California Beginning Farmer Became a Farmer to Make an Impact in the Food System

Posted on August 10, 2017 by cassiebable

Gaby Schmidt, left, purchases a bunch of Easter Egg radishes from Meredith Bell of Autonomy Farms at The Marketplace Farmers Market. 

USDA Celebrates National Farmers Market Week

By Lauren Moore, FSA Public Affairs Specialist

Beginning farmer, Meredith Bell, owner and operator of Autonomy Farms, sells meats and produce at 13 farmers markets year round in Los Angeles and her home of Bakersfield, California.

This week, USDA is joining farmers, like Bell, in celebrating National Farmers Market Week. Farmers markets give consumers access to locally grown and farm-fresh products, while giving farmers the platform to grow and connect with their customer base. Continue reading →

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USDA Celebrates National Farmers Market Week: Marine Veteran Serves through Agriculture

Posted on August 9, 2017 by cassiebable

Garfield Jarret’s products can be found at multiple farmers markets, hotels and restaurants in the Miami area.

By Lauren Moore, FSA Public Affairs Specialist

Garfield Jarret served in the Marine Corps until he was injured in Iraq during a roadside attack. When he returned to the United States, he attended Florida International University (FIU) to receive his undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work.

As an FIU student, he learned about the FIU Veterans and Small Farmers Outreach Program (VeSFO). The intent of this program, funded by USDA, is to provide veterans, socially disadvantaged and new farmers in South Florida with necessary technical information, farm entrepreneurial skills and access to government assistance programs they need to start and sustain viable farm operations.

Continue reading →

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A Microloan Helps West Virginia Cattle Producer with a New Tractor and New Way of Life

Posted on August 3, 2017 by cassiebable

Tammy considered closing the family business after multiple tractor breakdowns. She heard about the USDA Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Microloan program and was able to purchase a new tractor with a loader and round bailer.

By Lauren Moore and Dana Rogge, FSA Public Affairs Specialists

In the 1960s, the White brothers, James and Dallas, began a partnership known today as White Farms in Barbour County, West Virginia. After the deaths of both brothers, the legacy of their cow/calf operation has been carried on by James’ wife, Joyce, and his children, James Jr. and Tammy.

Since 2014, Tammy has taken over the daily operation of the farm. Continue reading →

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Summer: The Perfect Time for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, Veterans and Others to Look into Microloans

Posted on July 26, 2017 by cassiebable

After purchasing goats, Meg Wittenmyer used a USDA Microloan to start and operate a farmstead creamery.

Submitted by Chris Beyerhelm, Acting Administrator, Farm Service Agency

As someone who grew up in rural Iowa, I know about the importance of working capital to prospective new farmers and ranchers. Now, for qualified applicants, that capital is available. Individuals with a dream to farm have acted by the thousands to take advantage of a USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) program that provides “Microloans.”  You may be able to do it, too. Continue reading →

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Lessons Learned in France Inspire Rhode Island Farmer

Posted on July 18, 2017 by cassiebable

Dedora has been able to grow a variety of herbs, flowers and vegetables over the years and continues to expand, now with over 75 different crop varieties.

By Leila Naylor, Rhode Island FSA Administrative Specialist

Christina Dedora, owner of Blue Skys Farm, grew up in Smithfield, Rhode Island, and moved to France in 1993. During her time there, she worked on a farm, learning about organic agriculture and how wonderful farm-fresh produce tastes.  She knew she wanted to make a career of growing a variety of flowers, herbs and vegetables when she returned to America.

“People in America find it difficult to make the time to cook for themselves and make healthy choices,” she said. “Americans more often than not tend to eat by themselves and often look for fast and more convenient food options, while people in France continue to follow their tradition by eating three meals a day, taking their time eating while with family and friends.” Continue reading →

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Lead Your FSA – West Virginia Farmer Wants to Ensure Producers are Treated Fairly

Posted on June 28, 2017 by cassiebable

Oxley lives in Hurricane and raises beef cattle and grows hay and corn. He was raised on the farm that’s been in his family for 150 years.

Paul Oxley is serving the second year of his second term on the Putnam County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee in West Virginia. A fellow farmer nominated Oxley to serve on the committee.

County committee members are elected by their peers and are a direct link between the agricultural community and USDA. Committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA. They help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level. Farmers who serve on committees help decide the kind of programs their counties will offer and work to make FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers. Continue reading →

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Lead Your FSA – Washington Committee Member is a Voice for Local Farmers

Posted on June 28, 2017 by cassiebable

In addition to the orchards, Wyss is involved in operating Gebbers Farms, an apple business that spans five generations and is over 100 years old.

Melanie Wyss and her brothers, Jason and Brandon, farm nearly 100 acres of cherry, apple and pear orchards in the Okanogan Valley in Washington state. The produce is sold in stores across the nation like Costco, Walmart and Safeway.

Wyss decided to serve on the Okanogan County Committee after her uncle and brothers encouraged her to serve. She is a little over a year into her first term and is the vice chair.

“I see the county committee as advocates and a voice for the farmers,” Wyss said. “I think that it’s important that the producers are heard and we are there to support them.” Continue reading →

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Lead Your FSA – Texas Committee Member Returns the Favor by Helping Beginning Farmers

Posted on June 28, 2017 by cassiebable

Lujan and her husband, Manuel, grow wheat and grain sorghum, and are working on expanding their livestock herd.

Lorena Lujan has served on the Reeves/Loving/Ward/Winkler County Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee since 2013. Prior to becoming an elected member, she served as the advisor from 2008 through 2012.

Lujan decided to serve on the FSA county committee to help other producers. When the Lujans bought their first plot of land to farm, an FSA county committee member at the time directed them to their local FSA office to enroll in farm programs by setting up a farm number and reporting their acres.

Lujan is returning that favor now by helping the farmers and ranchers in her county get the assistance and information they need. Continue reading →

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Lead Your FSA – Tennessee Committee Member Serves to Keep Producers Informed

Posted on June 28, 2017 by cassiebable

Dawson and her husband Phil run 250 head of Angus and mixed-breed cattle on 1,200 acres of pasture and grow corn, soybeans and winter wheat on 800 acres.

Beth Lee Dawson has served on the Dickson County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee in Tennessee for two years. Dawson and her husband, Phil, grow corn, soybeans and winter wheat on 800 acres. They also run 250 head of Angus and mixed-breed cattle on 1,200 acres of pasture.

Dawson works full-time off the farm as an accountant for several small companies and Phil farms full-time. Dawson’s background in accounting means that she handles the books for the farming operation and conducts all of the business at the Dickson County FSA Office.

“My husband is not a paperwork person,” Dawson said. “I always fill out the paperwork every year to report crops, revenue and sign up for programs. I know the employees in the office and how it all works.” Continue reading →

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Lead Your FSA – South Carolina Farmer Wants Underserved Producers to get Involved with FSA

Posted on June 28, 2017 by cassiebable

Mack operates a 20-acre farm that has been in his family for more than 100 years. He grows heirloom variety crops including blueberries, apples and cherries and raises Boer goats.

Walter Mack in St. Helena Island, South Carolina, is serving his second term on the Jasper/Beaufort County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee where he enjoys educating producers about USDA programs and assistance. Mack was first elected to serve on the FSA County Committee in 2012 and was re-elected by his peers in 2015.

Mack considers himself a small-scale farmer. He operates a 20-acre farm that has been in his family for more than 100 years. He grows heirloom variety crops including blueberries, apples and cherries and raises Boer goats. The goats are taken to market or bought directly from Mack and the produce is sold at farmers markets and to a local vendor. Continue reading →

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