Category Archives: Atop the Fence Post

An early warm-up to spring followed by freezing temperatures is creating a hardship for orchards in Michigan. The unpredictable weather caused a 90 percent loss in the apple crop in some areas across the state, according to Christine White, Michigan … Continue reading →

Researchers are recommending that growers of winter wheat reduce tillage on their summer fallow lands. Stewart Wuest, soil scientist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, suggests delaying tillage and leaving soil rough to maintain moisture. Some farmers believe they need … Continue reading →

A little more than one week remains before the nomination period opens for the 2012 county committee elections. The nomination period — which opens Friday, June 15 and runs through Aug. 1 — allows farmers and ranchers to select themselves … Continue reading →

Sandra Wood, assistant deputy administrator for FSA Commodity Operations served as mistress of ceremonies during the event. She stated that improved access in ag production is necessary to prevent food insecurity. by Isabel Benemelis, deputy chief, FSA Public Affairs USDA’s … Continue reading →

by Val Dolcini, state executive director, California Farm Service Agency One hundred and fifty years ago, in the midst of a great Civil War, President Lincoln signed legislation to establish a Department of Agriculture to “acquire and to diffuse among … Continue reading →

The USDA Commodity Credit Corporation, which helps stabilize, support and protect farm income and prices, released interest rates for August 2011. The borrowing rate-based charge is 0.125, which is unchanged from July 2011, while the 1996 and subsequent crop year … Continue reading →

About $15 million in payments will be issued to asparagus producers approved for the Asparagus Revenue Market Loss Assistance Payment Program. The program compensates asparagus producers for revenue losses during the 2004 through 2007 crop year. Payments, which are set … Continue reading →

Despite a slight rebound of milk prices, farm groups say they still need a federal safety net. The National Milk Producers Federation said higher feed prices have eaten into any profits seen from the increase in milk prices and is … Continue reading →

Sunny skies and warm temperatures were on tap for the 48th annual Ohio State University Farm Science Review.  The three day event — held Sept. 21-23 — garners more than 140,000 visitors that can see nearly 4,000 products presented by … Continue reading →