Category Archives: Features

ARRA Funds Help Keep Washington Farmers Afloat

Posted on August 13, 2010 by tanya brown

A bad year forced Klickitat County farmer Kelly Kreps to choose between fertilizing his fields or paying taxes and insurance. Even though his operation suffered freeze-related losses, Kreps’s ranch didn’t qualify for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) disaster payments program. … Continue reading →

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First African American to Chair FSA Calif. State Committee

Posted on August 12, 2010 by tanya brown

Ron Kelley has always broken new ground, personally and professionally. Now, President Obama selected him to be the first African American chairman of the USDA Farm Service Agency State Committee in California. With the help of family, he’s been operating … Continue reading →

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Corn, Soybean in Good to Excellent Condition; Ahead of Last Year’s Numbers

Posted on August 10, 2010 by tanya brown

The nation’s corn and soybean crops are ahead of last year’s averages and more than 60 percent of both crops are in good to excellent condition, according to the USDA Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin. Based on the report, which … Continue reading →

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No Space, No Problem: Butterfly People’s Garden Sprouts Wings in West Virginia

Posted on August 10, 2010 by tanya brown

A lack of space for a traditional vegetable garden didn’t stop the Farm Service Agency in Sabraton, W.Va from creating a People’s Garden. Instead of tomatoes, squash and string beans, a group of volunteers planted a butterfly/pollinator garden. Pollinators are … Continue reading →

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Recovery Act Launches a Shooting Star

Posted on August 9, 2010 by tanya brown

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) made many significant investments in small private enterprise in rural America. Shooting Star is a farm in Northern California where that investment is paying dividends. Funds from ARRA, better known as … Continue reading →

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Baby Boomers Retiring to Farm Life

Posted on August 6, 2010 by tanya brown

A new generation of farmers is sprouting up and starting a trend that’s having a national impact. Baby boomers are leaving their desk jobs, heading into retirement and becoming farmers to help supplement their income. Many sell their crops at … Continue reading →

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Youth Borrower Wins at California State Fair

Posted on August 5, 2010 by tanya brown

Nicole Reis of Gridley, Calif., is an FSA Youth Loan borrower who made good use of her money. Nicole’s heifer won the Reserve Champion Female of the Junior All Other Breeds Show during this year’s California State Fair competition. Nicole, along … Continue reading →

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Dairy Family’s TV Debut Showcases Local Farmers, Not Big Corporations

Posted on August 5, 2010 by tanya brown

Cheryl DeHann keeps KING5 well-fed and happy during the morning show. Photos by Kathy Modin, program tech, FSA Washington State A two-week old calf tugged at the heartstrings of “New Day Northwest” viewers, showcasing the local face of Washington’s dairy … Continue reading →

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FSA Youth Loan Program Builds Boy from Teen to Young Adult Cattle Operator

Posted on August 4, 2010 by tanya brown

At age 26, Ray Robroker is a veteran in his industry. At age 16 — with some encouragement from his father — Robroker turned to the Farm Service Agency’s Youth Loan Program to help him obtain his first herd of … Continue reading →

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Maine FSA Donates 40 Pounds of People’s Garden Veggies to Local Food Pantry

Posted on August 3, 2010 by tanya brown

Nearly 40 pounds of produce from the People’s Garden at the Maine Farm Service Agency state office have been donated to a food pantry in Bangor, Maine. This is the third donation the state office has made to the Manna … Continue reading →

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