Category Archives: Features

By Chris Tatum, chief program technician, Bladen County FSA   Thomas Carlton “Chubby” Starling, Bladen County executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in North Carolina retired last month after 35 years of service. Starling began his career in … Continue reading →

Climbing the ladder of success never meant walking over people or looking out for self. At least not for Carolyn Cooksie. “You have to have a work ethic, show up every day and you have to treat people the way … Continue reading →

State Executive Director Val Dolcini joined FSA program and loan staff from the Fresno County Office and donned the colorful, ornate ethnic garb for the Hmong New Year Celebration. (From l to r): Tou Thao, Nangpay Vang, Val Dolcini, Annie … Continue reading →

Hidalgo County FSA staff (front row):  Gracie Pena, Maricruz Cantu, Socorro Rodriguez, Cris Longoria, (back row): Terry Wolfe, Arnulfo Lerma, Mari Hernandez, Franco Trevino, Debbie Burns, Mary Cantu, Marty Garcia, Bee Perez.   The Hidalgo County Farm Service Agency (FSA) … Continue reading →

Thomas Roque, Jr., works an 800-acre farm that has been in his family for 95 years. Thomas Roque’s family (l to r) Tiffany Roque, sister; Kathie Roque, mother; Thomas Roque, Sr., father; Sydney Roque, daughter; Anna Darensbourg Roque, wife; Thomas … Continue reading →

After 34 years of service as a program technician, Laura Ailts will retire on Dec. 2 from the Nobles County FSA office in Minnesota. “A lot of things have changed over the years, but things that don’t change are the … Continue reading →

Walter Smith, executive director of the Yadkin County Farm Service Agency in North Carolina will retire from federal service on Dec. 2, after more than 34 years of service to USDA. Smith began his career measuring crops from aerial slides … Continue reading →

Children made crafts and learned about the Indiana bat and during "Freaky Farm Day."  Staff members at the Henry County USDA Service Center in New Castle, Ind., found a way to engage youth and educate local farmers about the programs … Continue reading →

  by Latawnya Dia, FSA public affairs specialist Jennifer Geel is a Farm Loan Technician in Machias, Maine After graduating from high school, Jennifer Geel, a farm loan technician in Machias, Maine, joined the U.S. Army as an enlisted soldier. … Continue reading →

Since 2003, USDA employees from locations across the United States have volunteered their unique skills to help Afghanistan rebuild its agricultural economy and regain its political and social stability. Paths to Progress is a 19-minute documentary-style film produced by USDA … Continue reading →