Category Archives: Atop the Fence Post
Small Town Sweets Go Nationwide with FSA
By Michael Booth, Public Affairs Specialist Here at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA), we’re always looking for ways to better serve farmers and ranchers. Normally, that means a lot of talk about corn, wheat, soybeans, … Continue reading
Alabama Farm Family Turns Food and Fiber into Story of Success
By Cassondra Searight, Public Affairs Specialist, Alabama Farm Service Agency Many producers strive to grow healthy food for their family, neighbors and the U.S. population. Vaden Farms in Lauderdale County, Alabama, operated by Randall and Tami Vaden with the help … Continue reading
In Missouri, USDA Investments in the Biobased Economy Creates More Products Made in Rural America
By: Dana Rogge, Missouri Public Affairs and Outreach Specialist Taking chances and trying new things is not new to Cooper County, Missouri, farmer Chris Holliday. In 2011, the diversified row-crop producer and contract turkey grower found opportunity in an unusual … Continue reading
USDA Continues to Reach Out to Montana’s Tribal Communities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) held a USDA Tribal Outreach Forum in Bozeman, Montana, to discuss federal and state agricultural programs and initiatives, activities and opportunities with tribal leaders and other representatives in Indian Country. The USDA Tribal Outreach … Continue reading
Learning about Loan Opportunities for Tribal Farmlands with Multiple Owners
By Jennifer Cole, Public Affairs Specialist, Montana Farm Service Agency Improved lending opportunities for Indian tribes and tribal members to purchase tribal agricultural land with multiple owners are now possible thanks to new authority in the 2014 Farm Bill that … Continue reading
Siblings learn important lessons; earn well-deserved Bees
By Scott Whittington, Public Affairs Specialist Some siblings start lawn-mowing businesses or shovel snow to earn cash, but one set of siblings in Nebraska are the “bees knees,” overcoming stinging setbacks to reach success as sweet as honey. Peyton and … Continue reading
Brothers share FSA youth loan, don’t hog competition spotlight
By Scott Whittington, Public Affairs Specialist Some brothers spend their time tormenting each other or fighting over the front seat. Teenage brothers getting along in peace and harmony might happen right after pigs learn to fly a stealth fighter, but … Continue reading
Young Farmer Starts Strong with FSA
By Michael Booth, Public Affairs Specialist Stephen Leatherwood looks out over his 66-acre cattle ranch, with two ponds fully stocked with catfish, and knows he’s come a long way since he started farming and ranching. His cattle ranch in Georgia … Continue reading
South Dakota Family Puts Down Roots using FSA Farm Ownership Loan
By Cassie Bable, Public Affairs Specialist, FSA Office of External Affairs Wade and Lonna Livermont understand that raising livestock is an iconic way of life in South Dakota, but they put their ranch work behind them when they used a … Continue reading
Texas FSA Expands Campus Liaison Recruiting Concept to Meet Increased Interest in Employment in the Ag Industry
Texas has about 180 fully-accredited colleges and universities throughout the state. Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) recognizes the importance of sharing the FSA mission with those future business leaders, colleagues, farmers and ranchers. In order to reach students in the … Continue reading



