Category Archives: Atop the Fence Post

By Kris Vance, USDA Jarrod and Amy Burris of Loogootee, Indiana. The core of their diversified farming operation is raising the star of most Thanksgiving dinners – turkeys. Managing Together Jarrod and Amy are contract turkey producers who raise about … Continue reading →

By Lindsey New, Farm Service Agency Grain producers Russell and Lora Mullins, of Beelick Farms in Eubank, Kentucky, have been in the business over 30 years. “These days, on top of tough prices and unpredictable weather, we’re up against the … Continue reading →

Story & Photo Credit: Heather Emmons, USDA Bill Renfroe is an Air Force veteran in Lovelock, Nevada, who can now add “beginning farmer” to his resume. While Bill had initially dreamt of retiring somewhere green, that vision enfolded into fields … Continue reading →

By Anthony Landrum, FSA Barbara Jean Hunter grew up on her father’s farm in Appomattox County, Virginia, and took over the farm as an adult. Passionate about conservation, she worked with USDA to transition her farm to protect the land. … Continue reading →

By Lauren Moore, USDA David and Gail Hodge are the owners and operators of Hodge Farms in Newberry, Florida. Established in 1919, the operation has transitioned with the ever-changing agricultural environment over the last 100 years. A Family Farm Originally … Continue reading →

By Patrick Lewis, FSA Ranching is a tradition in Daryl Kalua’u’s family. His father and grandfather both worked as herdsmen for one of the largest ranches on Hawaii’s Big Island. Originally not wanting to follow their footsteps, Daryl moved his … Continue reading →

By Heather Emmons, USDA Justin Knopf, of Knopf Farms near Gypsum, Kansas, is a fifth-generation farmer and a partner in a diversified operation that grows wheat, alfalfa, corn, soybeans, and sorghum. Resiliency on the Rise Justin started farming with his … Continue reading →

By Billie Hall, Farm Service Agency Shelbi Kay Rice wears many hats and most recently it’s a cowboy hat adorned with a crown. From Cattle to a Crown The 2018-2019 National High School Rodeo Association Queen was raised on a … Continue reading →

By: Herbert Brown, FSA John Shepherd, a farmer from Blackstone, Virginia, began grain farming during his last year of college. After graduating, he worked as a salesman by day and farmed at night, building his operation from the ground up. … Continue reading →

By: Dana Rogge, USDA A natural phenomenon descends on the Bleich’s Illinois farm each fall. Now through the end of September, Jason Bleich’s family farm will be invaded with thousands of monarch butterflies traveling south to their winter hideaway. “It’s … Continue reading →