Author Archives: tanya brown

New Software Helps Farmers Determine Crop Growth Stages

Posted on May 12, 2011 by tanya brown

USDA has developed new software to help farmers determine the correct time to apply pesticides, fertilizers and water. Phenology Modular Modeling System software allows users to answer questions such as “What is your planting date?” and “How wet was your … Continue reading →

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Farmers Lead Recovery as Exports Reach All-Time High

Posted on May 12, 2011 by tanya brown

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a statement yesterday in response to a report showing U.S. farm exports reaching an all-time high of $75 billion during the first half of fiscal year 2011. "Today's trade data demonstrate that, once again, America's … Continue reading →

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USDA to Embrace Diversity Recommendations

Posted on May 11, 2011 by tanya brown

USDA is aiming to change its culture and will embrace recommendations from a two-year study of the agency that looked at the history of discrimination and civil rights failings. “There is a massive effort within USDA to change the culture,” … Continue reading →

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California Service Center Staff Team Up for Cancer Benefit

Posted on May 11, 2011 by tanya brown

Northern California USDA employees teamed up to raise money for families coping with cancer. Pictured l to r: Erin O’Farrell, Joleen Logan, Lesalee Miles-Miller, Becky Fairbairn, Katie Delbar, Emma Chow, Danya Hildebrand.   The Mendocino/Lake County, Calif., USDA Service Center … Continue reading →

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Southern Farms Tallying Cost of Flooding on Economy

Posted on May 11, 2011 by tanya brown

Flooding that has enveloped many of the southern states could also put local farmhands out of work and contribute to the rise in food prices. As the Mississippi River crests and begins flooding parts of Mississippi and Louisiana, the waters … Continue reading →

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Farm Loan Manager Posthumously Honored as Unsung Hero

Posted on May 9, 2011 by tanya brown

David Kessel’s family accepted the OPEDA Unsung Hero award on his behalf. Pictured l to r: OPEDA President Louis Iacoletti, Miranda Kessel (David’s daughter), Zeb Kessel (David’s son), Tammy Kessel (David’s wife) and Kimble Hayes, W. Va. farm loan chief. … Continue reading →

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Local Bank Paying for Texas H.S. Seniors to Visit USDA

Posted on May 9, 2011 by tanya brown

 Enterprise Bank, FSA, Calvert ISD and the senior class created a partnership that will have a positive impact on the student’s lives and the future of Calvert ISD.   by Cassie Bable, Farm Service Agency   The Calvert Texas Independent … Continue reading →

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First BCAP Project Area Aims to Reduce American Dependence on Foreign Oil

Posted on May 6, 2011 by tanya brown

 Show Me Energy Cooperative President Steve Flick meets with Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs Brandon Willis to discuss ways BCAP will improve domestic energy security. Show Me Cooperative is the first company to receive a grant under the BCAP Project … Continue reading →

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Perennial Crops: The Future of Farming?

Posted on May 4, 2011 by tanya brown

Researchers along with USDA officials are hoping that perennial forms of corn, wheat, rice and other crops will be the future of farming. The idea of perennial crops would help reduce environmental damage and soil erosion caused by the planting … Continue reading →

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Reminder: Deadline for Biomass Crop Assistance Program Proposals is May 27

Posted on May 3, 2011 by tanya brown

Producers and landowners interested in participating in the Biomass Crop Assistance Program have a few weeks left to submit a proposal. BCAP provides incentives to farmers, ranchers and landowners to produce biomass crops for heat, power, biobased products and biofuels. … Continue reading →

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