Category Archives: Features

Auto Exec Trades Up for a Ranch

Posted on July 10, 2012 by tanya brown

By Kent Politsch, Chief, FSA Public Affairs Branch Some people have “Heaven on Earth!” How many times have you heard that said?  Ever wonder who or where they were talking about?  If you were in Wyoming, it might have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Auto Exec Trades Up for a Ranch

Best Friends Find Niche Through FSA Rural Youth Loan Program

Posted on July 6, 2012 by tanya brown

By Pamela Sikes, Coffee County FSA, Alabama Caylex Strickland and Ivy Bright are two teenagers with an entrepreneurial spirit. Born just one week apart and best friends since grade school, it is no wonder the pair followed similar paths to … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Young Farmer Gives Back to FSA and Community

Posted on June 22, 2012 by tanya brown

By Washington State Farm Service Agency Jacob Silva has been building a hog operation since his younger days as a 4-H’er. Through his efforts, he also has helped increase the number of youth loans distributed by the Farm Service Agency … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | 1 Comment

FSA Employees Receives Award for Work in Afghanistan

Posted on June 21, 2012 by tanya brown

It’s been three years since Steve Berk left U.S. soil on a voluntary venture to represent the Farm Service Agency and USDA in Afghanistan and help with agricultural efforts. Today, his efforts as a senior agricultural representative are paying off … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Comments Off on FSA Employees Receives Award for Work in Afghanistan

WWOOFing Movement a Boon for Organic Farms

Posted on June 11, 2012 by tanya brown

Young people are sacrificing paid jobs and internships to leave urban settings and volunteer with one of 1,500 organic farms that are part of Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF). The go-organic and farm-to-table movement has sparked a large interest … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Comments Off on WWOOFing Movement a Boon for Organic Farms

FSA Loan Helps Veteran Succeed in Farming

Posted on June 6, 2012 by tanya brown

Edward Avegalio transformed his farm into a hydroponic haven that expanded his acreage and made the land accessible to his needs. by Josephine Lealasola, agricultural specialist, American Samoa FSA Edward Avegalio fought for his country in Operation Desert Shield in … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Comments Off on FSA Loan Helps Veteran Succeed in Farming

Ohio CED Trip to Africa: ‘I Will Never Be The Same’

Posted on June 4, 2012 by tanya brown

Don Henry, county executive director in Delaware County, Ohio, gives out stickers to kids of the Karamajong tribe during a visit to Africa. by Don Henry, county executive director, Delaware County, Ohio Early last summer I was surfing the Web … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Comments Off on Ohio CED Trip to Africa: ‘I Will Never Be The Same’

Ring the Bell! Tis The Season for Farmers Markets

Posted on June 1, 2012 by tanya brown

USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan kicked off the start of the USDA Farmers Market USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan rang the copper cow bell this morning at the USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C., signaling the start of the department’s annual … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Comments Off on Ring the Bell! Tis The Season for Farmers Markets

California Celebrates 150 Years of the People’s Department

Posted on May 31, 2012 by tanya brown

USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan and Smokey Bear were on tap to celebrate USDA’s 150th anniversary in California. “The People’s Department” has been fortunate to have so many good people in top positions over the years.  As we continue to … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Comments Off on California Celebrates 150 Years of the People’s Department

Kentucky Governor Commemorates USDA 150th Anniversary

Posted on May 30, 2012 by tanya brown

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed a proclamation celebrating the 150 year anniversary of USDA. Pictured (l to r): James Wilson, general field representative, Rural Utilities Service; Tom Fern, state director, Rural Development; Leland Brown, director, National Agricultural Statistics Service; Frank … Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Comments Off on Kentucky Governor Commemorates USDA 150th Anniversary