Some of you have probably had the pleasure of reading a couple of the raw stories that my friend Steve Riddle shared on this site a while back.

He’s both a fantastic writer, and someone who shares a lot in common with many of the new and beginning farmers I’ve met through this site. Many of his stories are absolutely hilarious. Many are sobering. But they all “tell it like it is” from his perspective. The first one he sent in 3 pieces in a facebook post because facebook only lets you write a certain number of words before it cuts you off. I was immediately captivated, and when I read it aloud to my wife we were both laughing so hard I had to keep taking breaks to catch my breath. Then I started reading it to anyone who would listen. A lot of my friends are cynics, and others are perhaps a tad self involved. But everyone who allowed me to read it to (both farmers and non-farmers) had similar reactions – not only the laughing aloud part, but something along the lines of: “seriously, this guy you don’t really know sent you this thing on facebook? He’s either crazy, brilliant, or both”… Anyway, everyone I could get to let me read it to them or read it themselves absolutely LOVED it.

About a week later I got an e-mail about a farmer writing competition from a publisher I don’t even remember what the prize was supposed to be. But two days later the publisher asked me to take down the post because the funding fell through. Well I just couldn’t let it go, so I got in touch with the publisher and shared a couple of Steve’s stories with him. He wrote back almost immediately, I put the two of them in touch, and the result is now published and available in electronic form.

It really is a terrific book, and everyone who’s reviewed it on Amazon is of the same opinion. It tells about Steve’s experience starting the farm, and shares many of his madcap adventures – some disastrous, many hilarious, but all true, and written with a personal style that is both humble and heartwarming. Anyway, I highly recommend it. It’s a fun and easy read, and it only costs 3 bucks.

I’m really proud to call Steve a friend. And I guarantee that after you read it you’ll think of him as a friend as well. I have no stake in this, and assure you that he’s not making a bunch of money from this venture. He’s just a farmer with some great stories to tell, and he happens to be good at doing that. Buy the book here: http://www.amazon.com/So-We-Bought-Farm-ebook/dp/B0068WAFRC

As I said in the last post, it was very difficult to really figure out what was being changed by the Senate Agriculture Committee with respect to beginning farmer programs and how. I have now received clarification from people who are better at reading legislative language than I am, so here’s an update, and I’m aftaid it’s mostly bad news.

Because in previous bills monies had been allocated by year, the $50M allocation for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program for fiscal year 2013 looked to me like an increase in funding over past farm bills. But as it turns out, the $50M seems to be the total ask – meaning it will be allocated, and once it runs out, it’s gone. This means a $10M per year allocation if they choose to space it out, which the language does not require them to do. This is not only far below the $25M per year we were asking for, and was included in the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011 (Sponsored by Senator Harkin and Co-Sponsored by 4 other members of the Senate Ag. Committee as well as 9 other Senators); it is a significant decrease from the funding provided in the 2008 Farm Bill (which was $75 Million for a four year bill, or a little over $18M per year.

So not only is the Senate Agriculture Committee poised to introduce a bill that cuts funding for this program nearly in half, but there is a possibility that it could be cut further either on the Senate floor or (more likely) within the House version of the farm bill. What we need is an Amendment from an Ag. Committee Member to increase funding for this part of the Beginning Farmer programs in the farm bill.

Other important losses that may affect beginning farmers in the current Senate Ag. Committee Draft include 1) an eradication of the Value Added Producer Grant Program (VAPG) which was funded at $15M in the 2008 farm bill and $40M in the 2002 bill; 2) changes in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) with no corresponding increase in the set-asides for beginning farmers and ranchers (so even if the draft Senate Bill holds, we may be looking at decreases here); 3) as previously mentioned, it looks like funding for socially disadvantaged and limited resource farmers (section 2501) which includes money for beginning farmer programs, and serves individuals who make up a disproportionately large sector of the beginning farmer and rancher community looks like it may be cut entirely; and 4) The Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program has been updated and does not include any of the provisions for encouraging transfers to beginning farmers that were asked for in the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011 (see above); and 5) The microloan program (a strategy that has shown to be extremely useful in funding beginning farmers) that we asked for in the BFRDP was not included.

Bear in mind again, that the Senate Ag. Committee Markup (scheduled for Wednesday) is a starting point, and while many of us are working hard to get Ag. Committee Members to Amend the draft to increase or at least hold current funding for beginning farmer programs at 2008 levels, there is a good chance that they even if we are successful, there will be cuts made as this bill goes through the process of a Senate Floor vote, a House Markup and Vote, and a Conference Committee process that brings the versions from the two Congressional bodies in line with one another.

You can find a brief, but detailed analysis of the Beginning Farmer provisions in the Draft Senate Ag. Committee Bill at http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/senate-fb-bfr-drilldown/.

And I urge all of you who are concerned about this issue to please call your Senator (to contact your Senator, use the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at: 202-224-3121), and express your support for increased funding for beginning farmer and rancher programs in the 2012 Farm Bill.

I get a half dozen e-mails a day from people who are excited about farming, many of whom are well qualified, but simply can’t find funding. And beginning farmer programs constitute a tiny fraction (I once calculated them at 0.2% (though it’s difficult to get all the information one needs to do such a thing) of total farm bill spending. So please, take just a moment to advocate for these important programs by contacting your Legislator.

Taylor Reid

Please see the update on The Senate Agriculture Committee Draft farm bill as it related to beginning farmer programs at: http://www.beginningfarmers.org/update-on-senate-agriculture-beginning-farmer-programs-bad-news/. This information is no longer current.

On Friday April 20th, 2012 the Senate Agriculture Committee released its 2012 Farm Bill Draft. A number of policy wonks including myself have been looking closely at the legislation and have been lobbying for crucial programs for the past week.

On Thursday, April 19, Beginning Farmers LLC along with nearly 200 other organizations from across the country, delivered a letter to Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Pat Roberts (R-KS), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, urging them to support funding in the new farm bill for two key programs that support the next generation of farmers, including beginning, socially disadvantaged and limited resource farmers and ranchers.

In my reading of the draft, it appears that the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) portion of the draft now includes in its “set-aside”, funding for military veterans – which is a proposal that I actually initiated. Thanks to lobbying efforts by myself, and more importantly – by members of the National Sustainable Agricultural Coalition (NSAC) it appears to have made it through through this first cut. It also appears that the funding ask for fiscal year 2013 is $50M, which is a substantial increase – something that many of us have been asking for. Unfortunately, the draft Bill does not ask for funding beyond 2013. Why this is and what it means is something I’m still trying to figure out, and as I talk to others who are more familiar with the process, I hope to learn more and will keep you updated.

Thanks to everyone who responded to the request I posted on Friday asking for calls to Senators encouraging them to support increased funding for this crucial program.

The draft legislation which will be marked up by the Senate Agriculture Committee on Wednesday includes a total of $23Billion in cuts for farming legislation over the next 5 years according to Ag. Committee Chair Stabenow. According to the Senator, this will be achieved primarily by elimination of direct payments, and payments for farmland that isn’t planted, instead consolidating them into a larger “farm insurance” program. The payments for unplanted farmland provision comes, I believe, out of the Conservation Title. And though it has been misused by a few, it also encourages farmers not to plant on land that is “marginal”, or environmentally fragile.

Also included in the draft is the elimination of “Section 2501″, which was originally prompted by discrimination lawsuits and was aimed at helping socially disadvantaged farmers (who constitute a disproportionately large number of beginning farmers overall). You can learn more about this issue from Public News Service.

I certainly could be wrong in some of my analyses and interpretations here. This is a quick first look. Other aspects of Beginning Farmer programs still need to be analyzed, and anyone with differing opinions or a better understanding of what this all of this means are encouraged to share their opinions and interpretations. Simply click the “Comment” tab in green above (just below the title).

I will certainly keep folks updated as this becomes clearer.

Taylor Reid

Blue Heron Organic Farm is hiring for jobs in New York State for 2012. Blue Heron Farm has been in operation since 1981. Lou Johns and Robin Ostfeld are self-educated, and have experimented with many crops, growing schemes, marketing ideas, and pieces of farming equipment over the years. Well over 100 people have worked for them, and they’ve learned a little something from each of them.

They have 150 acres near Seneca Lake, one of the largest of the Finger Lakes. Ten acres are used for growing a wide variety of vegetables, herbs and berries. For over 10 years, they’ve been using a permanent bed system in all of our fields, with strips of native vegetation between each bed. This enables them to avoid soil compaction, be more accurate in applying soil amendments, and provides habitat for beneficial insects.

Although they grow over 40 kinds of vegetables, the main crops are lettuce, spinach, root crops, and bunching greens. They also grow ornamental and vegetable transplants, as well as early tomatoes and greens, in two greenhouses and two unheated hoop-houses. Marketing is also diverse. They sell at the Ithaca Farmers’ Market, about 20 miles away, every Saturday. They sell to two large food co-ops and several restaurants in the local area. In addition, they’ve developed a winter produce subscription system, delivering boxes of mixed storage vegetables to customers in the Ithaca and Rochester area during January, February and March.

To read the job description and to learn how to apply, click “read more” Read more »

Beginning Farmer Program Under Threat in U.S. Senate; Calls Needed Today!

U.S. Senate Ag Committee on Fast Track with Farm Bill: Support for New Farmer Training & Assistance In Peril

The U.S. Senate version of the 2012 Farm Bill will be likely be introduced by Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow today (Friday April 20^th), and immediately following its introduction it will be marked up and voted on by the Senate Agriculture Committee. Despite the need for increased support for beginning farmers, funding levels for important new farmer programs, look as though they may stay static under the current Senate Ag. Committee markup recently made available for review. And if this Committee doesn’t act to increase their funding request, we are likely to see support for new farmers remain at 2008 farm bill levels, or even see them cut as the bill goes to the Senate floor, then to the House.

One very important program is the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. Passed in the 2008 Farm Bill with dedicated funding, this program helps resource groups and institutions assisting new farmers. (See background information below.)

Thousands of beginning farmers have received support though these Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program funded projects. You probably know an organization or institution that received a grant or you know a new farmer that participated in a project. The program leverages that community-based support, which makes a huge difference for beginning farmers. It’s a great example of how public investments can stimulate the outcomes we want – more beginning farmers getting started and succeeding. That is something we all know we need more of.

A quick call to your Senator could make a big difference. Action is needed today! Please click “read more” to find out how you can help. Read more »

Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) to Host National Conference for Women Veterans in Agriculture: Davis, CA April 2012—With the help of the USDA Risk Management Agency, Annie’s Project and Oxfam America, the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) is excited to host the “Empowering Women Veterans:  Success in Agriculture Business and Well-Being” conference in Davis, Calif. on July 7-8, 2012. This conference will be the first of its kind, aiming to bring women veterans together in an environment specifically designed to address their unique experiences and needs in agriculture. Want to learn more about the Women’s Conference? Read more

“Farm Foundations” Workshops Help New and Beginning Livestock Farmers Plan for Success: The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is now accepting registration from new and beginning farmers who want to attend the two-day “Farm Foundations: Planning for Success” sustainable livestock workshop. The workshop will be held April 21-22, 2012 at Falling Sky Farm in Marshall, Arkansas. Sustainable Livestock and Specialty Crop Production – May 9-11, 2012 • Indianola, Mississippi: Join FVC for a unique three-day, two-track workshop focused on business planning, identifying markets, and online marketing. May 9-10: Crop production track; May 10-11: Livestock track. Participants may attend the two-day crop production track, the two-day livestock track, or both tracks for three days. Each track features hands-on activities, educational presentations and group discussions, and a tour of Beaverdam Farms. Theses educational workshops will teach farmers how to manage risk through business planning, recordkeeping and budgeting, and marketing strategies. The “Farm Foundations” sustainable livestock workshop is free and open to new and beginning farmers, particularly those in Arkansas and Mississippi. Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who are interested in farming are encouraged to attend. The two-day workshop will combine educational presentations with a tour of Falling Sky Farm and hands-on training on topics including pasture poultry, pastured pork, and grass-fed cattle. For more information or to register for the workshop, farmers should contact NCAT at (479) 442-9824 or email margoh@ncat.org.

To learn about more FVC events click “read more”. Learn more about FVC and other Farmer Veteran Training programs at http://www.beginningfarmers.org/beginning-farmer-training-programs/military-veteran-farmer-training/ Read more »

Summer Jobs on Farm on Bainbridge Island, WA, 2012

Heyday Farm is a family-run 25-acre sustainable and historic farm on Bainbridge Island. In addition to championing local food, our focus is on providing good food, building community and educating. By respecting the environment and its limits, we grow food of the highest integrity, taste and quality. Our name comes from our commitment to increase our collective nourishment just as farms did back in their heydays.

We offer a great working environment and on-site housing. Other benefits will include (as the season progresses) fresh and delicious food from the farm (eggs and veggies).

Garden and farm construction jobs available. For job descriptions and how to apply, click more. Read more »

San Antonio (Texas) is hosting a 2012 Food Policy Council Conference. Registration is Now Open. And Metro Health will underwrite first 200 registrations.

With farmers’ markets blossoming across the city and an increased interest in the relation between the food system and individuals’ health, the San Antonio Food Policy Council is hosting their first conference on May 10 and 11, 2012 at the Northeast ISD Agriscience Magnet Program at 5005 Stahl Road.

Registration for the conference is now open and Metro Health will underwrite the first 200 registrations. Individuals can register by visiting the conference’s webpage at http://www.sabalance.org/Home/FoodPolicyConference.
Registration will close on May 1, 2012.

Mark Winne will keynote the conference with a presentation on May 10. He is the author of Food Rebels, Guerilla Gardeners, and Smart Cookin’ Mamas: Fighting Back in an Age of Industrial Agriculture and Closing the Food Gap: Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty. Both books are available through The Twig Book Shop and will be sold at the conference. Read more »

Intern Positions on Farm in Western North Carolina, 2012

(chicken, ducks, turkey, goose, and guinea), rabbit and free-range hens for chickens which we outlet at four tailgate markets. The farm also hosts two vacation rentals on the property so interaction with visitors is common. Housing and small stipend available. Visit our website at eastforkfarm.net and check out the internship page for more information.  30 minutes to Asheville, NC.  If interested, please email stephen@eastforkfarm.net

Organic Farming Job Opportunity in Washington State

Type: Full-time, Seasonal (May through December, 2012)

Compensation: $10.00-$12.00 hour depending on experience

Job Title:  Harvest & Processing Coordinator (HPC)

Oxbow is a 25 acre organic farm and education center located on a 100 acre wilderness preserve in the Snoqualmie Valley in Carnation, WA 25 miles east of Seattle.  We have a 400 member CSA, sell at 3 farmers markets, and supply over 20 restaurants and 3 grocery stores with our goods.  We also have a vibrant youth education program and are actively working with a number of non-profit organizations to restore the native habitat and vegetation around our fields and on our river banks.

This position works in constant communication with the farm manager and the field lead to coordinate all aspects of the day to day harvest and pack out within the processing area. The first set of responsibilities will be solely the HPC’s. The second set, the HPC will be performing these tasks as well as managing and coordinating other crew members in these tasks. Read more »

Job Opportunities at Organic Seed Company, 2012

Location: Wolcott, VT

Type: Seasonal (May/June through September/October), one Full-time (40 hours) and one Part-time (20-25 hours)

High Mowing Organic Seeds is seeking a few hard-working, motivated, conscientious and fun-loving people to join our trials crew for the 2012 growing season. The right candidates love to work outdoors in all kinds of weather and are excited to play a role in growing a wide range of vegetable varieties for data collection, evaluation and harvest. Prior experience working on a diversified vegetable farm or a university trials farm is a huge plus.

We are looking to fill two positions – one full-time (40 hours) and one part-time (20-25 hours) May/June through September/October, 2012. These are seasonal positions but opportunities do exist at High Mowing Organic Seeds for dove-tailing into a seasonal fall/winter position for year-round employment.
http://www.highmowingseeds.com/job-opportunities.html

The National Farmers Union (NFU) has recently released the final report from a study by the University of Tennessee Agricultural Policy Analysis Center on the effects that a Market-Driven Inventory System (MDIS) would have on U.S. agriculture. Phase I of the study, released in September 2011, examines the effects MDIS would have had on extreme crop price volatility and government payments from 1998 to 2010, while Phase II projects the effects of MDIS from 2012 to 2021.

“The study found that MDIS would cost significantly less than current agricultural policies while preserving net farm income at current levels,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “From 1998 to 2010, MDIS would have saved taxpayers nearly $100 billion compared to the polices that were in place. From 2012-2021, current farm programs are projected to cost $65 billion while MDIS is projected to cost $26 billion, a savings of $39 billion.”

The price of corn, soybeans, and wheat would have received a bump under MDIS policies. Corn prices would have been 26 cents per bushel higher, wheat prices would have been 48 cents per bushel more, and soybean prices would have increased by $1.09. Also under MDIS policies, exports would have been $20 billion more. MDIS combines a system of farmer-owned commodity inventories, set-asides, and loan rates to help decrease the volatility in the market.
“Decreasing volatility significantly benefits family farmers because it provides a better indication of the true market value of their products and allows them to make more informed decisions about their operation,” said Johnson. “Reduced volatility also benefits ranchers, ethanol producers, and other end-users by moderating extreme prices for their input costs and helping ensure that they are not put out of business due to factors out of their control. Consumers will also realize a benefit from decreased volatility. While commodity costs are not a large portion of food prices, MDIS will stabilize the portion of food prices that is related to commodity costs. MDIS will significantly reduce the cost of federal payments to U.S. farmers and ranchers, preserve net farm income, and benefit a variety of stakeholders. No other farm bill policy proposal addresses a long-term price collapse and significant market price volatility. We urge members of Congress to implement MDIS in the 2012 Farm Bill so that these benefits may be realized as soon as possible.
Click here to view the full report

Farming Opportunity on Eastern Long Island

Application Deadline:  May 15

Type: Full-time, Seasonal with possibility of Year-Round employment

Compensation: At least $12 per hour

Eastern Long Island, NY, Vegetable Farm with farmstand is seeking highly motivated individuals to help for this season, possibly leading to year-round employment. The farm has been in business for 25 years, and currently operates on 70 acres, growing fruits, vegetables, flowers and cover crops. Pictures of the farmstand and greenhouse are available at www.pikefarms.com.

Job Qualifications and Description:
Must be good with plants, people, pets and machines. Ideal candidates should have an interest in agriculture and a willingness to perform a variety of tasks necessary to grow and market the crops. These tasks include working in the greenhouse and at the farmstand, helping to transplant vegetables in the field, assisting in plowing, disking and field preparation, and harvest. Applicants must be in good physical condition, have a clean, valid driver’s license and transportation, and be able to work well with others. The ability to operate and repair farm machinery, and to speak some Spanish would be helpful. Good opportunity for the right individual. 40-50+ hours per week, at least $12 per hour.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should reply via email to jjpikefarms@yahoo.com or send resume to Pike Farms, PO Box 182, Sagaponack, NY 11962. Please include education, employment history, references and dates available.

USDA Announces No Marketing Quota for 2013 Wheat Crop

WASHINGTON, April 6, 2012—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that no marketing quota will be in effect for the 2013 wheat crop.

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 authorizes a commodity program for only the 2008 through 2012 crops of wheat. Unless new farm legislation is enacted (or the current farm bill extended), any actions taken pertaining to the 2013 wheat crop must be done in accordance with “permanent law” provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended (the 1938 Act), and the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended, which are suspended through the 2012 crops. These permanent law provisions would authorize the imposition of marketing quotas, acreage allotments, marketing certificates and parity price support programs for wheat. Since the 2008 farm bill only covers through the 2012 crop, the Secretary is required by the 1938 Act to announce whether or not a marketing quota will be in effect for the 2013 wheat crop prior to April 15, 2012.

The 1938 Act would require a marketing quota for the 2013 wheat crop if the total supply of the crop would likely be excessive without the quota, and would require the Secretary to decide not later than April 15, 2012, whether a quota is needed. Based on projected supply and demand, no quota is required.

USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program Grants Available

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking grant applicants for the 2012 Farmers Market Promotion Program. Approximately $10 million is available for marketing operations such as farmers markets, community supported agriculture and road-side stands. The grants, which are administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), are available through a competitive application process on www.grants.gov. The grants aim to increase the availability of local agricultural products in communities throughout the county. They will also help strengthen farmer-to-consumer marketing efforts.

Information on applying for a Farmers Market Promotion Program grant will be published in the April 6, 2012, Federal Register and available online at www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP. Applications will only be accepted via grants.gov (see above) and must be received by May 21, 2012. Contact Carmen Humphrey, Program Manager, by phone: (202) 720-8317, or e-mail: usdafmppquestions@ams.usda.gov for more information.

USDA Extends CRP General Sign Up to April 13

The USDA Farm Service Agency announced this week that the current Conservation Reserve Program sign up has been extended by one week to April 13, 2012. The agency cited strong interest in the current CRP sign up period as the reason for an extension. After the CRP general sign-up ends on April 13, FSA will evaluate offers based on cost and the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI). The EBI takes into consideration variables such as wildlife habitat, water quality protection, soil erosion reduction, air quality protection and other enduring benefits. Accepted offers will become effective Oct. 1, 2012.

More information is available from FSA at rel=”nofollow” http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/newsReleases?area=newsroom&subject=landing&topic=ner&newstype=newsrel&type=detail&item=nr_20120404_rel_0039.html.