A Tennessee Talker…

Posted on October 24, 2012 by tanya brown

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is hosted by George and Vickie Anderson at their cattle ranch near Cedar Hill in Robertson County, Tenn. They are joined by the Andersons’ grandson, Austin, president of the local high school FFA chapter.

By Murray Dale Watts and Kent Politsch, FSA Public Affairs

Farmers and ranchers have plenty on their minds following a rollercoaster year that included historic levels of drought, extraordinary grain prices and an iffy harvest season without a Farm Bill to provide safety net protection.  Some farmers and ranchers in Tennessee recently expressed their thoughts to an attentive and important listener.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack heard an extended list of concerns when he sat at a table in the garage of Robertson County, Tenn., cattle rancher George Anderson with neighbors and regional landowners joining them Friday, Oct. 19.  Topics ranged from concerns about cattle operations, tobacco, grain production, dairy issues, revised government regulations, and included a call for an easy-to-follow immigration process for agricultural workers. Continue reading →

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USDA Researchers Look to Extend Strawberry Growing Season

Posted on October 24, 2012 by tanya brown

Researchers are finding new ways to extend the growing season for strawberries in the Mid-Atlantic area. By using low tunnels — a canopy-like structure made of plastic over support hoops — agricultural scientists are able to start the strawberry season early and stretch it through the summer and fall seasons. The low tunnels protect the fruit from rain, which minimizes diseases known to attack the fruit. The tunnels also provide shade from damaging infrared and UV light and capture warmth during the cooler spring and fall seasons. Read more.

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USDA Encourages Local Food Production

Posted on October 24, 2012 by tanya brown

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Drought Assistance Improves 1 Million Acres of U.S. Farmland

Posted on October 24, 2012 by tanya brown

More than 1 million acres of farmland across the United States has rebounded from drought as nearly 2,000 producers took advantage of conservation funding by the USDA Natural Conservation Service. “This tremendous response reflects the severity of this year’s drought conditions, “said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The level of producer participation is also a testament to the hard work of USDA and other federal agencies to help farmers and ranchers weather one of the worst droughts in decades.” Producers in 22 states affected by the drought implemented conservation practices such as nutrient management, prescribed grazing and conservation tillage to build healthier soil that leads to better harvests and cleaner water and air. Learn more.

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Voting for County Committee Elections Starts in 2 Weeks

Posted on October 22, 2012 by tanya brown

Only two weeks left before the start of the 2012 Farm Service Agency County Committee elections. Voting opens Nov. 5 with the mailing of ballots to eligible voters. All eligible voters have until Dec. 3 to complete the ballot and return by mail or in person to a local USDA Service Center. County committee members provide a link between the agricultural community and USDA by helping to deliver FSA programs at the local level. Newly elected members and alternates will take office Jan. 1, 2013. Read more.

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SURE Program Sign-Up Opens Today

Posted on October 22, 2012 by tanya brown

Producers who suffered crop losses due to natural disasters during the 2011 crop year can sign up for the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) program beginning today, Oct. 22. The SURE program is authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, allowing payments to be made to qualifying producers who suffered losses through Sept. 30, 2011. Losses occurring after that date do not qualify. Farmers and ranchers interested in signing up must do so before the June 7, 2013 deadline. Learn more.

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Kansas FSA to Host Seminar on Livestock Feeding & Drought

Posted on October 18, 2012 by tanya brown

Kansas producers concerned about hay reserves after a historic drought and the cost to feed animals if a harsh winter hits this year, should plan to attend a “Drought Concerns: Water Issues and Livestock Feeding” meeting. The meeting — sponsored by the Anderson County Farm Service Agency and the Anderson County Extension — will be held Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. in the Anderson County Community Building at North Lake Park in Garnett, Kan. Topics include livestock winter feeding with consideration for high hay prices, limit-feeding forages, FSA Emergency Conservation Program and livestock water quality and quantity considerations. Register by Oct. 21 by calling (785) 448-6826 or emailing the county extension office.

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FSA Changes Way Producers Receive IRS Forms

Posted on October 17, 2012 by tanya brown

Beginning this year, producers whose total reportable payments from the Farm Service Agency are less than $600 will not receive IRS Form 1099-G. Previously, the forms were issued to show all program payments received from FSA, regardless of the amount. Producers who receive payments from more than one county will receive one 1099-G form if the total of all payments from all counties is $600 or more. The same changes apply to producers who normally receive IRS Form 1099-MISC.

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Reminder: Sign-Up Period for Disaster Assistance Program Opens Oct. 22

Posted on October 17, 2012 by tanya brown

Producers who suffered crop losses due to natural disasters during the 2011 crop year can sign up for the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) program beginning Monday, Oct. 22. The SURE program is authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, allowing payments to be made to qualifying producers who suffered losses through Sept. 30, 2011. Losses occurring after that date do not qualify. Farmers and ranchers interested in signing up must do so before the June 7, 2013 deadline. Learn more.

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USDA Uses Training, Accountability to Fight Discrimination

Posted on October 17, 2012 by tanya brown

USDA is transforming its image to address a legacy of discrimination by educating its workforce. In an interview with The Federal Drive, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the agency is training employees to be more sensitive to people of all races. “We can pay out hundreds of millions of dollars in claims…or we can make sure those resources are available to the programs that help people,” said Vilsack. Read more.

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