Today, Orion has 350 taps from which he collects 1,500 gallons of sap. The collected sap is filtered three times, netting 30 gallons of syrup.

By Dawn Pindell, Connecticut FSA Outreach Specialist and Dana Rogge, FSA Public Affairs Specialist

In 2013, on a drive to the local farm supply store, 16 year old Orion Newall-Vuillemot’s mother posed a question to him – “Why don’t we boil our own syrup?” That sparked his interest and inspired the creation of Sap Happens Farm.

The Woodstock, Connecticut, youth started with five buckets, collecting sap and processing it on his parent’s kitchen stove. When looking to expand his business, Newall-Vuillemot learned about USDA Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Youth Loan Program. FSA Youth Loans provide young people, ages 10 to 20, financing to start and expand income-producing projects. Newall-Vuillemot received a $5,000 loan to purchase a maple syrup evaporator to help increase production. Continue reading →

Products from Heartland Meats are sold at Illinois farmers markets located in Evanston, Oak Park, Mount Prospect and Chicago.

USDA Celebrates National Farmers Market Week

By Lauren Moore, FSA Public Affairs Specialist

John and Pat Sondgeroth, owners and operators of Heartland Meats in Mendota, Illinois, have been selling their meat products at farmers markets in the Chicago area for 17 years.

This week, USDA is joining farmers, like the Sondgeroths, 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 →

The Morenos sell their organic vegetables at a local farmers market in the Puyallup Valley in Washington State to connect to their community.

USDA Celebrates National Farmers Market Week

 By Cassie Bable, FSA Public Affairs Specialist

Four Elements Farm in the Puyallup Valley in Washington State is a vendor at the Orting Valley Farmers Market every Friday in June, July and August.

Amy Moreno-Sills and Agustin Moreno started Four Elements Farm in 2014 after working for other farms, gaining valuable experience in the field. The couple met while working on a 200-acre organic farm in the Snoqualmie Valley. Amy, Agustin and their children, nine-year-old Gabriela and five-year-old Hector, grow 50 different varieties of organic vegetables on 16 acres. Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →