Category Archives: Features

Washington State Farm Connects to Community Through Local Farmers Market

Posted on August 11, 2017 by cassiebable

USDA Celebrates National Farmers Market Week  By Cassie Bable, FSA Public Affairs Specialist Four Elements Farm in the Puyallup Valley in Washington State is a vendor at the Orting Valley Farmers Market every Friday in June, July and August. Amy … Continue reading →

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California Beginning Farmer Became a Farmer to Make an Impact in the Food System

Posted on August 10, 2017 by cassiebable

USDA Celebrates National Farmers Market Week By Lauren Moore, FSA Public Affairs Specialist Beginning farmer, Meredith Bell, owner and operator of Autonomy Farms, sells meats and produce at 13 farmers markets year round in Los Angeles and her home of … Continue reading →

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USDA Celebrates National Farmers Market Week: Marine Veteran Serves through Agriculture

Posted on August 9, 2017 by cassiebable

By Lauren Moore, FSA Public Affairs Specialist Garfield Jarret served in the Marine Corps until he was injured in Iraq during a roadside attack. When he returned to the United States, he attended Florida International University (FIU) to receive his … Continue reading →

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A Microloan Helps West Virginia Cattle Producer with a New Tractor and New Way of Life

Posted on August 3, 2017 by cassiebable

By Lauren Moore and Dana Rogge, FSA Public Affairs Specialists In the 1960s, the White brothers, James and Dallas, began a partnership known today as White Farms in Barbour County, West Virginia. After the deaths of both brothers, the legacy … Continue reading →

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Summer: The Perfect Time for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, Veterans and Others to Look into Microloans

Posted on July 26, 2017 by cassiebable

Submitted by Chris Beyerhelm, Acting Administrator, Farm Service Agency As someone who grew up in rural Iowa, I know about the importance of working capital to prospective new farmers and ranchers. Now, for qualified applicants, that capital is available. Individuals … Continue reading →

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Lessons Learned in France Inspire Rhode Island Farmer

Posted on July 18, 2017 by cassiebable

By Leila Naylor, Rhode Island FSA Administrative Specialist Christina Dedora, owner of Blue Skys Farm, grew up in Smithfield, Rhode Island, and moved to France in 1993. During her time there, she worked on a farm, learning about organic agriculture … Continue reading →

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Lead Your FSA – West Virginia Farmer Wants to Ensure Producers are Treated Fairly

Posted on June 28, 2017 by cassiebable

Paul Oxley is serving the second year of his second term on the Putnam County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee in West Virginia. A fellow farmer nominated Oxley to serve on the committee. County committee members are elected … Continue reading →

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Lead Your FSA – Washington Committee Member is a Voice for Local Farmers

Posted on June 28, 2017 by cassiebable

Melanie Wyss and her brothers, Jason and Brandon, farm nearly 100 acres of cherry, apple and pear orchards in the Okanogan Valley in Washington state. The produce is sold in stores across the nation like Costco, Walmart and Safeway. Wyss … Continue reading →

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Lead Your FSA – Texas Committee Member Returns the Favor by Helping Beginning Farmers

Posted on June 28, 2017 by cassiebable

Lorena Lujan has served on the Reeves/Loving/Ward/Winkler County Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee since 2013. Prior to becoming an elected member, she served as the advisor from 2008 through 2012. Lujan decided to serve on the FSA county committee to … Continue reading →

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Lead Your FSA – Tennessee Committee Member Serves to Keep Producers Informed

Posted on June 28, 2017 by cassiebable

Beth Lee Dawson has served on the Dickson County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee in Tennessee for two years. Dawson and her husband, Phil, grow corn, soybeans and winter wheat on 800 acres. They also run 250 head of … Continue reading →

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