Category Archives: Atop the Fence Post

FSA Loan Moves Family from Financial Stress to a Workable Plan

By Josie Malepeai Lealasola and Faith Umetsu, American Samoa FSA After several years working as a licensed diesel mechanic Issac Kanoa and his wife Gladys chose to go back to the taro patches in Keanae, Maui, to live as generations … Continue reading

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Nomination Period for County Committees Opens June 15

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

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From Harvest to Basket: Weaving Together Agricultural Markets and Food Security

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

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Celebrating 150 Years of Farm, Food and Jobs

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

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Commodity Credit Corporation Releases Lending Rates for August

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

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USDA to Issue $15 million to Compensate Asparagus Producers

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

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Dairy Groups Ask Congress for Safety Net

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

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Farm Science Review Kicks Off With 140,000 Visitors Expected

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

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Study: More Biorefineries Needed to Meet 2022 Biofuel Goal

About 500 more biorefineries will need to be built in order to meet the goal of using 36 billion gallons of biofuel by 2022, according to USDA. Based on a report by the agency, the plants will cost nearly $168 … Continue reading

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USDA, Dept. of Justice Announce Second Joint Workshop on Agriculture

USDA and the Department of Justice will hold a second joint public workshop to discuss competition and regulatory issues in agriculture. The workshop — which will be held May 21 in Alabama — will focus on the poultry industry and … Continue reading

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