Category Archives: Regional Posts
An Investment in Efficiency
By Lindsey New, Farm Service Agency Grain producers Russell and Lora Mullins, of Beelick Farms in Eubank, Kentucky, have been in the business over 30 years. “These days, on top of tough prices and unpredictable weather, we’re up against the … Continue reading
Veteran Returns to Farming Roots
Story & Photo Credit: Heather Emmons, USDA Bill Renfroe is an Air Force veteran in Lovelock, Nevada, who can now add “beginning farmer” to his resume. While Bill had initially dreamt of retiring somewhere green, that vision enfolded into fields … Continue reading
Working to Conserve the Land and Serve Local Producers
By Anthony Landrum, FSA Barbara Jean Hunter grew up on her father’s farm in Appomattox County, Virginia, and took over the farm as an adult. Passionate about conservation, she worked with USDA to transition her farm to protect the land. … Continue reading
Transitions and Traditions on a Century-Old Farm
By Lauren Moore, USDA David and Gail Hodge are the owners and operators of Hodge Farms in Newberry, Florida. Established in 1919, the operation has transitioned with the ever-changing agricultural environment over the last 100 years. A Family Farm Originally … Continue reading
Dealing with Drought in Paradise
By Patrick Lewis, FSA Ranching is a tradition in Daryl Kalua’u’s family. His father and grandfather both worked as herdsmen for one of the largest ranches on Hawaii’s Big Island. Originally not wanting to follow their footsteps, Daryl moved his … Continue reading
Resiliency through Research and Regeneration
By Heather Emmons, USDA Justin Knopf, of Knopf Farms near Gypsum, Kansas, is a fifth-generation farmer and a partner in a diversified operation that grows wheat, alfalfa, corn, soybeans, and sorghum. Resiliency on the Rise Justin started farming with his … Continue reading
Rehabilitating the Ranch
By: Allison Vierps, Farm Service Agency Jason Berlowitz is a cattle rancher from Cushing, Oklahoma. Surrounded by the Cimarron River, his 1,800-acre operation was severely impacted by record-breaking floods in the spring of 2019. Record-Breaking Floods No one could have … Continue reading
Ranching Royalty
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
From the Ground Up
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
Illinois Farm is a Rest Stop for Migrating Monarchs
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