Martin O'Malley said the purchase of farmland easements was designed to keep farmers on the land, preserve open space and protect the state's agricultural heritage. When the Board of Public Works gave its approval to the state's purchase of 40 farmland easements totaling 5,135 acres last month, the total acreage protected from development grew to 430,000. Farms with sales of $1 million or more annually make up 2 percent of all farms, but they account for 48 percent of farm product sales....

RMA has followed some of the recommendations of an earlier report, GAO says, including helping UDSA' Farm Service Agency to provide timelier inspections during the growing season, and sharing information with FSA to protect against program abuse, potentially recovering up to $74 million in improper payments from 2003. Printer Friendly FormatEmail Page. RMA has followed some of the recommendations of an earlier report, GAO says, including helping UDSA' Farm Service Agency to provide...

Farming needs dynamic, committed young people who are prepared to work hard, develop their skills and who take pleasure in reaping the rewards if their labour. It features young farmers and growers, machinery and livestock breeding technicians, consultants, contractors and communications experts. Packed with real life case studies the document aims to inspire young people and dispel some of the myths there are about the industry. A life on the land is not just about muddy wellies and dirty...

One of the fattest targets that has emerged: the federal crop insurance program and the money paid to companies and agents to sell and service federally subsidized policies. To get an idea of how much premiums and commissions will rise this year, consider this situation: In Story County, Iowa, the premium for a typical revenue assurance policy that covers 75 percent of the crop value would total about $40 an acre this year, up from $23 an acre in 2006. To get an idea of how much premiums...

Brown pushes to make farming rules more accessible STACY LANGLEY, The Huron Daily Tribune 07/02/2007 Email to a friendPost a CommentPrinter-friendly LANSING Legislation may be on the way that will require the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Agriculture to offer a free booklet to farmers. Brown pushes to make farming rules more accessible STACY LANGLEY, The Huron Daily Tribune 07/02/2007 Email to a friendPost a CommentPrinter-friendly LANSING Legislation may...