Author Archives: tanya brown

California Celebrates 150 Years of the People’s Department

Posted on May 31, 2012 by tanya brown

USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan and Smokey Bear were on tap to celebrate USDA’s 150th anniversary in California. “The People’s Department” has been fortunate to have so many good people in top positions over the years.  As we continue to … Continue reading →

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Kentucky Governor Commemorates USDA 150th Anniversary

Posted on May 30, 2012 by tanya brown

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed a proclamation celebrating the 150 year anniversary of USDA. Pictured (l to r): James Wilson, general field representative, Rural Utilities Service; Tom Fern, state director, Rural Development; Leland Brown, director, National Agricultural Statistics Service; Frank … Continue reading →

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Deadline to Enroll in DCP is Friday, June 1

Posted on May 30, 2012 by tanya brown

Producers who want to enroll in the 2012 Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payment (DCP) program have only two days left to apply. DCP provides payments to eligible producers on farms enrolled for the 2008-2012 crop years. Both direct payments and counter-cyclical … Continue reading →

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USDA Proceeds With FSA County Office Consolidation Plan

Posted on May 30, 2012 by tanya brown

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it is proceeding with Farm Service Agency county office consolidations as part of the department’s Blueprint for Stronger Service. The Blueprint will help modernize and accelerate service delivery while improving the customer experience … Continue reading →

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SURE Disaster Program Deadline is Friday, June 1

Posted on May 29, 2012 by tanya brown

Producers have until Friday, June 1 to apply for assistance for the 2010 crop losses under the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) program. SURE provides disaster assistance to eligible producers on farms that have incurred crop production or quality losses. … Continue reading →

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Cyber Attack Compromises TSP Participants Info

Posted on May 29, 2012 by tanya brown

More than 120,000 Thrift Savings Plan participants had their personal information compromised last month after a cyber attack on a TSP third party service provider computer. According to a Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board press release, the names, addresses and … Continue reading →

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Latest MIDAS Newsletter Highlights Progress and Upcoming Implementation

Posted on May 29, 2012 by tanya brown

The spring edition of the MIDAS Press newsletter is now available online and features updates on recent project accomplishments and an overview of the FSA Modernization Initiative. Articles highlight progress made by the Technical Architecture Group that is working to … Continue reading →

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S.D. Senator: USDA Plays Unique Role in Lives of Americans

Posted on May 29, 2012 by tanya brown

As President Lincoln said in his last annual address to Congress, the Department of Agriculture “is precisely the people’s Department, in which they feel more directly concerned that in any other.” Many don’t realize it, but USDA plays a unique … Continue reading →

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USDA Adds 3.9 Million Acres to Conservation Program

Posted on May 25, 2012 by tanya brown

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will accept 3.9 million acres offered under the 43rd Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up. During the five-week sign-up period, the department received nearly 48,000 offers from landowners to become a part of the 25-year-old … Continue reading →

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FSA Employees Honored as Unsung Heroes

Posted on May 25, 2012 by tanya brown

Left picture: Robert Backus (center) was honored for assisting tornado victims. Right picture: Steve Jones (center) was recognized for saving the government thousands of dollars in fuel by minimizing the agency's fleet of vehicles. Two FSA employees were recognized last … Continue reading →

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