Category Archives: Atop the Fence Post

From College Project to Full Time Job, USDA Microloan Helps Kentucky Heritage Livestock Farmer

Posted on October 6, 2017 by cassiebable

By Michael Miller, Farm Loan Manager, Kentucky Farm Service Agency Aaron and Laura Briner live on their 24-acre farm, Laughing Lab Acres, located in Henderson County, Kentucky, where they raise Heritage livestock to be sold through farmer’s markets and by … Continue reading →

Posted in Atop the Fence Post, Features, Regional Posts | 2 Comments

A Million Acres Scorched by Montana Wildfires

Posted on October 4, 2017 by cassiebable

by Dana Rogge, FSA Public Affairs Specialist Dry conditions plagued Montana this summer, with multiple wildfires torching over 1 million acres throughout the state. The largest fire, the Lodgepole Complex fire, impacted over 270,000 acres. Recent rain and snow, and … Continue reading →

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FSA Operating Loan Helps a Wisconsin YouTuber Make His Farm Work

Posted on September 28, 2017 by cassiebable

By Lauren Moore, FSA Public Affairs Specialist Ryan Kuster uploaded his first video to his YouTube channel, “How Farms Work,” in June of 2008. The video, about chopping hay, raked in over 20,000 views. “It wasn’t supposed to be anything … Continue reading →

Posted in Atop the Fence Post, Features, Regional Posts | 1 Comment

Oyster Producers are “Farmers of the Sea”

Posted on September 8, 2017 by cassiebable

 By Wayne Maloney, FSA Public Affairs As efforts continue to improve the water quality of Chesapeake Bay, oyster farming is being looked at as a way to filter bay waters, while also creating a viable shellfish industry that augments traditional … Continue reading →

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FSA Operating Loan Helps Illinois Dairy Save Time and Money

Posted on August 30, 2017 by cassiebable

By Mary Kirby, Illinois FSA Communications Coordinator While most of the country is still sleeping at 4 a.m. every morning, the Johnson brothers, Kyle and Kurt, of Villa Rosa Farm in Bond County, Illinois, are up and milking their herd … Continue reading →

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Conservation Reserve, other USDA Programs, Help Bird Populations Take Flight

Posted on August 17, 2017 by cassiebable

By Beverly Preston, USDA Farm Service Agency North America is filled with people who appreciate birds.  Many watch them, some hunt them for food and others just value their beauty and song.  Wild birds of all types are a sign … Continue reading →

Posted in Atop the Fence Post, Features, Regional Posts | 1 Comment

Sap Happens Farm Grows with FSA Youth Loan

Posted on August 16, 2017 by cassiebable

By Dawn Pindell, Connecticut FSA Outreach Specialist and Dana Rogge, FSA Public Affairs Specialist In 2013, on a drive to the local farm supply store, 16 year old Orion Newall-Vuillemot’s mother posed a question to him – “Why don’t we … Continue reading →

Posted in Atop the Fence Post, Features, Regional Posts | 1 Comment

Illinois Livestock Producers have Sold Their Products at Farmers Markets for 17 Years

Posted on August 12, 2017 by cassiebable

USDA Celebrates National Farmers Market Week By Lauren Moore, FSA Public Affairs Specialist John and Pat Sondgeroth, owners and operators of Heartland Meats in Mendota, Illinois, have been selling their meat products at farmers markets in the Chicago area for … Continue reading →

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Washington State Farm Connects to Community Through Local Farmers Market

Posted on August 11, 2017 by cassiebable

USDA Celebrates National Farmers Market Week  By Cassie Bable, FSA Public Affairs Specialist Four Elements Farm in the Puyallup Valley in Washington State is a vendor at the Orting Valley Farmers Market every Friday in June, July and August. Amy … Continue reading →

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California Beginning Farmer Became a Farmer to Make an Impact in the Food System

Posted on August 10, 2017 by cassiebable

USDA Celebrates National Farmers Market Week By Lauren Moore, FSA Public Affairs Specialist Beginning farmer, Meredith Bell, owner and operator of Autonomy Farms, sells meats and produce at 13 farmers markets year round in Los Angeles and her home of … Continue reading →

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