Cross posted from the Know Your Farmer Know Your Food blog.

The Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) is a statewide association of Christian denominations, congregations, ecumenical organizations and interfaith partners. Their comprehensive efforts around food started in 1994 with a mission to promote community food security among faith communities. Aided by a USDA Community Food Projects Grant in 2005, EMO started the Interfaith Food and Farms Partnership (IFFP). Read more »

USDA Report highlights Increased Energy Efficiency for Corn-based Ethanol

Harry Baumes, Acting Director of USDA’s Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, says a report that surveyed corn growers in 2005 and ethanol plants in 2008 indicates the net energy gain from converting corn to ethanol is improving in efficiency.  Titled “2008 Energy Balance for the Corn-Ethanol Industry,” the report surveyed ethanol producers about ethanol yield (undenatured) per bushel of corn and energy used in ethanol plants. Read more »

Administrator for Rural Business and Cooperative Programs Judy Canales addresses the Hispanic Employment Council of Nebraska

Federal employees, education and private sector representatives celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month in Nebraska with Judy Canales, USDA Rural Development’s Administrator for Rural Business and Cooperative Programs.  The Hispanic Employment Council of Nebraska hosted a seminar at the new headquarters of the National Park Service Midwest Regional Office along Omaha’s Missouri Riverfront on Tuesday, September 14. Read more »

Hubert Hamer, Chairperson of the Agricultural Statistics Board, USDA-NASS, fielding questions during a community-based organization event.

This post is part of the Science Tuesday feature series on the USDA blog. Check back each week as we showcase stories and news from the USDA’s rich science and research portfolio. Read more »

Pictured are three generations of the Mayberry farming family from Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. From left to right are Eric, Ethan and Eddy Mayberry.

The Mayberry farming operation in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., consists of nearly 1,200 acres of soybean and corn row crops, along with more than 200 beef cattle and hay. Eric, Ethan and Eddy Mayberry exemplify farming through their dedication, passion and three generations of family farming tradition. The Mayberry’s are avid supporters and educators of agriculture through active participation with the Farm Service Agency County Committees, Farm Bureau Board, and 4-H. Read more »

Claudia Crow, a farmer from Shawnee, OK, assists a customer during the Pottowatomie County Famers Market Five-Year Anniversary.

In the hustle and bustle of working for the WIC program in the Southwest Region, I travel quite often, attending meetings and ensuring logistics much like many of my fellow federal and state co-workers. Recently I had the privilege to attend the Pottawatomie County Farmers Market five-year anniversary in Shawnee, OK. Having grown up in a very rural town, representing FNS was a learning experience that reminded me of home. The event was a total success, as the market was full of people including farmers, seniors, families and children. Celebrating five years of service, the event included live music, family and children’s activities, and most important of all: fresh fruit and vegetables. Read more »