The nomination period for local Farm Service Agency county committees is now open. Farmers and ranchers can nominate themselves or others as candidates to sit on the local county committee and help make important agricultural decisions. Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 1. Learn more.
The Newton County Farm Service Agency in Morocco, Ind., expanded its People’s Garden this year to include three plots that will be used to educate elementary school children and participants in the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program. One plot will educate third graders about planting, harvesting and cooking, while another plot will be managed by fourth graders as part of a Junior Master Gardener Program. The last plot will help WIC participants learn the nutritional benefits of various vegetables. The Purdue Cooperative Extension partnered with FSA to begin planting the gardens that are located at the Newton County Courthouse annex building and the Morocco Methodist Church. About 10 companies and individuals donated supplies, including a rain barrel. Proceeds from the garden will benefit local food pantries.
Farmers and ranchers in Nebraska are scared, according to John Berge, executive director of the National Food and Agriculture Council. Flooding from the Missouri River has corn and soybean fields under nearly four feet of water and levees eroding due to water pressure. (USDA Radio Newsline).
The Farm Service Agency will begin accepting nominations for local county committees beginning Wednesday, June 15. The nomination period — which runs through Aug. 1 — allows farmers and ranchers to nominate themselves or others as candidates to sit on the local county committee and help make important agricultural decisions.
“County committees are an important link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and give landowners, farmers and ranchers a better chance of having their opinions and ideas heard. If county committees are to reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, minority and women farmers must take time to get involved by nominating themselves or a candidate they feel will represent their interests,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
The Farm Service Agency is expanding its efforts to encourage owners of privately held farm, ranch and forest land in eight additional states to voluntarily open the land for public recreational use.
The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) is a grant program open to state and tribal governments that provides a financial incentive to encourage landowners to open their land to the public for wildlife-dependent recreation such as fishing or hunting.
USDA took another step toward improving the environment by enrolling more than 2.8 million acres during the Conservation Reserve Program’s 41st sign-up period.
This is the second consecutive year that USDA has offered a general sign-up, and with more than 38,000 offers received, the agency is close to the 32 million acre cap set for the program.
“Interest in this sign-up was high and despite the high commodity prices, I’m pleased that producers and landowners continue to voluntarily protect their most environmentally sensitive lands,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Andrew Erickson of Funk, Neb., began his farming career as a freshman in high school. With the use of a Farm Service Agency Youth Operating Loan, he was able to grow and expand his vegetable garden into six greenhouses on 14-acres of land where he grows tomatoes, cabbage, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, watermelon and cantaloupe. He sells his fruits and vegetables at the local farmers market and has all the business he can handle. Read more (Nebraska Rural Living).
The USDA Farm Service Agency in California is meeting the needs of minority farmers. Last year 39.7 percent of approved loans were made to minority of socially disadvantaged applicants and the agency continues to reach out for more participation. “In loans, programs and services, everything we do is available for all applicants,” said Val Dolcini, state executive director. “But for traditionally underrepresented population groups, FSA continues to focus on increased participation in all offices.” Read more (Western Farm Press).
About $7 million is available to eligible farmers, ranchers and private non-industrial forest landowners in 11 states to help implement conservation practices. The Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative helps producers initiate practices that will create clean water and air, reduce soil erosion and attract wildlife. Individual farmers, ranchers and private landowners in approved project areas can apply through their local NRCS office. Learn more.
Wasps may be the answer to eradicating the emerald ash borer. Scientists are experimenting with the insects in several states based on results from China that showed three tiny species of wasps killed the borer. The wasps will be released in Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan and Ohio. Last year the insects were released in Minnesota, West Virginia and Kentucky. Officials said it is too early to evaluate data to determine if the wasps have been successful. Read more (USA Today).
