28-Year-Old Farmer Makes a Living off of Unwanted Farmland

Posted on September 9, 2013 by tanya brown

John Shepherd is sort of a legend in Blackstone, Va. He is sought out for his expertise restoring poorly managed, eroded farmland and making it fertile and usable. He’s done it so many times that at age 28, he has used an FSA loans to purchase several acres of unwanted land and turn it into high yielding, high quality grain crops. “Virtually all of the land I farm is land that nobody else wanted. I haven’t taken any land from anybody who was taking care of the land and trying to make a living on it,” said Shepherd. In just six years, the young farmer has made a name for himself and won several awards. Read more (Southeast Farm Press).

Posted in Features | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on 28-Year-Old Farmer Makes a Living off of Unwanted Farmland

Organic Standards Board to Meet in October; Invites Public Comments

Posted on September 9, 2013 by tanya brown

The National Organic Standards Board is scheduled to meet Oct. 22-24 and is accepting public comments on topics and proposals on the agenda. The meeting — to be held in Louisville, Ky. — will address several petitions regarding changes to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, along with other topics. Written comments must be submitted by Oct. 1. Learn more or submit a comment

Posted in News | Tagged | Comments Off on Organic Standards Board to Meet in October; Invites Public Comments

Experimental Gel Coating May Protect Homes from Wildfires

Posted on September 4, 2013 by tanya brown

A temporary gel coating could save thousands of homes from being destroyed by wildfires. Created by USDA scientists, the experimental gel is made of bentonite clay, corn starch and water, and offers better, more affordable protection than other fire-retardant gels. In burn tests, siding coated with the gel took longer to reach 392 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature at which wood-based siding may begin to burn or char. In other tests, the gel kept its moisture longer, which is important for fire retardants. Learn more.

Posted in News | Tagged | 2 Comments

Calling All Ag Supporters: Tell us What’s at Stake Without #MyFarmBill

Posted on September 4, 2013 by tanya brown

At USDA, we remain committed to sharing with all Americans the need for a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill to keep up momentum in American agriculture, grow the rural economy and create jobs.  And today, we launched Instagram, @USDAgov, to highlight photos and videos from around the country that bring into your home the dynamic beauty of rural America and the hard work of people who live there. But that’s not all – we want to hear from you! Read more. 

Posted in News | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Cotton Growers Stunted by Harsh Weather

Posted on September 3, 2013 by tanya brown

cotton nrcsTexas cotton growers have been hurt by the drought, hail and blowing sand that has damaged nearly 50 percent of the cotton crop. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Texas cotton growers are expecting to harvest 1.86 million acres, down from the 3.7 million planted in the spring. Texas leads the nation in cotton production with the South Plains region producing two-thirds of the state’s cotton. That region is expected to harvest 2.57 million bales of the state’s 4.1 million. Read more (Associated Press).

Posted in News | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Cotton Growers Stunted by Harsh Weather

Commodity Credit Corporation Releases Lending Rates for September

Posted on September 3, 2013 by tanya brown

The USDA Commodity Credit Corporation, which helps stabilize, support and protect farm income and prices, released interest rates for September 2013. The borrowing rate-based charge is 0.125, which is unchanged from August 2013, while the 1996 and subsequent crop year commodity and marketing assistance loans dispersed during September is 1.125, 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.

Posted in News | Tagged | Comments Off on Commodity Credit Corporation Releases Lending Rates for September

Agricultural Exports Expected to Reach Record-Breaking Numbers

Posted on September 3, 2013 by tanya brown

vilsackUSDA projects that Fiscal Year 2013 agricultural exports will reach $140 billion, which if realized would be a new record. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack commented on projected forecast:

“Driven by the productivity of U.S. farmers and ranchers, we have achieved five years of positive momentum for agricultural exports and today’s forecast is another promising development. Agricultural exports have a real impact on Main Street and beyond, supporting more than one million good jobs here at home. We’re counting on Congress to help keep up this momentum. With just a few weeks left before expiration of many Farm Bill programs – including trade promotion programs that return $35 in economic benefits for every dollar invested – producers and rural communities need passage of a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill as soon as possible. Continue reading →

Posted in News | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Agricultural Exports Expected to Reach Record-Breaking Numbers

From an Idaho Youth Loan to National Youth Leader

Posted on August 29, 2013 by tanya brown

Shane Kerner used an FSA Rural Youth Loan to purchase cattle, including her ‘best show’ heifer shown here. From that point, she built a thriving commercial herd.

By Candy Moore, Idaho Public Affairs/Outreach Coordinator

Shane Kerner applied for her first USDA Farm Service Agency Rural Youth Loan at age 14. Now, at age 20, she not only reached adulthood, but financial independence to grow what was once a 4-H project, into a thriving cattle operation.

“I never thought I would get as far as I am today with my cattle,” said Shane. “It is truly a privilege to have the opportunity to start at a young age and see the growth of your animals from seed stock to a small commercial herd, right outside your door.” Continue reading →

Posted in Features | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on From an Idaho Youth Loan to National Youth Leader

Lack of Immigration Reform Pushes Producers to Streamline Operations

Posted on August 29, 2013 by tanya brown

Farmers are reporting revenue loses while waiting on immigration reform. Access to a skilled, reliable workforce is causing many producers to struggle. New Mexico farmer Marianne Schweers said she tried to hire 30-35 workers to harvest her grapes, but after one month she only received 15 applications. That has caused her to hold back and streamline operations, which may cut into her bottom line. “I need to have workers,” said Schweers. “You can’t grow a business when you are just looking at those kinds of risks where you might not be able to harvest the crop.” Listen to more.

Posted in Features | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Employees Farm While Working in the Office

Posted on August 29, 2013 by tanya brown

An office building in Tokyo has taken “going green” to a new level. The 250,000-square-foot building has 43,000 square feet of vegetables, rice and fruit woven throughout the work space. Lemon and passion fruit trees are used as partitions while tomato vines are suspended above conference tables. Bean sprouts are grown under benches while the main lobby has a rice paddy and broccoli field. Some vegetables are grown on the rooftop. The food is harvested and used in the company’s café. Read more (Fast Coexist, Fast Company).

Posted in News | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Employees Farm While Working in the Office