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Articles by Val Dolcini
Opinion: Let’s protect and optimize our harvests for years to come
As producers begin another planting, let’s remember that farmers and horticulturists are required to manage a wide variety of factors to protect their crops and landscapes from a broad range of threats, including severe weather, pests, and soil, plant and crop health.
FSA Administrator Cooks and Connects to FSA Programs
During my travels to 46 states over the past two years, I’ve explored Illinois cornfields, watched an oyster harvest in Connecticut, and admired beet fields in North Dakota. I’ve toured a rooftop farm on a Brooklyn high-rise, and marveled at fresh vegetables grown in truck containers in the remote Alaskan Arctic. These are the places where it all begins, so that Americans have safe and affordable food, from the farm to the plate.
Loan Applications Continue at USDA Farm Service Agency
What do siblings Kenna and Peyton Krahulik, organic farmers Lily Schneider and Matt McCue, and livestock producer Brian Morgan have in common? They worked closely with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to obtain loans, giving them the working capital they needed to grow or maintain their operation. FSA makes and guarantees loans to family farmers and ranchers to promote, build and sustain family farms in support of a thriving agricultural economy.
Help available for organic farming
The strength of the rural economy rests upon growing, making and creating products that people want to eat, buy and use. Over the past seven years, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has worked to enhance the range of products made in rural America, and to expand the domestic and international markets for those products.
Growing organics? FSA can help
The strength of the rural economy rests upon growing, making and creating products that people want to eat, buy and use. Over the past seven years, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has worked to enhance the range of products made in rural America, and to expand the domestic and international markets for those products.
In My Opinion: Conservation program aids farmers, wildlife
The modern environmental conservation movement is one that has brought awareness and conservation practices to many urban audiences.To some, it probably seems like a recent shift in American thinking.But American farmers and ranchers throughout rural and tribal lands were the original conservationists, wasting nothing and preserving as much as possible.
Guest opinion: 30 years of successful land stewardship with CRP
The modern environmental conservation movement is one that has brought awareness and conservation practices to many urban audiences. To some, it probably seems like a recent shift in American thinking.But American farmers and ranchers throughout rural and tribal lands were the original conservationists, wasting nothing and preserving as much as possible.
Farmers and Ranchers: The Original Conservationists
The modern environmental conservation movement is one that has brought awareness and conservation practices to many urban audiences. To some, it probably seems like a recent shift in American thinking.But American farmers and ranchers throughout rural and tribal lands were the original conservationists, wasting nothing and preserving as much as possible.
Public-Private Partnerships: A Forum Focus
Teamwork can improve virtually any endeavor, from partnering with a neighbor by exchanging butchered meat for hay to feed the rest of the herd or simply sharing a ride to save on gas. The result is usually savings and efficiency. At USDA, that notion is taken to another level with public-private partnerships that improve economic stability for producers, the financial sector, and a nation that leans heavily on the shoulders of its farmers and ranchers.
Make a Difference and Vote During FSA County Committee Elections
This is a great time of the year for the Farm Service Agency (FSA), not just because of another successful American harvest, but because of the opportunity for agricultural communities throughout the country to vote for officials to represent them on FSA County Committees. In my first year as FSA Administrator, I’ve traveled to 32 states and visited with farmers and ranchers from California to Maine.
Minnesota Farmer Commits a Century of Life to Agriculture, Dedicating Three Decades to Conservation
When Minnesota farmer and conservationist Arthur “Art” Hulberg celebrated his 100th birthday this month, he also marked the 30th anniversary of USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)–a program in which Hulberg has participated since its inception. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini traveled to Benson, Minnesota, to offer birthday wishes and hand deliver a personal letter from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Arkansas Woman Graduates from Youth Loan to Become FSA’s 13,000th Microloan Recipient
At age 18, Dakota Williams knows exactly what she wants to do with her life — own a farm and raise cattle. “[Farming] is all I’ve ever known. I’m a third generation farmer, working the same land as my grandparents and I don’t want to see it end,” said Dakota. A member of the Cherokee tribe, Dakota said her ancestors lived off the land and she wants to honor them in her work.
USDA Wildlife Habitat Program Going Strong - 30 Years, 1 Million Acres Later
Farmers and ranchers were among the first to practice conservation. It’s not surprising when you think about it. They’ve always understood the importance of caring for our land and water, and they depend on our natural resources for their livelihoods. They’re at the forefront of our country’s efforts to keep the land healthy, productive and resilient. And we’re proud to partner with them in that effort.
USDA Microloans Providing Opportunity for Small Farmers Across the United States
Val Dolcini Val Dolcini was appointed Administrator of the USDA Farm Service Agency in September 2014. He previously served as the FSA State Executive Director in California. He is responsible for all FSA activities in the United States, including management and oversight of over 2,000 offices and 10,000 employees in all 50 states. FSA provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers through various Farm Bill and credit programs. He can be reached at val.dolcini@wdc.usda.gov.
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