The 2009 actual and 2010 benchmark yields for Average Crop Revenue Election were released today by USDA for wheat, long grain rice, medium grain rice, oats and barley. The yields are used in calculating payments through ACRE, which provides producers an option to protect themselves against declines in market revenue. Review the press release.
The USDA Commodity Credit Corporation, which helps stabilize, support and protect farm income and prices, released interest rates for April. The borrowing rate-based charge is 0.375, unchanged from March, while the 1996 and subsequent crop year commodity and marketing assistance loans dispersed during April is 1.375 percent, also unchanged from last month. Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans and discount rates for the Tobacco Transition Payment Program also are available. Read more.
The 2010 county committee election calendar is now available on the Farm Service Agency Web site. The calendar outlines important dates and deadlines regarding the upcoming elections. County committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA and help deliver farm programs at the local level. Farmers who serve on committees help decide the types of programs their counties will offer and work to make FSA programs serve the needs of local producers. Download the calendar or learn more about the elections.
Maloney Farms opened their first store after having success at the local farmers market. Pictured are (l to r) Sheena Maloney holding Anna, Carolyn Maloney, Patrick Maloney and Kevin Maloney holding Charles.
I work at the FSA office in Delaware County, Iowa, and many of my friends are farmers. It was only recently that I seriously thought about USDA’s Know Your Farmer Know Your Food promotion. Last summer I became a big fan of our local farmer’s market. There, I found a huge selection of fruits, vegetables, honey, jellies, breads, soy candles and much more. I was very excited since I knew most of the vendors. One vendor, Pat and Carolyn Maloney, who I served with on the Delaware County Cattlemen’s Board, are marketing a variety of meat products at the farmer’s market.
U.S. Farmers expect to plant a record 78.1 acres of soybean this year, according to a report released today by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The acreage increase is one percent higher than last year, with major increases expected in Kansas, which is up 400,000 acres, and Iowa, which is up 300,000 acres. Increases of 100,000 or more acres also are expected in Illinois, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Learn more.
Farmers in Frederick County, Md., had the opportunity to meet with restaurateurs this week during the areas first ever Farm to Restaurant Expo. Organized by the county office of economic development, the event connected local producers with local restaurants as a way of promoting their businesses and supporting locally-grown foods. (Frederick News Post) Read more.
Janice Kroger slowly unfolded the colorful, red-trimmed quilt, her hands gliding over the 26 blocks, all designed and stitched by men and women who have Parkinson’s disease.
“It shows we still can do things,” said the 60-year-old Columbus resident and former employee of the Indiana Farm Service Agency. “And I hope it brings awareness of the disease and support to fund research.”
Loan guarantees are being provided through USDA to businesses in 24 states to help promote job creation and provide economic opportunities. According to an agency press release, funding for the loans is made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. “These loan guarantees will boost local economies and support job creation, making rural America more competitive for generations to come,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Review the press release.
The Michigan Farm Service Agency office that was destroyed by fire last Friday has temporarily relocated. The Presque Isle-Cheboygan county office, which was originally located in Onaway, Mich., resumed operation Tuesday morning at 2235 E. Mitchell Rd. in Petoskey. Producers serviced by this office can e-mail or call 231.947.2133 with any questions. E-mail the office or learn more.
A fire that damaged the USDA Farm Service Agency office in Onaway, Mich. last Friday is under investigation. According to officials, the fire started just before 7 p.m. in a middle wall section on the north end of the building. Much of the damage occurred in the Wildlife Division office, with smoke and water damage spreading throughout the entire building. No one was injured. FSA officials are currently looking to relocate the county office. Producers will be notified once the new site is determined. (Cheboygan Daily Tribune) Read more.
