By Ellen Thompson | National Teach Ag

This year, when agricultural leaders from all across the nation converge on Washington D.C. for National Ag Day, a group of agricultural education students and teachers will have a very special mission.

Six current agricultural education majors and three mentor teachers will prepare and teach an agriscience lesson in a DC public school on National Ag Day,  Thursday, March 8. Their activity and the agricultural education profession will also be highlighted to legislators and industry representatives at the Ag Day luncheon on Thursday.

“This activity is important on so many levels,” said Ellen Thompson, National Teach Ag Campaign coordinator. “We’re giving urban students an opportunity to experience agriculture, pre‐service teachers an opportunity to work with experienced mentor teachers, and Washington decision‐makers the chance to see up close what agricultural education is all about.”

Read the full story here.

By USDA

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2012—Acting Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse announced today a package of technology enhancements from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) that include Web access for handheld and smartphone users, as well as a more efficient and timely option for receiving news and critical program information. The technology improvements will allow users of FSA information to gain access to easy-to-read data, including key features such as loan deficiency payment (LDP) rates, posted county prices (PCP), FSA news releases and AskFSA, the agency’s online self-help knowledge base.

Today’s announcement by FSA underscores USDA’s Blueprint for Stronger Service, a plan introduced in January by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack that takes a realistic view of the needs of American agriculture in a challenging budget climate, and lays out USDA’s plans to modernize and accelerate service delivery while improving the customer experience through use of innovative technologies and business solutions. Three of the 27 initial recommendations implemented by USDA focus on information technology, while other process improvements already put into place by FSA have strengthened the agency’s electronic customer service and online presence.

“As an increasing number of farmers and ranchers move to mobile devices and other high-tech tools, we need to keep pace by investing in the best possible customer service while making the best use of taxpayer resources,” Scuse said. “The mobile website is an added convenience for farmers and ranchers and an effective, efficient way for USDA to deliver news, program information and reliable guidance on a variety of agricultural issues. And investments in technology help USDA continue to make other, more significant investments in rural America, preserving the success of U.S. agriculture in the long term.”

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By USDA

CHICAGO, February 3, 2012 – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced that USDA has selected 298 recipients in 44 states and Puerto Rico to receive business development assistance through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. Merrigan made the announcement in Chicago after keynoting the “Local/Regional Food System Conference” hosted at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

“In his State of the Union address last week President Obama was clear that we need to do more to create jobs and promote economic growth. These projects will provide financial returns and help create jobs for agricultural producers, businesses and families across the country,” Merrigan said. “This funding will promote small business expansion and entrepreneurship opportunities by providing local businesses with access capital, technical assistance and new markets for products and services.”

For example, Living Water Farms, Inc. is a three-year-old family company that focuses on the production of hydroponic greens for specialty markets in the Midwest. Located in Strawn, two hours south of Chicago’s Loop, three generations of the Kilgus family are part of a group called Stewards of the Land which was organized to market produce from small farms. The hydroponic complex was developed to supply fresh produce year-round. The current market includes Illinois supermarkets, restaurants in Chicago and St. Louis and a Midwest college food service program. The grant will help them evaluate their brand and expand distribution to other restaurants, specialty retail and institutional outlets.

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By Ellen Boukari | USDA Florida Rural Development

Last week, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan visited Fifth Generation Farms fresh market in Lake City, Fla., a farm family owned market selling local meats and produce.  When Fifth Generation Farms market opened in August 2011, it was the realization of a dream not only for Delvey and Cindy Dicks, but for their entire family as well.  For five generations, the Dicks family has been involved in farming and ranching in the North Central Florida area.  The Dicks knew that if the family farm was to remain productive for future generations, they would have to offset rising production input costs and the loss of summer tobacco crops.

Delvey and Cindy Dicks were awarded a USDA Rural Development Value Added Producers Grant to help them create a branded product named “North Florida Natural Black Angus.” The beef is raised on natural grains and fed on the Dicks farm pastures with no added hormones, antibiotics or animal by-products.  It is slaughtered locally under USDA inspection and then made available for direct purchase at the Fifth Generation Farms fresh foods market in Lake City.

The development of “North Florida Natural Black Angus” and “Fifth Generation Farms” has already had a positive impact on the community with over 50 local businesses benefiting either directly or indirectly in the process.  Twelve new jobs have been created and educational events have been conducted with more than 100 adults and children participating.  While the storefront market opened only months ago, it is already promoting products from 25 local producers, and the list continues to grow.

Read the full story here.

By USDA

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2012 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is launching a pilot program to help rural borrowers refinance their mortgages to reduce their monthly payments. This initiative is part of the Administration’s ongoing efforts to help middle class families, create jobs, and strengthen the economy. The Single Family Housing Guaranteed Rural Refinance Pilot Program will operate in 19 states for homeowners who have loans that were made or guaranteed by USDA Rural Development. These states are among those hardest hit by the downturn in the housing market.

“Through initiatives like the one we are announcing today, the Obama Administration is taking aggressive steps to fight for middle class homeowners who have played by the rules and are trying to get ahead,” said Vilsack “This pilot program will help homeowners’ to take advantage of historically low interest rates, and by working closely with lenders, we are helping rural homeowners protect one of the most important investments they will ever make.”

USDA Rural Development estimates 235,000 homeowners will be eligible to refinance their loans, which is expected to save them considerable time and money. To be eligible under this pilot, borrowers must have made their mortgage payments on time for 12 consecutive months. They do not have to obtain new credit reports, property inspections or home appraisals. Refinanced loans must be at rates below the original interest rate. Terms cannot exceed 30 years. No cash out is permitted to the borrower.

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By USDA

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2012 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for February 2012. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for February 2012 is 0.125 percent, unchanged from 0.125 in January 2012. For 1996 and subsequent crop year commodity and marketing assistance loans, the interest rate for loans disbursed during February 2012 is 1.125 percent, unchanged from 1.125 in January 2012.

In accordance with the 2008 Farm Bill, interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for February 2012 are as follows, 1.375 percent with seven-year loan terms, unchanged from 1.375 in January 2012; 2.000 percent with 10-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.000 in January 2012 and; 2.250 percent with 12-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.250 percent in January 2012. The interest rate for Sugar Storage Facility Loans for January 2012 is 2.375 percent, unchanged from 2.375 in January 2012.

The maximum discount rate applicable for February 2012 for the Tobacco Transition Payment Program is 5 percent, unchanged from January 2012. This is based on the 3.250 percent prime rate plus 2 percent, rounded to the nearest whole number.

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By CMS Press Office

Medicare Advantage premiums have fallen by 7 percent on average and enrollment has risen by about 10 percent since this time last year, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today.

The enrollment numbers confirm projections from last September that enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans would continue to rise and average premiums would continue to fall.  Average premiums have fallen from $33.97 in 2011, to $31.54 in 2012, while enrollment has risen from 11.7 million in 2011 to 12.8 million in 2012.

“The Medicare Advantage program is stronger than ever,” said Secretary Sebelius.  “Premiums are down on average, enrollment is up, and thanks to the Affordable Care Act we have unprecedented new tools to ensure that seniors and people with disabilities are getting the best value out of their coverage.”

Read the full story here.

By Kent Politsch | USDA

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2012—Acting Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS) Michael Scuse announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct a four-week Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup, beginning on March 12 and ending on April 6. CRP has a 25-year legacy of successfully protecting the nation’s natural resources through voluntary participation, while providing significant economic and environmental benefits to rural communities across the United States.

“It is USDA’s goal to ensure that we use CRP to address our most critical resource issues,” said Scuse. “CRP is an important program for protecting our most environmentally sensitive lands from erosion and sedimentation, and for ensuring the sustainability of our groundwater, lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. As always, we expect strong competition to enroll acres into CRP, and we urge interested producers to maximize their environmental benefits and to make cost-effective offers.”

CRP is a voluntary program available to agricultural producers to help them use environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. Producers enrolled in CRP plant long-term, resource-conserving covers to improve the quality of water, control soil erosion and develop wildlife habitat. In return, USDA provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Contract duration is between 10 and 15 years. Producers with expiring contracts and producers with environmentally sensitive land are encouraged to evaluate their options under CRP. Producers also are encouraged to look into CRP’s other enrollment opportunities offered on a continuous, non-competitive, signup basis.

Read the full story here.

By USDA

WASHINGTON – Jan. 31, 2012 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that loans and grants will be provided to applicants in ten states to support businesses, improve the quality of medical care, and create or save hundreds of jobs. Funding is provided through USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. The announcement was made on the Secretary’s behalf by Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager during an meeting in Bladenboro, North Carolina.

“During his State of the Union address last week, President Obama laid out a blueprint for an economy that’s built to last – an economy built on American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values,” said Vilsack. “The funding announced today will help support the President’s vision by providing our rural communities with resources to support small businesses, improve public facilities, and create new, sustainable jobs.

In North Carolina, Four County Electric Membership Corporation in Burgaw, N.C., was selected to receive a grant to establish a revolving loan fund. Funds will provide financing for the Bladen Healthcare, LLC to purchase medical equipment for a new health clinic that will be located in Bladenboro. This project will create and retain 20 jobs.

Read the full story here.

New Standards Will Improve the Health and Wellbeing of 32 Million Kids Nationwide

FAIRFAX, Va., Jan. 25. 2012 – First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today unveiled new standards for school meals that will result in healthier meals for kids across the nation. The new meal requirements will raise standards for the first time in more than fifteen years and improve the health and nutrition of nearly 32 million kids that participate in school meal programs every school day. The healthier meal requirements are a key component of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which was championed by the First Lady as part of her Let’s Move! campaign and signed into law by President Obama.

“As parents, we try to prepare decent meals, limit how much junk food our kids eat, and ensure they have a reasonably balanced diet,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “And when we’re putting in all that effort the last thing we want is for our hard work to be undone each day in the school cafeteria. When we send our kids to school, we expect that they won’t be eating the kind of fatty, salty, sugary foods that we try to keep them from eating at home. We want the food they get at school to be the same kind of food we would serve at our own kitchen tables.”

“Improving the quality of the school meals is a critical step in building a healthy future for our kids,” said Vilsack. “When it comes to our children, we must do everything possible to provide them the nutrition they need to be healthy, active and ready to face the future – today we take an important step towards that goal.”

The final standards make the same kinds of practical changes that many parents are already encouraging at home, including:

• Ensuring students are offered both fruits and vegetables every day of the week; • Substantially increasing offerings of whole grain-rich foods;
• Offering only fat-free or low-fat milk varieties;
• Limiting calories based on the age of children being served to ensure proper portion size; and
• Increasing the focus on reducing the amounts of saturated fat, trans fats and sodium.

A sample lunch menu with a before and after comparison is available to view and download in PDF and JPG formats.

USDA built the new rule around recommendations from a panel of experts convened by the Institute of Medicine —a gold standard for evidence-based health analysis. The standards were also updated with key changes from the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans – the Federal government’s benchmark for nutrition – and aimed to foster the kind of healthy changes at school that many parents are already trying to encourage at home, such as making sure that kids are offered both fruits and vegetables each day, more whole grains, and portion sizes and calorie counts designed to maintain a healthy weight.

USDA received an unprecedented 132,000 public comments on its proposed standards (available on the web at www.regulations.gov) – and made modifications to the proposed rule where appropriate. USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon said: “We know that robust public input is essential to developing successful standards and the final standards took a number of suggestions from stakeholders, school food service professions and parents to make important operational changes while maintaining nutritional integrity.”

The new standards are expected to cost $3.2 billion over the next five years — less than half of the estimated cost of the proposed rule and are just one of five major components of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act, now implemented or under development, that will work together to reform school nutrition. In addition to the updated meal standards, unprecedented improvements to come include:

• The ability to take nutrition standards beyond the lunchline for the first time ever, foods and beverages sold in vending machines and other venues on school campuses will also contribute to a healthy diet;
• Increased funding for schools – an additional 6 cents a meal is the first real increase in 30 years – tied to strong performance in serving improved meals;
• Common-sense pricing standards for schools to ensure that revenues from non-Federal sources keep pace with the Federal commitment to healthy school meals and properly align with costs; and
• Training and technical assistance to help schools achieve and monitor compliance.

The final nutrition standards released today also provide more time for schools to implement key changes, which will be largely phased in over a three-year period, starting in School Year 2012-2013. For example, schools will be permitted to focus on changes in the lunches in the first year, with most changes in breakfast phased in during future years.

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service administers 15 nutrition assistance programs including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs, the Summer Food Service Program, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Together these programs make up the federal nutrition safety net.