Category Archives: Features

Ranching Royalty

Posted on September 27, 2019 by cassiebable

By Billie Hall, Farm Service Agency Shelbi Kay Rice wears many hats and most recently it’s a cowboy hat adorned with a crown. From Cattle to a Crown The 2018-2019 National High School Rodeo Association Queen was raised on a … Continue reading →

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From the Ground Up

Posted on September 20, 2019 by cassiebable

By: Herbert Brown, FSA John Shepherd, a farmer from Blackstone, Virginia, began grain farming during his last year of college. After graduating, he worked as a salesman by day and farmed at night, building his operation from the ground up. … Continue reading →

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Illinois Farm is a Rest Stop for Migrating Monarchs

Posted on September 6, 2019 by cassiebable

By: Dana Rogge, USDA A natural phenomenon descends on the Bleich’s Illinois farm each fall. Now through the end of September, Jason Bleich’s family farm will be invaded with thousands of monarch butterflies traveling south to their winter hideaway. “It’s … Continue reading →

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Growing a Farm with Great Taste

Posted on August 30, 2019 by cassiebable

By Heather Emmons, USDA Caleb and Janet Phillips, of Show-Me Kansas Farms in Cherryvale, Kansas, are part of a larger multi-generational family operation. For their part, they raise 275 cow/calf pairs and grow corn, soybeans, and wheat. Growing the Business … Continue reading →

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Paving the Way for the Future

Posted on August 23, 2019 by cassiebable

By Lacy Roberts, FSA The youth loan Micole Jorgenson received from USDA’s Farm Service Agency has allowed her to experience the ups and downs of ranching first hand and help her pave the way to one day becoming a veterinarian. … Continue reading →

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Passion for Plants Paves the Way

Posted on August 16, 2019 by cassiebable

By Jessica Claypole, FSA Liz Graznak is the owner and operator of Happy Hollow Farm in rural Moniteau County, Missouri. Her priorities are to run an organic, sustainable, and community-supported farm. This is just a way of life for Liz, … Continue reading →

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Savoring the Fruits of Labor

Posted on August 2, 2019 by cassiebable

By Molly Rose, USDA Brian and Laurie Olson are the owners and operators of Alaska Berries on the Alaskan Kenai Peninsula. Their desire to grow fruits and berries and create new products has fueled their passion to produce handcrafted Alaskan-made … Continue reading →

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County Committees – Making a Difference

Posted on July 26, 2019 by cassiebable

By Molly Rose, USDA The nomination period for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s annual county committee election runs through Aug. 1, 2019. Throughout the nomination period, we’ll introduce you to county committee members across the nation. This week meet Salvador … Continue reading →

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The Business of Bees

Posted on July 12, 2019 by cassiebable

By Gina Kerzman, USDA Kaylee and Jason Moody are beekeepers and owners of Moody Bees Honey in Madelia, Minnesota. These first-generation farmers have been in business for five years. Starting the Business Kaylee and Jason got started in the beekeeping … Continue reading →

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County Committees – Compassion for Fellow Producers

Posted on July 10, 2019 by cassiebable

By Gina Kerzman, USDA The nomination period for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s annual county committee election runs through Aug. 1, 2019. Throughout the nomination period, we’ll introduce you to county committee members across the nation. This week meet Lisa … Continue reading →

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