Category Archives: Features

Skip Hyberg Honored With Economist of the Year Award

Posted on February 26, 2013 by tanya brown

He is a quantitative and scientific force behind the nation’s largest conservation program. Armed with two doctoral degrees, Skip Hyberg is an economist and a scientist who has linked both of those worlds together to design and implement the Farm … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Tagged | Comments Off on Skip Hyberg Honored With Economist of the Year Award

USDA Researchers Save Farmers Money By Conserving Fungicide Use

Posted on February 20, 2013 by tanya brown
Posted in Features | Tagged , | Comments Off on USDA Researchers Save Farmers Money By Conserving Fungicide Use

GPS Cows and Virtual Fences Become Future of Farming

Posted on February 13, 2013 by tanya brown

Conventional fencing can be restrictive and not allow for flexibility most ranchers need. That is why one USDA researcher is aiming to do away with traditional fencing for an invisible, high-tech version. Dean M. Anderson wants to make the land … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

USDA Pilot Program Supports New Population of Farmers in Midwest

Posted on February 7, 2013 by tanya brown

A USDA-funded pilot program is helping a new segment of the farming population in the Midwest. An immigrant-training program launched in January, is supporting aspiring farmers in Nebraska and Missouri. Although immigrant-owned farm operations are not new in California and … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on USDA Pilot Program Supports New Population of Farmers in Midwest

Civil Rights Deputy Retires After 41 Years

Posted on February 6, 2013 by tanya brown

Doris S. Rudolph, deputy director for FSA Office of Civil Rights retired last week after 41 years of service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Several friends, family members and coworkers celebrated her work with a farewell party at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Children Raised on Farms Develop Better Immune Systems

Posted on February 1, 2013 by tanya brown
Posted in Features | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Access to Land, Capital Biggest Obstacle for Beginning Farmers

Posted on January 31, 2013 by tanya brown

Clay Blackburn is a 25-year-old Missouri farmer who works several part-time jobs to keep his cow/calf operation growing. He currently leases 200 acres of land until he can build enough capital to buy. “It’s tough for a young person to … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Small Farmers Embrace Microloans

Posted on January 23, 2013 by tanya brown

Every year Dustin Schlinsog walks into the Farm Service Agency office in Neillsville, Wis., to apply for a direct operating loan to support his greenhouse operation. It’s a small loan — under $35,000. Yet, he must complete 17 pages of … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Scientists Turn Beets into Plastic

Posted on January 18, 2013 by tanya brown

Food containers may soon be made out of beet pulp. Scientist with the Agricultural Research Service have developed a biodegradable thermoplastic — a plastic that becomes soft once heated — using sugar beet pulp, which is leftover residue from sugar … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Tagged , | 1 Comment

In DC for the Inauguration? Come Say #HelloUSDA!

Posted on January 18, 2013 by tanya brown

Planning to be in town for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration?  USDA will open its doors on the National Mall for a USDA open house on Friday, January 18 from 10am – 2pm. The open house is a special opportunity to learn … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Tagged , | Comments Off on In DC for the Inauguration? Come Say #HelloUSDA!