Category Archives: Features

28-Year-Old Farmer Makes a Living off of Unwanted Farmland

Posted on September 9, 2013 by tanya brown

John Shepherd is sort of a legend in Blackstone, Va. He is sought out for his expertise restoring poorly managed, eroded farmland and making it fertile and usable. He’s done it so many times that at age 28, he has … Continue reading →

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From an Idaho Youth Loan to National Youth Leader

Posted on August 29, 2013 by tanya brown

By Candy Moore, Idaho Public Affairs/Outreach Coordinator Shane Kerner applied for her first USDA Farm Service Agency Rural Youth Loan at age 14. Now, at age 20, she not only reached adulthood, but financial independence to grow what was once … Continue reading →

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Lack of Immigration Reform Pushes Producers to Streamline Operations

Posted on August 29, 2013 by tanya brown

Farmers are reporting revenue loses while waiting on immigration reform. Access to a skilled, reliable workforce is causing many producers to struggle. New Mexico farmer Marianne Schweers said she tried to hire 30-35 workers to harvest her grapes, but after … Continue reading →

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FSA Bolsters Couple to Receive TN Farmer of the Year Award

Posted on August 22, 2013 by tanya brown

(Reprinted from Marshal County Tribune) A Cornersville farm family received the prestigious Tennessee Small Farmer of the Year Award last week in Nashville, rewarding their hard work and dedication on the family farm. On July 18 at Tennessee State University, … Continue reading →

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Super Storm Sandy Whips Up Super Recovery Satisfaction

Posted on August 22, 2013 by tanya brown

By Kent Politsch, Chief, FSA Public Affairs Disasters create pain.  And recovery from disasters creates partnerships and opportunity. That is the lesson Liang Shao Hua learned in the past year after Tropical Storm Sandy, also known as Super Storm Sandy, … Continue reading →

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Millennial Generation Breaking the Bank Before Hitting the Farm

Posted on August 22, 2013 by tanya brown

The organic generation wants to farm but not the traditional way. They are more interested in small-scale operations, but access to land and capital are shocking many of them into reality. Many have opted to work in large agribusinesses but … Continue reading →

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Nebraska’s FFA Youth Leaders Impressed and Impressive

Posted on August 21, 2013 by tanya brown

By Kent Politsch, Chief, FSA Public Affairs It’s a big deal when you’ve just graduated from a small town high school in Western Nebraska to make a trip to Washington, D.C.  It’s especially a big deal when you get to … Continue reading →

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Retiring to the Farm

Posted on August 16, 2013 by tanya brown

Sandy beaches, tropical islands and no alarm clock may seem like the ideal retirement, but for some, getting up with the roosters is their idea of living happily ever after. Tom Thomas is one of the 12 percent of people … Continue reading →

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Calif. FSA Reaches Out to Hmong Farming Community

Posted on August 12, 2013 by tanya brown
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Illinois FSA Grants Wish to 5-Year-Old Cancer Survivor

Posted on August 9, 2013 by tanya brown

By Mary Kirby, Illinois FSA Public Affairs Specialist He didn’t want to go to Disney World or meet his favorite superhero. All 5-year-old Joe Joe Charles wished for was one day where he could be a farmer and a cowboy. … Continue reading →

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