Couple Grows Next Generation of Farmers

Posted on May 1, 2013 by tanya brown

Alex and Betsy Hitts have done more than just farm for the past 32 years. They have mentored and trained the next generation of farmers. What’s notable is that they have had more trainees transition to operating their own farm than any other program developed to do the same. Their secret? They have no secrets. Recipients of a regional USDA award, the couple divulges all of their farming methods and business skills. They also pay an hourly wage to young people looking to gain farm experience and offer benefits that other programs don’t offer like a week’s paid vacation and payment for educational courses and conferences. Read more (News & Observer).

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Virginia State Office Shares Day with Youth

Posted on May 1, 2013 by tanya brown

Five children learned about various positions at FSA during Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day. Pictured(l to r): Nick Trzeciak, Mathew Garman, State Executive Director J. Calvin Parrish, Kristen Trzeciak, KC Baker, and Katie Trzeciak.

By Linda Cronin Virginia FSA Public Affairs/Outreach Specialist

“It takes a village to raise a child” rang true last Thursday at the Virginia State Farm Service Agency (FSA) Office during the annual Take our Sons and Daughters to Work Day.

The theme “Work in Progress” provided an opportunity for five children of FSA employees to explore career-based options and learn about what their parents do at work.  Staff members provided an opportunity to explore several field choices that included state director, appraiser, loan officer, GIS specialist, public relations specialist and secretary.  Continue reading →

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Commodity Credit Corporation Releases Lending Rates for May

Posted on May 1, 2013 by tanya brown

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

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Group Helps Farmers Meet, Greet and Date

Posted on April 30, 2013 by tanya brown

For some farmers, meeting people has become a challenge — especially for singles. As the average age of producers increases and the younger generation moves into the cities, small towns begin to erode, creating a diminishing population and even smaller dating pool. Yet, there is one group that has grown with the times. Singles in Agriculture is a way for singles in rural parts of the Midwest and West to get together and share experiences. It allows people to meet and socialize with only a few rules — no cussing, drinking or smoking. The group once boasted 1,600 memberships but that has dwindled to a several hundred that make up chapters in 16 states. Read more (Associated Press).

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Number of Women Farm Operators Triple Over Past 30 Years

Posted on April 30, 2013 by tanya brown

The number of women operating farms has nearly tripled over the past three decades, growing from 5 percent in 1978 to 14 percent in 2007, according to a report by the USDA Economic Research Service. By using data from the Census of Agriculture and the Agricultural Resource Management Survey, researchers showed that there were 306,200 women-operated farms in 2007 compared to 121,600 in 1982. In contrast, the number of male-operated farms during that time dropped by 220,800. Most female-operated farms are small and have sales of under $10,000, with 21 percent of those farms specializing in poultry, specialty crops, grains and dairy. View the entire report or read the summary.

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Senator Wants to Provide More for Young Farmers

Posted on April 25, 2013 by tanya brown

One representative is hoping to make it easier for young people to get started in farming. Rep. Chris Gibson wants to include the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act in the next farm bill. The act would give $55 million a year for grants, training and loans for land purchase and farm startups. If the act is included it will “put funding back into farmer training and make USDA programs more accessible to the next generation of independent farmers,” said Lindsey Lusher Shute, executive director of the National Young Farmers’ Coalition. Read more (Register-Star).

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Vermont Man Builds Floating Farmers Market

Posted on April 25, 2013 by tanya brown

WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

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Leaders Mentor FSA Employees in a Flash

Posted on April 23, 2013 by tanya brown

Jose Gonzalez, director of Commodity Operations Division was one of five FSA leaders who mentored during a flash mentoring event sponsored by Human Resources.

The Farm Service Agency’s Human Resources Division hosted its first flash mentoring session last week to provide employees an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience from leaders in the agency. “This benefits employees by introducing them to leaders within the organization who can offer a different perspective, provide information and give resolutions to employees who have certain areas of concern,” said Shirene Warner, HRD program manager who organized the event. The 27 employees in attendance discussed customer service, career development, balancing worklife and other topics with mentors  Mark Rucker, deputy administrator for Management; Latrice Hill, acting deputy director for Outreach; Robert Haughton, acting director of Emergency Preparedness Division; Joy Harwood, director of Economic Policy Analysis Staff  and Jose Gonzalez, director of Commodity Operations Division. Warner said additional mentoring events will be offered throughout the year.

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Judy Olson: The Future of Women in Agriculture is Bright

Posted on April 23, 2013 by tanya brown

By Trista Crossley, Wheat Life Magazine

Judy Olson has a point to make: women have a really bright future in agriculture.

“There are lots of opportunities (in agriculture), and it’s a great place to follow your dream,” she said. “It’s hard work, and you shouldn’t expect it to happen all at once, but there are abundant opportunities.”

And Olson should know. She was the first (and to date the only) female president of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG). She was also one of the only female presidents of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG). For 12 years, she was the Eastern Washington director for Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and since 2009, she’s been the Washington state executive director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). Continue reading →

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MN FSA Recognized for Supporting Women in Ag

Posted on April 22, 2013 by tanya brown

The Minnesota Farm Service Agency was awarded this month for their continued support of the Women’s Agriculture Leadership Conference. The conference, which celebrated its 15th anniversary, highlights the achievements of women in agriculture and enhances and supports the role women play in agriculture. FSA has sponsored the conference for the past three years and taught information sessions to inform women producers about FSA programs.

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