reading →

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