Producers can apply now through August 28, 2020, for direct assistance though the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

Online Tools and Call Center Available to Assist Producers

By: Richard Fordyce, Farm Service Agency Administrator

You can now apply for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which provides direct payments to farmers and ranchers to offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. Applications will be accepted through August 28, 2020.

We now have the application form and a payment calculator available on farmers.gov/cfap. And we have a call center (877-508-8364) set up to help you with your questions. Continue reading →

Johnny is continuing what his ancestor started more than 200 years ago.

By Chris Groskreutz, NRCS, Michelle Stone and Buford Sanders, Georgia Forestry Commission 

Meet Johnny Bembry of Pulaski County, Georgia. The Bembry family has made a living on their farm for over 200 years, adapting and evolving how they manage the land as needed. Diverse ventures in row crops, cattle and timber has led to an array of benefits, including profitable lands, cleaner water downstream and top-notch wildlife habitat. Continue reading →

The Kinmans have a diverse livestock operation in Gasconade County, Missouri.

By Jessica Claypole, FSA

Meet Eric and Amy Kinman, owners of Meadowlark Farm, a regenerative farming operation located in rural Gasconade County, Missouri. Rooted on eight acres, Meadowlark Farm began with just six head of heritage breed feeder pigs in 2013. Today, six head of hogs are shipped to the processor every two weeks.  

Hog Wild

“The pigs were my idea, although growing up, my family raised cows, sheep, and goats – no hogs,” Amy said. “My husband had experience raising hogs with his extended family, so I relied on him to learn the ropes of raising pigs.”

The current operation consists of Red Wattle and Large Black heritage hog breeds, which are rare but intentionally chosen by the Kinmans to fulfill their goal of carrying on diversified farming practices and producing superior meats. In addition to hogs, the Kinmans have incorporated Angus, South Poll, and Pinzgauer cattle breeds into their operation. Continue reading →

Bill Cooper, a cattle farmer from Wythe County, Virginia.

By: Aaron Blackburn and Hanna Collins, FSA

Bill Cooper, is a cattle farmer from Wythe County, Virginia, where he raises Angus cattle on the same land that his family has operated since 1941. Bill lives on the farm with his son, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Improving the Farm

On the route traveling south from Wytheville, there is an abundance of cattle operations as far as the eye can see. One of these farms belongs Bill, which can be easily identified by the tree tubes that lead to his farm entrance.

Bill turned eight acres of his farm into buffer areas with the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency. CREP is part of the Conservation Reserve Program, a voluntary program that provides yearly rental payments to farmers who agree to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Continue reading →

USDA programs have helped Chris improve environmental health on his land.

By: Anna Kearney, FSA

Christopher Sumpter Jr. is a fourth-generation farmer from Borden, South Carolina, where he raises Hereford and Black Angus cattle. Chris is continuing his family’s legacy, running a cow-calf operation and working daily in the pastures.

Preserving Natural Resources

Chris participates in programs from USDA’s Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service. With the help of the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, Chris was able to install fencing, pipeline, water wells and troughs to help his livestock operation. Continue reading →

Phil and Dawn Keppler raise registered and commercial Hereford beef cattle on their farm, as well as corn and hay.

By Lynnette Wright, FSA

Phil and Dawn Keppler of SK Herefords in Medina, New York, raise registered and commercial Hereford beef cattle on their farm, as well as corn and hay. Located about halfway between Rochester and Buffalo, their location provides a great opportunity to direct market their beef at farmers markets. Continue reading →

Tommy Turner Jr. had many opportunities after college, but the dream of farming kept drawing him.

By Danny Hoots, FSA

Tommy Turner Jr., is a new farmer who operates near Eudora, Arkansas. Many doors of opportunity opened for Tommy when he graduated college, but it was the dream of farming that called him back home.

Where the Story Begins

Growing up in southeast Arkansas, agriculture has always been a part of Tommy’s life. His father worked for a local farmer and Tommy attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello, majoring in agribusiness. As a student, Tommy worked for the university as an assistant plant pathologist, gaining valuable knowledge and experience.

After graduation, he had many job opportunities and offers, but the dream of farming kept drawing him.

“It was something that I just loved to do,” Tommy said. “I told myself my senior year of college if I love what I do, I’ll never work a day of my life.” Continue reading →