Category Archives: News

Farm Service Agency Redefines “Actively Engaged” for Payment Programs

Posted on January 6, 2010 by tanya brown

Amended rules to the Farm Service Agency payment programs have modified the term “actively engaged” to assist smaller, family-run operations. In a radio interview, FSA Administrator Jonathan Coppess said he heard from producers that current regulations don't work and create negative outcomes … Continue reading →

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St. Louis to Hold Tri-State Roundtable on Rural Jobs, Economic Growth

Posted on January 5, 2010 by tanya brown

St. Louis will host a tri-state roundtable discussion sponsored by USDA that will give residents and business owners in Missouri, Iowa and Illinois an opportunity to discuss how to accelerate job growth in rural America. The forum will be held … Continue reading →

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USDA Commodity Credit Corporation Releases Lending Rates for January 2010

Posted on January 5, 2010 by tanya brown

The USDA Commodity Credit Corporation, which helps stabilize, support and protect farm income and prices, released interest rates for January 2010. The borrowing rate-based charge is 0.375 percent, unchanged from December 2009, while the 1996 and subsequent crop year commodity … Continue reading →

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Roundtable Discussions on Jobs, Economic Growth Heads to Nebraska

Posted on January 4, 2010 by tanya brown

A series of roundtable discussions sponsored by USDA will make their way to Nebraska this week to generate ideas on how to create jobs and economic opportunities. The forums, which will be held by videoconference in eight locations throughout the … Continue reading →

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USDA Partners With IRS to Reduce Farm Program Fraud

Posted on January 4, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA has partnered with the Internal Revenue Service to reduce fraud in farm programs and streamline payment limits for family farmers. The two agencies finalized a memorandum of understanding last week that will establish an electronic information exchange process to … Continue reading →

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SURE Program Sign Up Starts Today

Posted on January 4, 2010 by tanya brown

Today is the first day that agricultural producers who suffered losses due to natural disasters during the 2008 crop year can sign up for the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments program. The SURE program provides financial assistance to farmers who experienced crop … Continue reading →

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Upcoming Hawaii Roundtables to Help Build 21st Century Jobs

Posted on December 31, 2009 by tanya brown

Roundtable discussions hosted by USDA to stimulate ideas for promoting local and small business growth as well as creating jobs and rebuilding infrastructure will take place in Hawaii this week. The forums, which will be held Jan. 5-7, will focus … Continue reading →

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UCONN Awarded Grant to Study Dairy Farm Sustainability

Posted on December 31, 2009 by tanya brown

USDA awarded more than $400,000 to the University of Connecticut to study the economic and environmental sustainability of small and medium-sized dairy farms in New England. The grant, announced by Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), was awarded by the Agriculture and … Continue reading →

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USDA Issues Joint Statement on Taiwan’s Proposed Ban on U.S. Beef

Posted on December 31, 2009 by tanya brown

USDA along with the United States Trade Representative released a statement yesterday in response to Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan’s proposed ban on U.S. beef and beef products. According to the statement, Demetrios Marantis, deputy United States trade representative and Jim Miller, … Continue reading →

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Producer Sign-Up for SURE Program Begins Jan. 4

Posted on December 30, 2009 by tanya brown

Starting Jan. 4, agricultural producers who suffered losses due to natural disasters during the 2008 crop year can sign up for the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments program. The SURE program provides financial assistance to farmers who experienced crop reduction or quality … Continue reading →

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