Author Archives: tanya brown

Federal Employees Closer to Contributing More Pay Toward Retirement

Posted on May 17, 2012 by tanya brown

Federal employees are one step closer to contributing more money to their retirement. The House last week passed a measure that would require feds to pay an additional 5 percent of their salary toward retirement. The increase would be phased … Continue reading →

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Military Veterans: the Next Generation of Organic Farmers

Posted on May 17, 2012 by tanya brown

Compost tea (a mixture of recycled organic matter soaked in water), hydroponic living basil, and organic certification are terms that, at first glance, may not have much of a connection to military veterans. Colin Archipley, a decorated Marine sergeant, and … Continue reading →

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USDA, Washington State Univ. Celebrate 150 Year Partnership

Posted on May 16, 2012 by tanya brown

Left to right: Michael Kahn, associate director of the Agricultural Research Center; Dave Knopf, NASS state director; Sherre Copeland, NRCS partnership liaison; Dave Paul, RMA regional director; Brenton Sharratt, ARS Research leader; Dan Bernardo, Ph.D., dean, College of Agricultural, Human, … Continue reading →

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USDA Celebrates 150 Years of Service

Posted on May 16, 2012 by tanya brown

(From l to r) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Mika Brzezinski and Former Congressman Joe Scarborough (R-Fla.) hosts of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and masters of ceremony listen to Secretary Vilsack explain the history and importance of American agriculture. The U.S. Department … Continue reading →

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Missouri Governor Recognizes USDA’s 150th Anniversary

Posted on May 14, 2012 by tanya brown

Joining Gov. Nixon in his office for the proclamation presentation are (from left): Eddie Hamill, state executive director, FSA; Jon Hagler, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture; J.R. Flores, state conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Gov. Nixon; Janie Dunning, … Continue reading →

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Deadline Approaching for DCP Enrollment

Posted on May 11, 2012 by tanya brown

The 2012 deadline to enroll in the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payment (DCP) program is quickly approaching. DCP provides payments to eligible producers on farms enrolled for the 2008-2012 crop years. Both direct payments and counter-cyclical payments are calculated using base … Continue reading →

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Food Procurement Plays Large Role in FSA’s Mission

Posted on May 10, 2012 by tanya brown

Many people are familiar the Farm Service Agency’s farm and loan programs, but what many don’t know is that FSA’s Commodity Operations division has an impact on many Americans and around the world. According to James Monahan, deputy administrator for … Continue reading →

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Survey Asks Federal Employees Their Sexual Orientation

Posted on May 10, 2012 by tanya brown

Editor’s Note: Since most of our Fence Post readers are government employees, we include occasional articles specifically for them.  We know, of course, that other readers are interested in issues that influence things in government.  Here is one issue directed at employees … Continue reading →

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FSA is Lender of First Opportunity for Wisconsin Farmer

Posted on May 9, 2012 by tanya brown

Rufus Haucke prepares to plant lettuce mix on portion of his farm that was purchased with the help of an FSA loan. by Cally Ehle, communications coordinator, Wisconsin FSA On the scenic rolling hills of southwestern part of Wisconsin sits … Continue reading →

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FSA Sets New Rules for Foreign Aid Food Handling

Posted on May 9, 2012 by tanya brown

New rules have been developed by the Farm Service Agency to address sanitary and safety issues of handling food bought for foreign aid. The new rules are “a response so we can protect the integrity of the program and the … Continue reading →

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