Category Archives: Atop the Fence Post

Veteran Returns to Farming Roots

Posted on November 8, 2019 by cassiebable

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 →

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Working to Conserve the Land and Serve Local Producers

Posted on November 1, 2019 by cassiebable

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 →

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Transitions and Traditions on a Century-Old Farm

Posted on October 25, 2019 by cassiebable

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 →

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Dealing with Drought in Paradise

Posted on October 18, 2019 by cassiebable

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 →

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Resiliency through Research and Regeneration

Posted on October 11, 2019 by cassiebable

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 →

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Ranching Royalty

Posted on September 27, 2019 by cassiebable

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 →

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From the Ground Up

Posted on September 20, 2019 by cassiebable

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 →

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Illinois Farm is a Rest Stop for Migrating Monarchs

Posted on September 6, 2019 by cassiebable

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 →

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Growing a Farm with Great Taste

Posted on August 30, 2019 by cassiebable

By Heather Emmons, USDA Caleb and Janet Phillips, of Show-Me Kansas Farms in Cherryvale, Kansas, are part of a larger multi-generational family operation. For their part, they raise 275 cow/calf pairs and grow corn, soybeans, and wheat. Growing the Business … Continue reading →

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Farm Service Agency Expands Payment Options to Include Debit Card, ACH Debit

Posted on August 28, 2019 by cassiebable

By Derric Cushman, USDA The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has made it easier for America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to make their payments instantly with a debit card or Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit. … Continue reading →

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