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USDA A pilot in: Arkansas, Strike Force Georgia, Mi i i i Mississippi Initiative 2011 Annual Report USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report This has been a difficult year for producers. Flooding in the Midwest and drought in the southern part of the U.S. has left many farmers and ranchers looking to FSA for help. As we embark on an era of transformation at the Department of Agriculture, and in our own agency, I'm pleased to update you on the successes the Farm Service Agency have had in implementing the Secretary's Strike Force Initiative pilot in the Southeast. FSA, along with sister agencies Natural Resources for Conservation Service (NRCS) and Rural Development have partnered through the StrikeForce Initiative to provide relief to persistent high-poverty counties through a team concept. To implement the StrikeForce Initiative, our agencies work in partnership with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and other USDA agencies, to improve outreach methods and provide assistance to persistent poverty communities and farmers. Ultimately we want to increase awareness of and participation in USDA's programs, as well as provide additional economic benefits to these areas in order to create sustainability in these distressed areas. USDA is currently piloting this initiative in 137 counties in Arkansas, Georgia, and Mississippi. We exist because of our producers and we are excited about new initiatives on crop reporting and microloans to better serve all, especially socially disadvantaged producers and Beginning Farmers. Additionally, we are improving communication through the use of social media and other electronic methods. These initiatives, along with a number of other activities specifically for StrikeForce pilot counties, are geared towards improving participation A Message from the and making our programs and services more accessible. We have made an Administrator increased effort to expand program participation particularly amongst socially disadvantaged groups. To achieve our goal we have devoted staff resources to Bruce Nelson, FSA reinforce ongoing outreach efforts to help producers understand the assistance we provide and prepare them to participate in our programs. In FY 2011 alone, FSA has invested 1.3 billion in financial assistance through farm loan and farm programs. As we enter into the next year of this important initiative, we look forward to working more collaboratively with our other USDA Agencies to leverage resources and build capacity to more effectively serve rural America. The following pages highlight success stories from FSA's StrikeForce Initiative and concurrent efforts to bring programs to socially disadvantaged and limited resource producers and landowners in each pilot state. These stories are only a snapshot of the benefits Arkansas, Georgia, and Mississippi farmers receive from the dedicated employees and partners of FSA. Page 2 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report Arkansas StrikeForce Counties: Arkansas, Bradley, Chicot, Clark, Columbia, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Hempstead, Howard, Jackson, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lee, Mississippi, Monroe, Nevada, Newton, Ouachita, Phillips, Randolph, Searcy, Sevier, St. Francis, and Woodruff USDA Team Collaborations: Held several meetings with RD, NRCS and Community Based partners in the Strike Force counties. Chicot County Direct Youth Operating Loan Tyler Garza is 13 years of age. His parents operate a cattle farm in south Chicot County in Eudora, AR. He participates & is sponsored by Hope Ranch (a non- profit organization for at- risk youth in Southeast Arkansas which works with kids & exposes them to various farm related opportunities working with horses, cattle & other livestock). Tyler received a youth loan to purchase cows and honey bee hives. Tyler Garza, youth borrower, and Grayland Fredericks, FLO. Jackson County Direct Youth Operating Loans Colby Thomas, Hailey Wallace, and Lee Thomas, sisters and brother, have each obtained USDA Farm Service Agency Rural Youth Loans to purchase cattle. Colby and Lee Thomas were the first of the siblings to receive youth loans in 2010 and Hailey received her $5,000 youth loan on April 12, 2011. The three youth borrowers are working diligently to raise a quality beef animal and build their cattle herds. Their cattle are located on their family farm in Jackson County, Arkansas. Colby Thomas, Hailey Wallace, and Lee Thomas with their beef cattle herd in Jackson County, Arkansas. Newton County Direct Operating Loan Grayson Woods is a Beginning Farmer located in Newton County. Grayson began his relationship with FSA in 2007 with a Youth Loan of $4000 to purchase steers. He was a high student at the time and was a member of the local FFA chapter. He paid that loan off ahead of schedule. In 2008 he received another youth loan of $4000 and purchased 5 cow/calf pairs. Also in 2008 Grayson was chosen as one of Newton county's Young Farmers of the Year. He purchased another 5 cow/calf pairs with a $5000 Youth Loan in 2009.After graduating from High School in 2009, Grayson began his college career. In 2011 Grayson re- ceived a $26,000 Operating Loan to purchase a tractor. Grayson is now pursu- ing a degree in Agriculture and continuing his cattle operation. Grayson Woods Page 3 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report Clark County Direct Operating Loan Mark Shepherd received an FSA Operating Loan for $55,000 to pay finance the 2011 crop year. Mr. Shepherd farms soybeans and wheat in Clark County, Arkansas. Shepherd had farming with his father since 2005. When his father retired, Shepherd took over the family operation that has been in place for years. His operation consists of 482 acres of soybeans and 42 acres of wheat. He also. He also purchased his father's equipment which consists of tractors planter, combine, field cultivator, grain cart, etc. Mark Shepherd Clark County Farm Loan Manager advised "There are not many row crop farm- ing operations left in Southwest Arkansas due to the economy and other factors. FSA was able to provide assistance for Mr. Shepherd to continue the tradition of living off the family farm." Desha County Farm Operating Loan Jarrod Earnest is a row crop producer who grows soybeans. He has been in business for three years. Before venturing out on his own he managed his fa- ther's farm and worked part time at the University of Arkansas Research Center in Rowher. Jarrod decide that farming was the only way of life he knew and he came to FSA to help him start his 700 acre operation. Not only does Jarrod farm his own operation but in 2010 his father became very ill and could not farm his 3,600 acres and Jarrod took over his operation with very little seasonal help. Farming is what he loves to do and FSA is grateful for the opportunity to help him achieve his dream. Jarrod Earnest St. Francis County Farm Operating Loan Shawn Smith is a beginning farmer. He was raised in a farm family and began his own operation in 2009 with financing from Farm Service Agency. He has a row crop operation consisting of 399.9 acres of soybeans. In 2011, FSA pro- vided financial assistance with a fixed rate, low interest loan to purchase a field cultivator. In 2010, Mr. Smith purchased a tractor, combine and header with FSA direct loan assistance. Mr. Smith is gradually building his farming operation to enhance the success of his operation. Direct Crop Payments enable Mr. Smith to successfully meet his goals in his farming operation. Mr. Smith received a CAP (Crop Assistance Program), in the amount of $1,861.00 to help farmers assist him during a stressful time with the economy and excessive rainfall. Mr. Smith has been approved and will receive Direct and Counter Cyclical Payments in the amount of $4,651.00. Shawn Smith Page 4 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report Hempstead County Livestock Indemnity Program George Alvarado is a contract poultry producer. He has been in the business for several years. On April 4, 2011, a tornado destroyed four poultry houses. The houses contained 50,131 layers at the time of the storm. The houses were completely destroyed. On April 7, 2011, Mr. Alvarado applied for LIP assistance and received a payment of $12,134 on April 22, 2011. Mr. Alvarado is now in the process of cleaning up and preparing to rebuild. Lowndes County George Alvardo standing in front of destroyed poultry Direct Farm Operating Loan houses Ms. Kara Short began farming in 2006 and received her first FSA Beginning Farmer loan in 2010. Her farming operation located in Wabash, Arkansas, consists of 991 acres of soybeans that she raises with the assistance of her husband and one farm laborer. On June 8, 2011, Ms. Short applied for and received an annual operating loan in the amount of $218,120 to grow soybeans. Even with the obstacle of replanting, due to the severe flooding that occurred in Arkansas, Ms. Short's soybean fields are beginning to bloom and she is on track to produce an excellent crop. Arkansas County Direct Farm Operating Loan In 2010 "Sugar Ray" Wofford obtained an Operating Loan and was able to pay it back in full. This was not the case in many instances since 2010 was not a good Ms. Karah Short, Farm Loan Borrower and Ms. crop year due to weather conditions. Beginning in February 2011, Mr. Wofford Hendra Woodfork, Farm Loan Manager, in one of obtained three operating loans totaling $97,800 for production expenses as- Ms. Short's soybean field. sociated with his rice and soybean crops. A recent farm visit by FSA personnel revealed the crops to be in good condition with the aid of irrigation and weed/ grass control measures being applied. Some crop damage had been done by deer seeking higher ground from flooding in the area. "Sugar Ray" Wofford Page 5 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report Georgia StrikeForce Counties: Appling, Atkinson, Baker, Baldwin, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bulloch, Calhoun, Candler, Charlton, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooley, Early, Emanuel, Evans, Grady, Hancock, Irwin, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, Macon, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Peach, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Screven, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Taylor, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox, and Wilkes USDA Team Collaborations: Held workshops and seminars in over 26 counties with NRCS, RD and Community based partners with a total estimated 8,595 people attending. Hancock County Farm Ownership Loan & Farm Operating Loan The Mayfield Fish Farm was originally constructed in 1971 and when in full pro- duction was named by Time Magazine as one of the largest and most scientific catfish farms in the world. After years of several non-productive owners, Johnny Thornton wants to bring that title back to this Hancock county farm. With the support and assistance of the University of Georgia at Tifton and USDA's Farm Service Agency, Thornton is well on his way of doing just that. Through FSA's Direct Farm Ownership loan program Thornton received $300,000 to purchase 358.5 acre Loan Manager Lori-Ann Branch, Thornton also received an additional $300,000 in FSA Direct Farm Operating Loan funds for equipment and annual operating costs. "Mr. Thornton has the support and enthusiasm of the Mayfield community! He is also working with Dr. Gary Burtle at The University of Georgia at Tifton, who have obtained a research grant which will allow the University to grow fish in numerous raceways on Mr. Thornton's farm. Having Dr. Burtle there gives Mr. Thornton hands on assistance from an expert for his operation." With this funding Mr. Thornton will be able not only to return this farm to produc- tion, but has goals of starting a processing plant to employ a large number of people in the area. FSA District Director John Rudowske commented, "Getting this farm back into production full swing will be a real asset to the economy of Hancock County; not only from a fish production standpoint but from the potential jobs and leadership toward fish farming that it will create." Page 6 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report Sumter County Conservation Reserve Program In 1938 Otis and Azzie Lee Floyd purchased a 200 acre farm in Sumter County Georgia. Farming with dedication and hard work the Floyds were able to pay for their farm and build a house where they raised 8 children and 18 grandchildren includ- ing Joann Floyd. Joann recounts memories of her grandmother, "She earned money from selling butter, milk and eggs by milking a cow and raising chickens. My grandfather worked hard in the fields growing corn, cotton and peanuts." Otis Floyd died in 1979 and Azzie Lee passed away ten years later in 1989. After their deaths two sons tried farming the family farm, but they were not as successful as Otis Sr. After years of struggling to pay property taxes and main- tain the farm and family home, Joann and a fellow grandchild raised on the farm, Otis Floyd, III decided they needed to find a way for the farm to generate income to pay for taxes and maintenance. "We knew we didn't want to sell the farm be- Joann Floyd cause our grandparents had worked too hard and invested too much for a place their children and descendants could call home," Joann recalled. Joann and her cousin Otis attended an event sponsored by Fort Valley State University in March 2011 at Friendship Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia. At the meeting they listened to FSA Sumter County Executive Director, Phil How- ell talk about various FSA programs available to landowners. One program in particular, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), peaked their interest. The two spoke with Phil after the meeting in greater detail about the program. They learned the CRP offers landowners an annual rental payment for devot- ing farmland to conservation uses. Also, the CRP pays up to 50% of the cost to establish practices on the land that conserve the land's resources and provide benefits to wildlife. Together Joann and Otis determined the CRP offered their family the best op- portunity to save Otis and Azzie Lee's farm for all descendants. They could receive cost shares to plant cropland to pine trees for a long term investment and receive rental payments for 10 years which would provide income while the trees were growing on the 37 acres offered. Joann was delighted to learn the offer was accepted four months later and looks forward to making arrangements for preparing the acreage to be planted to trees and hopefully securing her grandparents dream of leaving a farm legacy for their children and grandchildren. Joann fondly remembers family celebrations on the farm such as July 4th when BBQ was cooked over an open fire and all family members enjoyed socializing; "Hopefully now, my children, nieces and nephews will all benefit from this and have the same opportunity I had to experience fam- ily fellowship." Page 7 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report Terrell County Livestock Forage Program With the extreme drought conditions that livestock producers continue to endure throughout Georgia especially in South Georgia, the LFP program helped live- stock producers tremendously. The funding prevented producers from having to liquidate herds and also helped to supply the additional feed needed during these difficult times. Terrance Moon of Terrell County Georgia stated FSA's program helped offset his out of pocket feed costs for his livestock. Terrance Moon benefited from the LFP Terrell County was declared a D4 County in mid-summer. Through concentrated outreach methods, news of the program was provided to all local organizations and targeted outreach groups. Without the targeted outreach efforts made, SDA producers who do not normally conduct business with the Agency would not have known about this program. That's the beauty of outreach—reaching the non-traditionally served customers. Thomas County Conservation Reserve Program The Abrams Farm was established in early 1900's by Jordan Abrams Sr. and Jordon Abrams Jr., African American farmers, who were able to secure owner- ship over 500 acres almost 100 years ago. This major accomplishment was a testament to their belief in personal and financial sustainability and land owner- ship. Lenoris Abrams Sr. continued the legacy and progress by graduating from Fort Valley State University with a BS degree in Agriculture education and MS in Agri- culture education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). He coordinated the Future Farmers of America program (FFA) and taught adult farming classes. Glenn Abrams Sr., Lenoris Abrams' brother, was a lifetime farmer, stock market guru and true expert on farming trends and operational Johnnie Mae and Ethel Abrams matters. He was the glue that held the Abrams farm together. Their partnership and focus on family allowed the Abrams to keep so much acreage while other farms sold their family properties. In 2010, the offspring of both families began to take part in the overall operation and management of the farms. As co-managers Johnnie Mae Abrams and Ethel Abrams, two sister-in-laws, are benefiting from the CRP program by sustaining the natural resources of the farm and at the same time generating income that will allow for needed restoration such as the pecan orchard. The CRP program is helping the family insure that the farm is viable and productive for future generations. Today the Abrams' farms produce pine trees, pecans, and will soon offer hunting licenses for quail and other game. The future plans for the farm will entail family and corporate opportunities to fish and hunt as well as a gourmet pecan line that will be shopped in high end lines of grocery and retail stores. Thanks to the Abrams legacy builders, the farming future of the family looks bright. Page 8 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report Wilcox County Conservation Reserve Program In 1865, a freed slave by the name of "Lemon" moved from North Florida to Turner County, Georgia. As an ex-slave, he was given a mule and 40 acres of land in Turner County. He later moved his family, including 10 children nearby Wilcox County and raised 10 children. By the end of Lemon's life, the original 40 acres had become 1,000 acres, thus making him the largest black landowner in Wilcox County. Ollie Turner, one of his many sons, continued the farming operation after Lemon's death. Ollie Turner had two sons, O.Z. and Raleigh, who continued the farming operation. O.Z. Turner moved to Washington, D.C. and upon his death left Raleigh his part of the farm. Mr. Raleigh Turner, a long-time leader in Wilcox O.Z. and Raleigh Turner with Wilcox County County, died in 2011 at the age of 90, leaving control of the farm to his two sons, FSA Staff Ollie and Nelson Turner. Ollie has been overseeing the day-to-day activities of the farm for the past 20 years. His brother Nelson, a minister for the past 30 years, assists in running the farm. The farming operation has been growing timber and cattle since its incep- tion. In the past few years, Ollie and Nelson have ventured into leasing their land to hunters and found it to be another source of income to assist in maintain- ing the farm. Ollie and Nelson became aware of the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program through the local Farm Service Agency and made a commitment to convert their cattle operation to the CP-36 practice "Longleaf Pine" establish- ment. This practice assists producers in re-establishing longleaf pine stands at densities that benefit wildlife species and protect water quality. This practice will assist them in expanding their wildlife leases and re-establishing the Longleaf Pines and Wildlife populations that once prevailed on the farm. Hopefully, this decision will assist in continuing the "Turner Farm" for future generations of "Lemon Turner's" descendants. Page 9 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report Mississippi StrikeForce Counties: Adams, Amite, Attala, Benton, Bolivar, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Claiborne, Clarke, Clay, Coahoma, Covington, Franklin, Greene, Grenada, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lafayette, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Leflore, Lincoln, Lowndes, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pike, Quitman, Scott, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Walthall, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Wilkinson, Winston, Yalobusha, and Yazoo USDA Team Collaborations: Conducted Strike Force Outreach Workshops with NRCS, RD and Community Based Organizations in all 52 Strike Force counties. Oktibbeha County Direct Farm Operating Loan R.W. Tucker has been farming in Oktibbeha County all his life, working with his family as well as other local farmers. In 1991 Mr. Tucker started his own cattle farm while he continued to work for one of the local cattle producers. Mr. Tucker received an FSA operating loan in the amount of $10,000.00 in June to pur- chase 11 more brood cows for his herd. Tucker looks forward to passing along his knowledge of cattle farming to his 15 year old grandson Quinton Carter who helps him on his farm. Oktibbeha County Farm Loan Manger Doug Naron said "Helping small produc- ers like Mr. Tucker succeed in the ever changing world of agriculture is what Loan Manager Doug Naron pictured with RW Tucker FSA is all about." Naron said he looks forward to making Quinton a youth loan and grandson Quiton Carter. to get him started in the cattle business. Page 10 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report Noxubee County Youth Operating Loan Jalen Brooks is an 11 year old who wants to own a cattle ranch someday. He took the first step in making that dream a reality when he visited Noxubee County Farm Loan Officer Mark Dillard and applied for an FSA Youth Loan. "Mr. Coleman, my 4-H Advisor asked me if I had heard about FSA, "Jalen com- mented. He explained that I could borrow money on my own from the govern- ment to get started and suggested I consider giving FSA a call. I did and now I have 7 cows of my own." The Noxubee County 4-H Advisor, Clayton Coleman, works closely with lo- cal 4-H youth in managing Agricultural projects and businesses. From cattle Jalen Brooks and Farm Loan Officer Mark Dillard to produce, he is their mentor for all things Agriculture. His technical guidance and FSA's youth loans are the perfect marriage for young beginning farmers in Noxubee County. Jalen will use proceeds from the sale of calves to pay his annual installments to FSA. "We have seen several kids who are able to pay the loan off early, depending on the type of operation and income received. It's a great investment, as it keeps providing a source of income for the youth even after the loan has been paid in full. Most kids are able to save money for college expenses and some expand their herd or operation. MS State Executive Director Mike Sullivan says youth loans are the key to creating more future farmers in America. "It all starts with our youth. To establish more farmers we have to educate our youth in the different aspects of Agricul- ture. Agriculture has come a long way and not what the average teenager thinks it's all about. FSA youth loans not only provides the means to explore the area of Agriculture, but also give kids business and record keeping experience that's needed for any area they venture into later in life. It's a win-win opportunity for rural youth." "If Mr. Coleman hadn't told me about FSA I would still be helping my grand- dad with his cows. Now I get up in the morning and take care of MY cows," he grinned. Page 11 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report Greene County Livestock Forage Program Claude Phillips has been farming in Greene County all his life except 1943 through 1946 when he was in the U.S. Army during World War 2 and served in England, France, and Germany with the 7th Army. He has been working with his family as well as other local farmers. I In 1946 Mr. Phillips started his own cattle farm while he was also working in the timber industry and a Pastor for the local United Methodist Church. Mr. Phillips received Livestock Forage Disaster Program Benefits in August that will help him purchase cattle feed and hay which was lost due to drought. Mr. Phillips looks forward to passing along his knowledge of cattle farming to his grandson Claude Phillips Tyler Ash Phillips who helps him on his farm. County Executive Director Scott Porter and Program Technician Regina Graham from the Greene County FSA Office assisted Mr. Phillips with the LFP Applica- tion and said that helping small producers like Mr. Phillips succeed in the ever changing world of agriculture is what FSA is all about. Page 12 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report Winston County Farm Operating Loan Louise Hamilton and her late husband Terry began cattle farming in Winston County in 1970 shortly after they were married. To start a farm and a marriage at the same time is difficult enough, but to make things tougher, Terry had lost both legs in Vietnam a few years earlier. Terry used his GI benefits to get the training he needed to become a farmer and also to modify his Ford 3000 tractor so he could operate it without the use of his legs. Louise still has the tractor today. Louise would spend her days helping Terry feed the cows, fix fences, clear- Louise Hamilton and Loan Manager Doug Naron ing land, or anything else that needed to be done on the farm, and at night she would sew clothes for her 6 children to wear to school. Even to this day Louise said she never sleeps more than 4 hours a night. Their hard work and sacrifice paid off as their operation began to grow from 40 acres to over 400 acres of pasture that Louise now runs her cattle. Terry got his first FSA loan in 1999 to purchase some pasture land that joined their operation so they could expand. In 2001 Terry won Outstanding Conserva- tion Farmer of the Year from the Winston County Soil and Water District. Louise said that they have always been conscientious when it comes to protecting the land and have worked closely with NRCS and FSA to achieve this. In 2002 Terry passed away leaving Louise to run the farm with the help of their children and grandchildren. In 2005 Louise sold her cattle and paid off Terry's FSA loan. She said he always wanted her to be debt free. A few weeks later Louise came to see me at the FSA office and said she wanted a FSA loan of her own so she could buy some more cattle. I made Louise an OL loan and she was back in the cattle business. Louise completed the required borrower training a few months later, and has gone on to be one of the most successful cattle farm- ers in Winston County. In fact Louise won Winston Cattle Farmer of the Year in 2008, awarded by the Winston County Economic Development Partnership. Some of Louise's family has also used FSA loans to establish their farming op- erations. One of her sons Jimmy used a FSA guaranteed loan to start a poultry operation a few miles from Louise. Four of her grandchildren have had FSA youth loans, and two of them now have FSA operating loans that they used to start their own cattle operation on some of Louise's land. Louise said it is impor- tant to get her grandchildren involved in farming so someone can carry on what her and her late husband started. Page 13 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Programs - FY 2011 Arkansas - Total Program Funding in Strike Force Counties (All Programs) 2011 2011 2010 2010 2009 2009 Applications Funds Applications Funds Applications Funds Funded Obligated Funded Obligated Funded Obligated Farm Loan Non-SDA 143 $13,987,430 141 $15,308,645 135 $13,984,860 Programs Direct SDA 72 $6,434,295 61 $6,102,251 69 $6,757,933 Farm Loan Non-SDA 93 $29,029,186 106 $27,718,479 77 $19,038,747 Programs Guaranteed SDA 32 $10,681,891 48 $13,444,012 38 $14,734,917 05-07 Crop Disaster Assistance 5 $4,788 15 $268,353 197 $908,217 05-07 Livestock Indemnity 8 $475,747 11 $657,440 0 0 Program Auto CRP-Cost Shares 430 $1,784,364 382 $1,235,768 386 $1,465,849 Average Crop Revenue 1 $26,556 1 $5,840 Election Program Biomass Crop Assistance 1 $3,252 57 $4,582,980 Crop Assistance Program 9,502 $72,320,652 0 0 0 0 CRP Annual Rental 3,612 $13,394,197 3,530 $12,661,109 3,404 $11,768,077 CRP Incentives 314 $1,987,502 383 $2,265,763 364 $1,978,590 Dairy Economic Loss 155 $33,764 155 $55,720 0 0 Assistance Direct and Counter 21,177 $253,118,314 21,991 $356,833,945 21,481 $253,315,762 Cyclical Program Emergency Assistance 5 $172,394 2 $123,208 0 0 Program Emergency Conservation 306 $2,472,664 2,131 $10,283,738 682 $3,348,823 Program Grasslands Reserve Program 25 $54,306 43 $130,624 37 $148,073 Livestock Forage Program 25 $168,169 0 0 0 0 Livestock Indemnity Program 177 $715,138 136 $843,516 2 $4,985 Loan Deficiency 1 $381 85 $168,200 598 $9,555,302 Milk Income Loss II 1 $752 142 $334,983 156 $1,545,540 Noninsured Assistance 1,696 $8,730,658 56 $1,500,300 48 $595,811 Program Supplemental Assistance 182 $3,491,036 205 $3,787,527 0 0 Program Trade Adjustment Assistance 136 $1,267,482 0 0 0 0 Tree Assistance Program 5 $20,216 4 $61,233 0 0 Page 14 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Programs - FY 2011 Georgia - Total Program Funding in Strike Force Counties (All Programs) 2011 2011 2010 2010 2009 2009 Applications Funds Applications Funds Applications Funds Funded Obligated Funded Obligated Funded Obligated Farm Loan Non-SDA 216 $23,795,165 248 $25,604,991 226 $22,135,318 Programs Direct SDA 90 $7,635,474 95 $10,417,447 65 $5,000,604 Farm Loan Non-SDA 130 $36,867,799 119 $29,801,935 95 $29,534,282 Programs Guaranteed SDA 28 $8,344,460 24 $7,449,452 28 $9,302,847 Auto CRP-Cost Shares 584 $3,247,365 585 $3,448,058 860 $5,295,934 Biomass Crop Assistance 1 $22,396 164 $22,147,898 0 0 Crop Assistance Program 2,365 $9,578,323 0 0 0 0 CRP Annual Rental 6,449 $13,704,775 6,691 $13,780,400 6,552 $12,879,884 CRP Incentives 487 $3,421,923 527 $3,434,635 737 $4,864,136 Dairy Economic Loss 262 $146,667 262 $2,474,465 0 0 Assistance Direct and Counter 17,026 $124,356,091 17,733 $203,368,070 18,554 $151,567,450 Cyclical Program Emergency Assistance 9 $56,030 25 $366,741 0 0 Program Emergency Conservation 155 $1,693,270 613 $4,616,526 545 $3,421,198 Program Grasslands Reserve Program 40 $42,574 172 $207,330 164 $188,402 Livestock Indemnity Program 43 $220,791 53 $209,759 3 $27,837 Loan Deficiency 4 545 288 $1,326,954 1,485 $42,214,586 Milk Income Loss II 6 $18,458 259 $1,691,792 257 $6,307,810 Noninsured Assistance 752 $3,142,497 501 $2,552,622 613 $2,056,599 Program Supplemental Assistance 624 $7,342,438 776 $5,054,020 0 0 Program Trade Adjustment Assistance 165 $1,005,527 0 0 0 0 Tree Assistance Program 11 $212,799 3 $6,624 0 0 TTPP Tobacco Producer 766 $11,689,204 775 $11,898,506 812 $12,529,651 Page 15 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 FSA Annual Report Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Programs - FY 2011 Mississippi - Total Program Funding in Strike Force Counties (All Programs) 2011 2011 2010 2010 2009 2009 Applications Funds Applications Funds Applications Funds Funded Obligated Funded Obligated Funded Obligated Farm Loan Non-SDA 125 $7,010,480 136 $8,819,135 147 $7,869,250 Programs Direct SDA 84 $2,118,500 94 $3,342,003 102 $2,329,984 Farm Loan Non-SDA 35 $15,023,202 56 $17,228,288 37 $11,784,617 Programs Guaranteed SDA 10 $5,714,448 11 $5,978,124 5 $2,863,500 Auto CRP-Cost Shares 409 $2,125,409 269 $1,085,792 339 $810,730 Biomass Crop Assistance 1 $38,907 97 $6,188,127 0 0 Crop Assistance Program 4,097 $40,989,427 0 0 0 0 CRP Annual Rental 13,236 $38,731,148 13,430 $38,798,554 13,407 $38,030,811 CRP Incentives 310 $2,071,699 280 $71,742,999 231 $1,111,023 Dairy Economic Loss 148 $43,827 148 $721,347 0 0 Assistance Dairy Indemnity 4 $65,993 0 0 0 0 Direct and Counter Cyclical 13,107 $134,936,539 14,162 $245,077,133 15,278 $188,923,437 Program Emergency Assistance 106 $235,871 12 $62,157 0 0 Program Emergency Conservation 127 $659,659 101 $644,243 106 $845,880 Program Emergency Forest Restoration 8 $39,106 0 0 0 0 Forest Conservation Reserve 1,100 $5,099,545 1,097 $5,853,354 936 $7,305,990 Grasslands Reserve Program 9 $10,413 46 $62,666 47 $81,731 Livestock Forage Program 56 $109,135 0 0 0 0 Livestock Indemnity Program 34 $178,923 43 $186,763 2 $5,066 Milk Income Loss II 4 $1,492 131 $351,073 150 $2,004,036 Noninsured Assistance 55 $441,899 90 $4,474,593 53 $277,744 Program Supplemental Assistance 383 $10,576,283 139 $2,433,599 0 0 Program Trade Adjustment Assistance 790 $6,295,108 0 0 0 0 Tree Assistance Program 1 $4,200 0 0 0 0 Page 16 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 NRCS Annual Report Dear Conservation Partners: Today, one in six Americans lives in poverty, according to the U.S. Census Bureau—and 90 percent of counties with the highest poverty rates are in rural America. These are also communities with high numbers of Historically Underserved groups, like African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans and Native Americans. Last year, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack launched the StrikeForce Initiative, a cross-agency effort to accelerate assistance to Historically Underserved groups. Through this initiative, USDA is working to ensure all producers have access to programs that can help them thrive, including proven conservation programs. In partnership with local community-based organizations, three USDA agencies— Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency and Rural Development—are working to improve USDA's outreach to these communities in order to increase their access to—and participation in—our valuable programs. We're currently piloting the StrikeForce Initiative in 137 counties in Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi. NRCS is working in three key areas to propel this initiative: 1. We're expediting our service, placing a high priority on enrolling producers in Message from the Chief StrikeForce counties quickly, so they can start implementing conservation and seeing the benefits. We have also placed a premium on providing fast service to Dave White, NRCS these communities in the wake of recent natural disasters. 2. We're expanding outreach and participation, devoting staff resources to outreach and local education seminars in the pilot states to let producers know that assistance is available and help them understand what's needed to take advantage of these programs. 3. We're removing barriers, identifying regulatory roadblocks to getting service to the StrikeForce counties and getting assistance to Historically Underserved and Limited Resource producers. In fulfilling its commitment to the StrikeForce Initiative, NRCS augmented its allocations in these three states by providing $6 million in additional financial and technical assistance to Historically Underserved and Limited Resource producers. Since we began this initiative a year ago, we've helped hundreds of producers make conservation work on their lands—increasing productivity while also improving their bottom lines. The following pages highlight just a few of our successes. We're committed to ensuring all producers across the nation have access to conservation programs. By working together, we can support a productive agricultural industry while also preserving the health of our environment and the sustainability of our natural resources. Yours in Conservation, Dave White, NRCS Chief Page 17 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 NRCS Annual Report Arkansas StrikeForce Counties: Arkansas, Bradley, Chicot, Clark, Columbia, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Hempstead, Howard, Jackson, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lee, Mississippi, Monroe, Nevada, Newton, Ouachita, Phillips, Randolph, Searcy, Sevier, St. Francis and Woodruff Newton County Although raging waters had subsided at Deanna Young's home in Ponca, Ark., a flood of emotions hit her when she found out USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) would pay 100 percent of the cost of protecting her home from falling into Adds Creek. After the creek flooded her property, washing away the stream bank next to the house where she lives with her three children, Young qualified for NRCS assistance. But Young couldn't afford the required cost-share, and the bank turned down her loan request. The cost-share waiver was approved, and work began on the Youngs' property. It was completed within two months. Sevier County Lee Pauley, an 84-year-old farmer from Mineral Springs, Ark., plants and Margaret Lonadier (right), Newton County district conservationist, meets with Deanna harvests a variety of produce to sell at county farmer's markets. Pauley was Young to discuss how NRCS can protect introduced to NRCS by the Silas Hunt Community Development Corporation her home. and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, one of NRCS' conservation partners. And now, thanks to financial and technical assistance from NRCS, Pauley was able to install an irrigation project on his property. He no longer uses a bucket to irrigate his peas, watermelon, potatoes, cabbage and other crops. Pauley was also able to install an irrigation well. The well is equipped with a submersible pump that pumps 40 gallons of water a minute, allowing Pauley to use drip lines for irrigation. In addition, NRCS helped fund the installation of 4,620 feet of PVC irrigation pipeline underground. This pipeline connects to 86 sprinklers that water about 10 acres from the well. Lee Pauley (right) discusses his farming Lawrence County operation with NRCS employees Abe Hester Heavy rains severely eroded the streambank adjacent to a sewer pumping and Burthel Thomas. station, water main and city street in Lynn, Ark. But thanks to a 90 percent cost-share from NRCS, the town of just over 300 inhabitants was able to get the damage repaired. The work consisted of grading and shaping the existing channel and placing rip rap on each side for 150 feet to stabilize the banks. "We could not have done the repair without NRCS funds and technical expertise," says Mayor Van Doyle. "The whole project went off without a hitch. Myself and the citizens of our small city are very grateful." A contractor completes work on a streambank stabilization project in Lynn, Ark. Page 18 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 NRCS Annual Report Randolph County Stuart Davis, a farmer from Warm Springs, Ark., has a diverse five-acre operation. Not only does he produce squash, okra, beans, tomatoes, peppers and pumpkins, but also truffles and ginseng. But the well on his property, which irrigated the vegetables he sells locally and supplied water to his house, had almost dried up. Davis went to the bank for a loan to install a new water system, but was turned down. Luckily, 90 percent cost-share assistance from NRCS helped him dig a new well and install an irrigation pipeline. The new system has increased water efficiency and production, and has improved his family's quality of life. Adam Eades, district conservationist in "This is my livelihood," Davis says. "I used to go to the back door of restaurants Pocahontas, Ark. (left), and Stuart Davis, farmer and other local vendors to sell my produce. Now, I'm establishing an expanded in Warm Springs, Ark., meet to follow up on local produce stand where I can more effectively market my produce." progress made in his operation. Hempstead County Sandra (Sandy) Martin has a passion to help people in need—and a 108-acre farm in Patmos, Ark., which has been in her family for more than 150 years. Martin wants to use her farm to train at-risk youths and adults how to farm, package and market produce. She received a 90 percent cost-share from NRCS to build a high tunnel, which will extend her growing season by at least two months a year. This will enable Martin to get her produce to market before most of her competitors and also increase her profits by producing more than one crop per year. Left to right: Burthel Thomas, assistant state conservationist for South, Ark.; Todd Sewell, dis- Martin plans to plant a wide variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, squash, trict conservationist for Hope, Ark.; and Sandra cucumbers, peppers, earlier okra and greens. She is also working with NRCS to Martin discuss Martin's organic farm. implement a number of other conservation practices on her farm. St. Francis County This spring, when water from excessive rains damaged the sewage treatment facility in Hughes, Ark., and the lagoon ponds began to breach, Mayor Larry Owens contacted NRCS to help prevent total failure of the surrounding embankment. "Raw sewage was flowing into a creek," says NRCS state engineer Walt Delp. "Without quick action, the contamination would have spread downstream, impacting the entire community." Brian Gawf (right), NRCS construction inspector, The sewage leak and potential wastewater contamination of groundwater looks at a trench created to hold rocks on the resources could have caused serious health threats to the community, in levee around a sewage treatment facility lagoon. addition to environmental problems in the area's lakes and streams. Mayor Owens says that he and Hughes as a community appreciate NRCS and its assistance. "[NRCS'] speedy reaction led to successfully averting what could have been a huge problem for our community," he says. "It's good to have programs like this to help take care of us in these types of emergency situations." Page 19 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 NRCS Annual Report Georgia StrikeForce Counties: Appling, Atkinson, Baker, Baldwin, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bulloch, Calhoun, Candler, Charlton, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooley, Early, Emanuel, Evans, Grady, Hancock, Irwin,Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, Macon, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Peach, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Screven, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Taylor, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox and Wilkes Baldwin County Jere Leverett always made it a priority to take care of the land on his picturesque, 110-acre Oconee Sands Farm, just outside Milledgeville, Ga. But operating a cattle breeding operation on the Oconee River made Leverett's attempts at conservation difficult. To help protect the Oconee River, Leverett was awarded cost-share funds, which he used to install 2,622 feet of fence to prevent his 25 cattle from getting into the water. The fence protects the river from bacteria and helps prevent soil erosion along its banks. Leverett was also able to build a heavy-use area on the farm with an alternative water source in the form of water troughs. As a result, Leverett says, not only is the river protected, but in addition, "animal health has improved and the survival rate of calves has increased." NRCS Soil Conservation Technician Corey New Terrell County (left) and Jere Leverett (right) stand in front of a heavy-use area on Oconee Sands Farm. John and Julia Canty moved to Dawson, Ga. less than five years ago, but in that short time the couple has grown a small garden into a half-acre operation in their backyard. They produce a variety of fruits and vegetables, including collards, okra, peas, tomatoes, squash, watermelon and zucchini. At times, it has been a tough job, especially for the years they used a hose to water their plots. But with technical and financial assistance from NRCS, the Cantys have been able to dig a well and install a solid-set irrigation system. Now the couple, married 42 years, has a steady supply of water to help them grow their farm. Handcock County NRCS helped John and Julia Canty develop a When they retired, Bedell and Geneva Finley bought a 23-acre farm outside of water source on their fruit and vegetable farm. Sparta, Ga. The farm had 131 pecan trees and a large pasture. To keep from having to bush-hog the pasture twice a year, the Finleys acquired cows. But that caused wear on the land, especially through overgrazing. To minimize the impact of the livestock, the Finleys implemented rotational grazing and installed watering facilities in their newly divided pastures. With funding from NRCS, they put in cross fencing for grazing, installed heavy use areas for feeding and watering, drilled a well that delivers water to different areas, planted longleaf pines for wildlife habitat and planted clover in their pastures to help control soil erosion. Bedell Finley says that this way of farming is more efficient and less labor- intense. Both the land and the cows have benefited. Bedell and Geneva Finley own several cows so they don't have to bush-hog their pasture. Page 20 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 NRCS Annual Report Macon County In 2005, John Lowe planted 95 pecan trees on a small piece of land near Montezuma, Ga. He filled up a 300-gallon water tank and drove to the field, where he used an old five-gallon bucket to hand-water the trees. He spent four to five hours watering the trees every day, three days each week. NRCS was able to offer a 90 percent cost-share for Lowe to install an irrigation system. Thanks to his new whole-farm irrigation plan, he now spends just five minutes a day watering the trees. Lowe has a system better than he ever dreamed of. And now other local farmers, inspired by his example, are seeking out NRCS. Screven County Relinda Walker convinced her father to let her transition the family farm in Sylvania, Ga. to an organic operation growing peanuts, peas and onion seedlings. Through NRCS, she was able to install a six-acre sprinkler system on her farm. John Lowe no longer relies on a five-gallon "It's expanded my ability to do intensive management of my vegetable crops and bucket to water his pecan orchard. to grow things with less water," she says. Walker Farms is among the first to successfully grow an organic onion seedbed and now sells organic onion seedlings to other farmers. The farm also harvested the first Georgia crop of certified organic peanuts to go to market. Since then, Walker has installed a high tunnel to extend the growing season and a five-acre sprinkler system. . NRCS Engineer David Drewry and Relinda Walker with her organic vegetables. Page 21 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 NRCS Annual Report Irwin County Jerome Powell, a third-generation fruit and vegetable farmer outside Fitzgerald, Ga., believes in conserving water wherever possible. After he learned about NRCS from reading newsletters and seeing a presentation by a soil conservationist, he applied for assistance. He completed his first irrigation project on 14 acres of watermelon and other crops. He is now installing, with the help of NRCS irrigation engineer Andrew Swain, an irrigation well, a micro-irrigation system and irrigation water management on an additional 28.7 acres. This work has helped Powell make significant changes to his operation. "Where I was using three gallons of water, I now use one, for example," he says. The irrigation system has helped him get his crops to market faster and save on his expenses. Quitman County Jerome Powell forms a planting bed and lays For several years, George Cathrall watched helplessly as he lost irreplaceable down the irrigation system under the plastic cover. top soil on his property, Sunnyview Farms. Gullies carried the precious resource away during heavy rains. He tried every possible solution he could think of to correct the problem. But it persisted until Cathrall partnered with NRCS. NRCS assisted Cathrall in installing terraces to control soil erosion and a grassed waterway to provide a safe outlet for water. Livestock were fenced out of a stream, an alternative water supply was put in place and heavy use areas with water troughs were created. In addition, Cathrall improved forest stands by using pest management and prescribed burning in order to control the undergrowth and participates in a multi-state effort to restore the native longleaf pine ecosystem. George Cathrall worked with NRCS to install conservation practices that greatly reduced soil erosion on his farm. Page 22 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 NRCS Annual Report Mississippi's 52 Strike Force Counties Mississippi Alcorn Tishomingo Benton Desoto StrikeForce Counties: Adams, Amite, Attala, Benton, Bolivar, Calhoun, Marshall Tippah Tunica Tate Prentiss Chickasaw, Choctaw, Claiborne, Clarke, Clay, Coahoma, Covington, Franklin, Union Itawamba Panola Lafayette Lee a Greene, Grenada, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Quitman hom Pontotoc Coa Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lafayette, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Leflore, Yalobusha Calhoun aw Tallahatchie as ick Monroe Ch Lincoln, Lowndes, Marion , Monroe, Montgomery, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Bolivar Grenada Clay Sunflower Webster s Pike, Quitman, Scott, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Walthall, Warren, Mo de Leflore wn ntg Choctaw Oktibbeha Lo om Carroll Washington e Washington, Wayne, Webster, Wilkinson, Winston, Yalobusha and Yazoo ry ys Humphre Winston Noxubee Holmes Attala Sharkey Nesh Yazoo Kemper Leake oba Issaquena Madison Lauderdale Mississippi StrikeForce Outreach Scott Newton n rre Wa Hinds Rankin Clarke Smith Jasper Claiborne As in the other two StrikeForce pilot states, NRCS Mississippi contracted with Simpson Copiah Jefferson local community-based organizations to hold dozens of outreach meetings. Co Wayne Jones Lawrence vin Jefferson Davis gto Lincoln n s These meetings, held between April 2010 and September 2011, were targeted am Franklin Ad Lamar to Historically Underserved and Limited Resource producers in the 52 Greene Forrest Marion Perry W Amite Pike Wilkinson alt ha StrikeForce counties across the state. ll George Stone Pearl River Total meetings: 77 Hancock Jackson Harrison Total attendees: 3,039 Total program applications resulting 117 from these meetings (to date): Clarke County Barbara Robinson, a lifelong resident of Clarke County, is known as one of the local "blueberry ladies." The small farmer owns and operates B&W Orchards near Clarkedale, Miss. Her 20 acres of farmland is mostly gardens, fruit trees and blueberry orchards. Five acres are dedicated to blueberries and muscadine grapes, which she grades and packages on the farm and then sells to local markets. After learning about high tunnel houses, Robinson contacted NRCS and Barbara Robinson looks at tomato plants, applied for assistance. She received funding last fall to install a high tunnel, which will be planted in her new high tunnel. which is already producing okra, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, radishes and spinach. The high tunnel extended her normal growing season by eight weeks, adding that much more to her harvest—and income. She liked the first high tunnel so much, she built another one! Robinson is now receiving NRCS assistance to install a well and an irrigation system. Page 23 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 NRCS Annual Report Warren County Robert Short has used organic practices on his farm in Flowers, Miss., for years, long before he knew what "organic" meant. "Organic—we never heard of it," he says. "This is what my grandfather did 60 years ago. We couldn't afford to buy fertilizer, so we cleaned out the chicken houses and spread it across the fields each year." Now Short uses horse manure and crop rotation to keep his four acres of okra, beans, watermelon, squash and other crops productive. He also uses many other environmentally friendly practices recommended by NRCS, and is now transitioning his operation to organic production under USDA's National Organic Robert Short and his granddaughter, Camiren, Program. pick okra on Short's four-acre farm. NRCS has also provided Short with assistance in building a well and a game fence. Claiborne County Arthur Phelps is a small cattle farmer who lives on the same farm he was born and raised on 76 years ago. Before coming back home to farm, Phelps worked 19 years with Letourneau Technologies, in Vicksburg, Miss., helping to build oil rigs and spending a lot of time offshore. He was part of the maintenance crew responsible for painting and sandblasting. After word-of-mouth led him to seek assistance from NRCS, Phelps has been successful in completing at least 20 different conservation projects on his farm, including two ponds, fencing, nutrient management, critical area stabilization, streambank stabilization and, most recently, grade stabilization and diversion. Phelps has completed just about every conservation practice you can think of except for tree planting. Arthur Phelps (left) and Patrick Smith, NRCS soil conservation technician in Port Gibson, Miss., monitor a grade stabilization that was installed to stop two severe erosion sites and also serves as a watering source for the cattle. Page 24 USDA Strikeforce Initiative - 2011 NRCS Annual Report Lincoln County Carl Brown has been raising cattle since he was 15, when he bought his first cow for $400. Today, Brown owns a 22-acre beef farm south of Brookhaven, Miss., where he has 23 cows. The retired Mississippi State Police officer has worked in the cattle business for more than 30 years. NRCS has played a crucial role in Brown's success, helping him implement pasture best management practices like prescribed grazing, cross fencing and a grade stabilization structure. Carl Brown on his 22-acre beef farm. Quitman County Conservation has run through Frank Wilbourn's veins since he was a youngster working alongside his father. Now he has bought his family's place in Lambert, Miss., where he earns a living growing herbs, fruits and vegetables. NRCS helped the 71-year-old construct a high tunnel and irrigation system. Wilbourn grows potatoes, greens, tomatoes, eggplant, squash, okra, watermelons and herbs, among other Delta favorites. He sells his goods at a farmer's market and out of his pickup truck. The high tunnel has allowed him to lengthen his growing season, and the irrigation system has equipped him with a well, a pump and an efficient underground delivery system. Frank Wilbourn (left) shows cabbage growing in his new high tunnel to Soil Conservation Technician Larry Pride. Page 25 StrikeForce Outreach Meetings Each StrikeForce state has held numerous public outreach meetings StrikeForce Outreach Meetings producers. to reach Historically Underserved and Limited Resource Each StrikeForce state has held numerous public outreach meetings to reach Historically Underserved and Limited These meetings reflect NRCS' commitment to both increasing funding Resource producers. These meetings reflect NRCS' commitment to both increasing funding and addressing disparities and addressing disparities in knowledge about and access to conservation assistance in persistent to conservation assistance in in knowledge about and accesspoverty counties. NRCS contracted persistent poverty counties. NRCS contracted with local with local community-based organizations to these meetings. community-based organizations to holdhold these meetings. State Attendees Mississippi 3,039 Arkansas 932 Georgia 1,922 EQIP Funding in StrikeForce in StrikeForce Counties Targeted Financial AssistanceCounties This table reflects NRCS conservation investment in Limited Resource and Historically Underserved farmers and ranchers This table reflects NRCS conservation investment in Limited Resource and Historically Underserved farmers and ranchers in in 137 StrikeForce counties. 2010 funding figures are shown for comparison. This table shows only financial assistance 137 StrikeForce counties. 2010 EQIP funding figures are shown for comparison This table shows only financial the of the StrikeForce funds were allocated to conservation technical assistance. dollars; many ofmanyStrikeForce funds were allocated to conservation technical assistance. assistance dollars; Percent Change between Historically 2010 & 2011 Underserved* 2010 2011 (due to StrikeForce) Number of Dollars Acres Number of Dollars Acres Number of Dollars Acres State Contracts Obligated Enrolled Contracts Obligated Enrolled Contracts Obligated Enrolled Arkansas 13 189,448 365 62 796,916 57,840 377% 321% 15734% Georgia 29 450,621 1,807 52 1,151,130 35,628 79% 155% 1872% Mississippi 129 1,196,225 3,951 392 3,235,375 160,643 204% 170% 3966% Total 171 1,836,294 6,123 506 5,183,421 254,111 196% 182% 4050% Percent Change between Limited 2010 & 2011 Resource** 2010 2011 (due to StrikeForce) Number of Dollars Acres Number of Dollars Number of Dollars Acres State Contracts Obligated Enrolled Contracts Obligated Acres Enrolled Contracts Obligated Enrolled Arkansas 9 41,888 277 32 518,015 2,973 256% 1137% 974% Georgia 8 190,023 712 11 248,724 446 38% 31% -37% *** Mississippi 31 211,571 872 71 588,990 2,065 129% 178% 137% Total 48 443,482 1,861 114 1,355,729 5,484 138% 206% 195% *Historically Underserved producers include Asians, African Americans, Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans. *Historically Underserved producers include Asians, African Americans, Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans. **A Limited Resource producer is defined as: **A Limited Resource producer is defined as: 1. A person with direct or indirect gross farm sales not more than $163,200 than $163,200 (adjusted previous two years, and 1. A person with direct or indirect gross farm sales not more(adjusted for 2012) in each of the for 2012) in each of the previous two years, 2. A person with a total household income at or below the national poverty level for a family of four or less than 50 percent of county median household and income in each of the previous two years. 2. A person with a total household income at or below the national poverty level for a family of four or less than 50 percent of county ***The negative change is because, while the number of enrollees increased between 2010 and 2011, the average acreage per producer shrank, which is consistent median household income in each of the previous two years. ***The negative change is because, while the number of enrollees increased between 2010 and 2011, the average acreage per producer shrank, which is consistent with the Limited Resource producer population. NRCS Georgia also provided $141,748 to small farmers in 2011, resulting in 9 contracts on more than 315 acres. www.nrcs.usda.gov Page 26 USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. USDA StrikeForce Initiative USDA Rural Development Page 27 USDA StrikeForce Initiative USDA Rural Development ARKANSAS Arkansas StrikeForce Emphasis Counties StrikeForce Counties: Arkansas, Bradley, Chicot, Columbia, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Hempstead, Howard, Jackson, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lee, Mississippi, Monroe, Ne- vada, Newton, Ouachita, Phillips, Randolph, Searcy, Sevier, St. Francis and Wood- ruff Arkansas County Lennox St. Pump Station, Stuttgart The existing pump stations had been in operation for 60 years and needed an upgrade. With USDA support, new pumps are being installed to increase the flow and new control systems. A small amount of force main will also be installed. All of these improvements will allow the City to better serve their users. Four of the exist- ing pump stations will be replaced and additional improvements will be made to the system. The project will reduce maintenance costs to the city. An estimated 23 jobs will be created or saved. Also, $1 million in USDA funds will leverage a local contri- bution to rehabilitate the city's wastewater system. Lawrence County Northeast Arkansas Public Water Authority Residents of Lawrence County, Ark., feel more secure now that they don't rely on water wells. The wells often went dry and the groundwater supply was subject to contamination. Thanks to the Northeast Arkansas Public Water Authority, the water treatment plant is being expanded and residents will receive treated water from the Spring River, (pictured here). This project, which will provide up to 10 million gallons of treated drinking water per day, was made possible by $11.5 million in low-interest loan funds from Rural Development and the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission plus grant funds from Rural Development and the Delta Regional Authority. Newton and Searcy Counties FORGE, Inc. Almost $200,000 in Federal funds, leveraging additional funding through the Inter- mediary Relending Program, will be used to create a revolving loan fund to small and emerging business that will provide employment opportunities in 11 counties in Northwest Arkansas including the two strike force counties of Newton and Searcy. This project will create an estimated 33 jobs. Page 28 USDA StrikeForce Initiative USDA Rural Development Georgia StrikeForce Emphasis Coun- ties Georgia StrikeForce Counties: Appling, Atkinson, Baker, Baldwin, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bulloch, Calhoun, Candler, Charlton, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooley, Early, Emanuel, Evans, Grady, Hancock, Irwin, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, Macon, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Peach, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Screven, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Taylor, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Ware, Warren, Wash- ington, Wayne, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox, and Wilkes Bulloch County The Islands The Islands Phase III, LLC is a newly established company that is providing student housing at Georgia Southern University. USDA funds will be used to pay-off interim acquisition and development loan to construct two double-story apartments con- sisting of 16 two-bedroom apartments. Georgia Southern is a public, Carnegie Doctoral/Research university devoted to academic distinction in teaching, scholarship, and service. Miller County Hospital Improvements The Miller County Hospital Authority secured over $7.6 million in USDA funds to refinance a portion of existing debt and make improvements and additions to the hospital and nursing home facilities. Practically all jobs at the hospital were saved. Furthermore, a critical care hospital was able to keep its doors open in order to serve not only Miller County residents but several surrounding counties. Miller County is a medically underserved area and also serves the surrounding coun- ties of Early, Baker, Calhoun, Seminole ad Decatur. Miller County has a population of 6,383 with about 2,500 living in Colquitt. Twenty-six percent of the population lives in poverty. Telfair County Farmers Market Bret Manning contacted his local USDA Rural Development office to help fund a farmers market for Telfair county. USDA provided a Rural Business Enterprise Grant totaling almost $100,000 and another $25,000 was leveraged from other sources to finance construction. Bulloch County student housing The farmers market will allow local residents to buy directly from the farmers. The County created five jobs and gave local farmers a place to sell their goods. NRCS also assisted farmers with equip funds to assist with irrigation issues. Baker County Commercial Kitchen Rural Development, in cooperation with the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), has entered into a cooperative agreement to provide technical support and financial assis- tance to the East Baker Commercial Kitchen to create jobs. The kitchen operators intend to make the facility a full service business incubator to support the growth of self sufficient food businesses, produce its own food product line, and create a com- munity garden and commercial kitchen greenhouse to help support the surrounding communities and its clients. Page 29 USDA StrikeForce Initiative USDA Rural Development Mississippi Mississippi StrikeForce Emphasis Counties StrikeForce Counties: Adams, Amite, Attala, Benton, Bolivar, Calhoun, Chicka- saw, Choctaw, Claiborne, Clarke, Clay, Coahoma, Covington, Franklin, Greene, Grenada, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lafayette, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Leflore, Lincoln, Lowndes, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pike, Quitman, Scott, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Walthall, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Wilkinson, Winston, Yalobusha and Yazoo Lauderdale County Clean, Safe, Dependable Water Through the Strike Force Initiative, USDA Rural Development invested $3.7 million dollars in loan and grant funds to provide sewer treatment upgrades for residents of rural Lauderdale County. USDA funds will be used to install approximately 14 miles of sewer lines and three lift stations for sewer treatment at reasonable rates and terms. Grenada County Business Development Through a Rural Business Enterprise Grant provided to the County Board, Irene Henson, owner of Ole Corner Store, in Grenada County, Miss., will be able to buy new convenience/restaurant equipment to expand her business services and hire ad- ditional employees. Rural Development funded a Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) for the Grenada County Board of Supervisors to help a small and emerg- ing, female owned business. Sharkey County Multi Family Housing and Community Facilities North Gate Apartments in Rolling Fork, Mississippi North Gate Apartments is a 24-unit Family Complex that was constructed in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. The complex was completed in June 2011. Rural Development provided a loan of $925,076 and the property was leveraged with tax credit funds from the Mississippi Home Corporation. The facility provides affordable housing in this limited income community. Northgate Apartments Pearl River Valley Opportunity, Inc. Head Start Center Pearl River Valley Opportunity, Inc. (PRVO) received a $ 3 million loan through the Community Facilities Program to construct a Head Start Center. This center will provide jobs and educational opportunities. Page 30 USDA StrikeForce Initiative USDA Rural Development Total Program Funding in Strike Force Counties Arkansas Fund Category 2011 Application Funded 2011 Funds Obligated 2010 Applications Funded 2010 Regular Funds Obligated Water & Environmental Programs/CF 24 $32,386,200 87 $14,725,400 Business & Cooperative Programs 29 $17,201,278 24 $12,701,877 Single Family Housing Programs 573 $39,423,791 666 $40,069,11 Multi-Family Housing Programs 2680 $11,774,403 2486 $11,554,918 RUS Electric Loans 5 $58,302,570 4 $20,983,539 RUS Broadband/ Telecom Loans/Grants 9 $1,510,850 2 $11,209,000 Georgia Fund Category 2011 Application Funded 2011 Funds Obligated 2010 Applications Funded 2010 Regular Funds Obligated Water & Environmental Programs/CF 25 $15,457,756 37 $13,119,084 Business & Cooperative Programs 79 $29,330,975 60 $21,939,997 Single Family Housing Programs 769 $72,561,902 978 $73,9922,704 Multi-Family Housing Programs 1706 $16,719,756 3625 $12,733,539.60 RUS Electric Loans 5 $714,608,000 12 $527,095,000 RUS Broadband/ 1 $5,977,000 0 0 Telecom Loans/Grants Mississippi Fund Category 2011 Application Funded 2011 Funds Obligated 2010 Applications Funded 2010 Regular Funds Obligated Water & Environmental Programs/CF 19 $41,601,612 21 $38,004,386 Business & Cooperative Programs 49 $27,872,788 39 $14,126,071 Single Family Housing Program 1,816 $155,737,759 1,175 $108,654,677 Multi-Family Housing Programs/CF 10 $25,839,822 0 $21,900,868 RUS Electric Programs 3 $329,081,000 0 0 RUS Broadband/ Telecom Loans/Grants 1 $33,766 36 $3,913,586 Page 31 Persistent Poverty, 1980, 1990, 2000 CENSUS. RANDOLPH LAWRENCE MISSISSIPPI NEWTON SEARCY JACKSON WOODRUFF ST. FRANCIS LEE MONROE PHILLIPS ARKANSAS HOWARD CLARK SEVIER DALLAS DESHA HEMPSTEAD OUACHITA NEVADA DREW BRADLEY CHICOT LAFAYETTECOLUMBIA Projection: Albers Equal Area, meters, NAD 83 Datum: Map by Keith M Mitchell, Rural Development, Legend Water and Environmental Programs. States 6/21/2011 Counties Persistent poverty counties 0 50 100 150 Page 32 Miles Persistent Poverty, 1980, 1990, 2000 CENSUS. WILKES TALIAFERRO WARREN HANCOCK JEFFERSON BALDWIN WASHINGTON JENKINS SCREVEN JOHNSON EMANUEL TALBOT CANDLER BULLOCH PEACH LAURENS TAYLOR TREUTLEN EVANS MACON MONTGOMERYTOOMBS PULASKI DODGE WHEELER TATTNALL DOOLY SUMTER TELFAIR STEWART WILCOX WEBSTER CRISP APPLING BEN HILL QUITMAN TERRELL TURNER WAYNE RANDOLPH IRWIN COFFEE CLAY TIFT CALHOUN ATKINSON BERRIEN EARLY BAKER WARE COLQUITT COOK MITCHELL MILLER CLINCH CHARLTON THOMAS SEMINOLE GRADY DECATUR Projection: Albers Equal Area, meters, NAD 83 Datum: Map by Keith M Mitchell, Rural Development, Legend Water and Environmental Programs. States 6/21/2011 Counties Persistent poverty counties 0 50 100 150 Page 33 Miles Persistent Poverty, 1980, 1990, 2000 CENSUS. BENTON PANOLA LAFAYETTE QUITMAN COAHOMA YALOBUSHA CHICKASAW CALHOUN MONROE TALLAHATCHIE BOLIVAR GRENADA CLAY WEBSTER SUNFLOWER LOWNDES LEFLORE MONTGOMERY OKTIBBEHA CHOCTAW WASHINGTON WINSTON NOXUBEE HUMPHREYS HOLMES ATTALA SHARKEY KEMPER YAZOO LEAKE ISSAQUENA LAUDERDALE SCOTT WARREN CLARKE JASPER CLAIBORNE JEFFERSON WAYNE COVINGTON JONES JEFFERSON DAVIS LAWRENCE LINCOLN ADAMS FRANKLIN GREENE MARION AMITE PIKEWALTHALL WILKINSON Projection: Albers Equal Area, meters, NAD 83 Datum: Map by Keith M Mitchell, Rural Development, Legend Water and Environmental Programs. States 6/21/2011 Counties Persistent poverty counties 0 50 100 150 Page 34 Miles
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subset: commoncrawl


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Chances Of Contracting Hiv From A Needlestick
Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:
Ask the Experts
PLEASE PLEASE HELP!!!! ...worried about possible needlestick injury (NEEDLE STICK) (URBAN LEGEND, 2009)I went out last night and as I walked through a big crowd, I felt a scratch-like pain on my leg. I very briefly looked at my leg but had to keep it moving cos there were people behind me. Anyway, I forgot about it and enjoyed the rest of the...
Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.
The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation...at a rave... HIV? PLEASE HELP! (NEEDLE STICK) (URBAN LEGEND, 2009) Jul 4, 2009 Hi Doc. I've read the previous questions about needle stick injuries and pin pricks at this forum and you have answered all of them the same way. However, MINE IS... Read more »
HIV from needlestick? but unsure if there was puncture wound. (NEEDLE STICK) (URBAN LEGENDS, 2009)Hello Doctor. I live in the UK.I have a question which you may have answered before....but I want... Read more »
Was shot with a ball (containing needles) at a rave... HIV? PLEASE HELP! (NEEDLE STICK) (URBAN LEGEND, 2009)Hi Doc. I've read the previous questions about needle stick injuries and pin pricks at this forum... Read more »
Most Surgical Residents Fail to Report Needle-Stick Injuries, Increasing Risk of HIV, Other Bloodborne Diseases, Study Says...and sought treatment immediately, the Baltimore Sun reports. According to the Sun , surgical residents are prone to needle sticks because they are inexperienced. In addition, residents often work with high-risk patients and conduct... Read more »
About Half of Nurses in U.K. Have Experienced Needle Stick Injuries, Many Are Concerned About HIV Risk, Study Says...everyday threat for nurses" ( BBC News , 11/19). Currently, 94% of employers have a policy that covers prevention and reporting of needle stick injuries, but only 55% of the nurses surveyed had received training from their employer on safe needle... Read more »
Rumors, Myths and Hoaxes About HIV/AIDS...from a used needle and syringe, a person would have to have a large amount of the drug injected directly into their body. A needle stick injury such as that mentioned in the story would not lead to a large enough injection to cause a drug... Read more »
HIV Transmission...rumors. The majority of these reports and warnings appear to be rumors/myths. CDC was informed of one incident in Virginia of a needle stick from a small-gauge needle (believed to be an insulin needle) in a coin return slot of a pay phone and a... Read more »
Connect With Others
Posted by Anonymous, 3 Replies...A user in the other section said she sat on a needle and got HIV, its very possible and it has happened before, my question is has anyone ever heard of this happening ? and do they know anyone Read more »
Want to connect? HIV+ heterosexual woman
Posted by Anonymous...Hi! I am a 28 year old female doctor with HIV. I got the infection through a needle stick injury. I was diagnosed in 96 when I offered a blood transfusion to a friend's father. I have been through hell, mainly because my profession Read more »
Concerned son
Posted by Anonymous, 4 Replies...My mom just called me and told me she was accidently stuck with a needle that was used for a blood draw on an HIV patient with a high viral load? I should say that she is a nurse and works on the oncology floor at a very large teaching hospital. Read more »
HIV and needles
Posted by QP95, 1 Reply...My boyfriend is HIV positive and has an undetectable viral load. However, he has recently started giving himself injections of HGH. He asked for Read more »
Resource Centers
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your turning key back off
View questions for:All Pontiac
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1990 Pontiac Grand Prix Question: Car Car runs want stay started after warms up starts for a second and dies like
BennyBBad, 3.1L V6, Killeen, TX, July 20, 2013, 14:35
1 Answer
Answer #1lightsaber July 20, 2013, 14:53Journeyman
Replace the fuel pump relay and see if that fixes it. I had a Pontiac Grand Am that would run good, but if it was turned off after it warmed up, it would not restart for an hour. The problem was a defective fuel pump relay.
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Special Correspondent
Now the land of pre-1977 settlers in Idukki are only heritable
Legal issues to be examined at the next Cabinet meeting, says Revenue Minister
Titles for farmers living on land notified for KSEB projects
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet will consider granting of transferability of titles to pre-1977 settlers in Idukki and other districts.
A decision to this effect was taken at the conference of political parties, representatives of high range protection council and leaders of farmers from Idukki district convened by Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan here on Wednesday. The High Range Samrakshana Samithi later withdrew their agitation in view of the assurances given by the government on their demands.
Cannot be sold
Revenue Minister K. P. Rajendran told the media after the conference that the Cabinet would examine legal issues involved in allowing unconditional title to settlers at its next meeting.
Now the land is only heritable and not alienable, according to rules framed in 1993.
Steps to issue titles to the remaining pre-1977 settlers would be speeded up and completed in six months. (The titles were being issued on the basis of conditional clearance given by the Centre for diversion of forest lands under the Forest Conservation Act).
Case of sanctuary
The settlement officer of the Kurinjimala Sanctuary would be asked to address the problems of the farmers and complete the settlement within three months.
(The sanctuary had been notified excluding lands of farmers with titles. However, some people had launched an agitation claiming that farm lands had been included in the sanctuary.)
The Minister said that the government would also take steps to issue titles to farmers who were living on land notified for the projects of KSEB.
The KSEB had abandoned the projects for which the land had been notified. The decision would benefit about 14,000 farmers living on project areas such as Perinjankutty.
Cardamom leases
He said that the government was taking steps to expedite the case before the Supreme Court on renewal of cardamom leases.
In view of stay on renewal of leases, premium and tax were not being collected from the farmers. Now, the government had started collecting them so as to enable the farmers to claim various assistances for cardamom cultivation.
Spices Board project
The Spices Board had announced a Rs.50-crore project for promotion of cultivation. The farmer would now be able to claim the benefits.
Besides the Chief Minister and the Revenue Minister, the conference was attended by the Ministers in charge of Home, Forests, Power, Labour, Local Self Government and Water Resources and local members of the Assembly and Idukki member of Parliament P. T. Thomas.
Fr. Sebastian Kochupurackal and Joyce George represented the High Range Samrakshana Samithi and Josekutty J. Ozhukayil, Raju Xavier and K. K. Devasia represented the Malanadu Karshaka Samithi.


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By Jef With One F
The 10 Biggest Rockers Living in Texas
By Rocks Off
By Chris Lane
By Angelica Leicht
By Corey Deiterman
Drake Returns to Warehouse Live
By Brando
By Angelica Leicht
6 Bands No One Noticed Broke Up
By Corey Deiterman
This World We Live In will certainly rank as one of the strongest songwriter albums of 2006, with country rockers such as "Big Idea" and super-smart lyrical treatises such as "Half of My Mistakes" offering fine examples of what Nashville can do when formulas are thrown out and chances are taken. Like Jim Lauderdale and Buddy Miller, Foster can skate close to the mainstream without crossing over into schmaltz or saccharine. After two so-so albums, it's good to see Foster back on top of his game.
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Deep-fried Tofu with Thickened Mushroom Sauce
I tried adding flavorful mushrooms to my usual agedashi tofu sauce.
Deep fry the tofu as soon as you've coated it with katakuriko. I fry the tofu in a smallish frying pan that comes up to half the height of the tofu. Silken tofu falls apart easily, so turn the pieces over very carefully. For 2 servings. Recipe by FarmersK
Ingredients serves 2
|1 block
|Silken tofu
|50 grams
|Enoki mushrooms
|50 grams
|Shimeji mushrooms
|1 dash
|Leeks or green onions (finely chopped)
|2 tsp
|Katakuriko slurry (1:1 ratio of water to katakuriko)
|Yuzu pepper
|200 ml
|Dashi stock
|1 tbsp
|1 tbsp
|Soy sauce
|1 pinch
Slice the stem end of the enoki mushrooms, cut in half and shred. Cut the stems off the shimeji mushrooms and shred as well.
Put the ingredients listed under A into a pan. When the mixture comes to a boil, add the mushrooms from Step 1, simmer over medium heat for 1 minute, then add the katakuriko slurry to thicken. The mushroom sauce is done.
Next, cut the block of tofu in half, sandwich between paper towels and leave for 5 minutes to drain excess moisture, then coat with katakuriko.
Deep fry the tofu in medium-hot oil for 3 minutes and it's done (I fried the tofu in a small frying pan with about 1 cm of oil).
Pour the piping hot mushroom sauce and green onions over the fried tofu.... If you dissolve yuzu pepper paste in the sauce, it's absolutely terrific.
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Rose Marie Rhodus
Missouri City, TX
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CRPF and BSF top the list of personnel committing suicides with latest records showing that 370 such incidents took place in paramilitary forces since 2012. 338 more words
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PEB Scam: MP Governor Ram Naresh Yadav submits resignation?
Newsroom24x7 Desk
Bhopal: Has Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav submitted his resignation on being asked by the Union home ministry to step down after the Special task Force of Madhya Pradesh Police registered an FIR against him under various sections of IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act in connection with the massive State Professional Examination Board scam also known as "Vyapam" scam? 125 more words
'I come from BJP ideology. I am not imported' :Kiren Rijiju
Discrimination against those from the Northeast is a subject that's close to minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju's heart. The home ministry is recruiting around 160 police personnel from the Northeast for the Delhi police, the MP from Arunachal Pradesh tells Sonia Sarkar… 1,578 more words
Mystery over offloading of activist
Jan 12, 2015: Mystery deepened over the offloading of GreenPeace activist Priya Pillai while she was to board a flight to London with Union Home Ministry on Tuesday saying that it did not authorise the issuance of Look Out Notice (LOC) against her. 461 more words
Offloaded- Report sought
The government has initiated a probe into the incident in which a Greenpeace activist was offloaded at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Priya Pillai was to board a flight to London when she was offloaded and her passport stamped. 32 more words
The SOPs for schools in event of a terror attack
The attack at an army school in Peshwar has been noted with extremely concern by India. The Home Minstry based on the Intelligence Bureau report today drafted new Standard Operatin Procedures to be followed in schools. 65 more words
ISIS ban- Setting the record straight
There has been a great deal of debate in the recent days regarding the status of the ISIS and whether it has been banned in India. 167 more words


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Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Orlando-Maingate At Calypso
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Historical Traveler Reviews Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Orlando-Maingate At Calypso
Excellent Value
We stayed in a suite and found the hotel excellent value for money. The location is ideal as it is relatively quiet, but within a few minutes drive of plenty of restaurants and shops. All the main parks were within 15-20 minutes drive. The heated pools were very popular with our two daughters and although the breakfast was simple, it was reasonable for the price. We found the staff were efficient and helpful. We would be happy to stay here again.
So many NEGATIVES
Pros : a) Good location - very close to Disney... Thats it.
Cons : a) Continental Breakfast is very ordinary. Its the same menu every day.. If you are going to stay there for more than a day or two , it becomes very boring...
b) The mattreses are so soft that it is annoying..
c) The shuttle stuff to all the main attractions is crap.
Just so No to Calypso Cay
Just got back today from visiting Florida and I don't recomend that anyone stay at Calypso Cay and do the time share deal. First of all if you are into hearing the 90 minute sales pinch it will break-up your day and will take your morning or afternoon. ( no evening sessions offered ).
I was told that their where shuttles to Disney all day long, in truth one, or two. ( so you will need a rental car ) I waited for the one shuttle and it was a half hour late in the morning.
When we booked the trip we where promised a suite, what we got was a regular room with two beds.
Disaster from the word GO
Well...although the hotel and surroundings were great, there was another side to this "lovely" hotel. First I was greeted by a grouchy host at 1AM in the morning after a 18 hour drive, it took almost 30 minutes to check in. Then, we were told twice that there laundry facilities on site, sure - they haven't been built yet so we had to go to a laundromat. They were shooting tourist video after tourist video and we were unable to use the pool and golfing facilites 3 out of the 4 days we were there. Their hospitality was horrible and the staff rude.
I will never return again!
WOW What a place!
What a wonderful place to stay. We definately will be back. We had a coupon for the Ameri-Suites but they were booked. The Country Inn and Suites gave us a discount all the same. The only rooms available were smoking but it didn't have an odor and was not a problem. Funny, someone else complained about lack of laundry but it was a couple doors down from our room and worked just fine! Free breakfast in the morning, wonderful pool area with live music and three pools and jaccuzi, water slide in one, free 18 hole putt-putt golf, exersize rooms, game rooms, free children activites(definately take advantage of these. They're really fun but very little participation from guest and that's a shame)...it was my kid's dream come true. Just down the street is a Publix grocery store and in the other direction an outlet mall and many nice restaurants. Heck, it was my dream come true. Our room was clean, view was great, and the staff was very friendly. It was a very busy weekend with lots of big groups but it never affected our stay. It was just great.
Very Clean, Nice Hotel
This hotel made our Florida stay just that much more enjoyable. It's an extremely clean hotel, large rooms, nice pool and mini-golf. Breakfast was OK, nothing hot, but all we needed. Tip: Get to breakfast early or it gets EXTREMELY busy. Location was excellent, not far from all the action. We would definately stay in this hotel next time we go.
Nice hotel
We just returned from a 4 night stay at the Country Inn at Calypso Cay (May 4-8). We stayed in a kidsuite, which was nice for our boys, ages 3 and 5, but the room was a bit small and their room lacked a door. We all enjoyed the pool with the waterslide, and the playground was a big hit with the boys. The two negative things I would caution about are the crowded pool and the breakfast buffet. The pool was always full, and we visited during the week when school was in session...I can't imagine what it is like during the summer. The breakfast room was crowded everyday and the buffet was stocked with mainly bagels, frozen waffles and cold french toast that you had to warm up yourself. But all in all we enjoyed our stay and found it to be a nice hotel and would stay there again.
Above average hotel
Nice clean hotel. Fairly new. It has a nice pool and play area for kids. On the down side, it seems to be a place they put people up to sell condos. There were several condo sales people in there trying to work deals, but no one bothered us. It just made it kind of busy. Staff could be a little nicer. All in all a good value for the $$ and a 5 min drive to Disney via the toll road ($.50).
Hotel and location great - but beware
While the location was wonderful, the hotel was pretty and the pool was super, we also had some serious issues that you deserve to be warned of. I called the hotel directly to ask some specific questions and was lied to (ie: laundry facilities are NOT available in this hotel - you have to go to another hotel to use its facilities. Also, I was told that there was a door (a real door) between the parents' and kids' room in the kidsuites - also NOT true. Then there was our maid...I left notes asking that the sheets be changed and carpets be vaccuumed (our stay was 9 days) and she never did more than empty garbage and replace towels (even after I left tips!). I brought my issues to the attention of the management there and they didn't bother to respond until after I had returned home offering a free 2 night stay....gee that's great, but I don't get to Florida on a regular basis. The front desk staff was very helpful, breakfast was good and all our family needed, location was wonderful - but some areas of their customer service need some serious work. Next time, I would stay at the adjacent AmeriSuites and truly get what they promise....
Loved The Country Inn & suites/Kissimmee
This was the second time staying here. It is great near everything , restuarunts, attractions, outlets, many things. Rooms realy clean, help friendly, pool beautiful. The only thing was the breakfast, no eggs or things like that, just simple things, bagels, pastry, coffee, etc. It was justt ok, nothing great. Although 5 minutes away cracker barrel, ihop, and so many others. Disney is only 15 minutes away, like i said the location great. Will continue to stay there over, and over, i do recomend it, thanks
TripAdvisor Reviews Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Orlando-Maingate At Calypso
Travel Blogs from Orlando
... up arguing over whether Sebastian from The Little Mermaid was a crab or a lobster. I took the side of the crab, Ruth the lobster, both of us certain in our positions. We got four of the staff involved who then googled it (as were the people in the booth behind us) and it turns out... he is a crab! Vindication! I even have proof: Sebastian is a crab, a Jamaican Crab to be precise.
Now firmly established as the crazy table we enjoyed the rest of our meal and then headed ...
Wingardium Leviosa!
... area can become. After speaking to a few workers, the opening of Diagon Alley has helped ease the crowding. If you're a Potter Fan, you won't be disappointed in the replica of how the village looks in the movie. Of course, wait times can be grueling, but during our visit--manageable. My kids and I really enjoyed the frozen butterbeer. It tasted like a butterscotch icee, and better tasting than the regular butterbeer (if you like cream soda, then go for the this). Ollivander's ...
Trenchfoot and a broken phone
... want to go on again, there and then, no waiting for the adrenaline to abate, but we had had our turn and had to go swap with John and Dom. After their turn John said it was the first time he had actually screamed in terror on a ride, this trip.
One thing I forgot to mention was that it wasn't particularly warm, when I was asked in the morning if we should bring hoodies I gave my usual answer of "of course not, we won't be there in the evening so ...
Tattoo Time
... forget how much it hurts…each time I swear I'm never going to have another, and as soon as it
heals I'm like "oooh gimme!" I have a problem, haha.
It turns out that Ron, as well as being a nice guy, has been on a TV show about tattoo artists, and has a lot of friends – all of whom seemed to descend on the shop at I was getting tattooed and decided to watch me. I really tried to put a brave face on things, but I think ...
Lions and Cheetas and Giraffes, Oh My!
... but it seemed like one long parade of the same old thing after a while.
I made up t-shirts with Mickey on them that said, "Cheeseheads in the Mouse's House" for all of us to wear (thanks to my parent's friends who actually made the design). So yes, we were that dorky family with the matching shirts. Since we had to be done at 5pm, we went back to our rental home for dinner in and some pool time, and then an "early" bedtime, to catch up from all the late nights.


text:
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Times video news Feb 06, 2009 4:51PM
Armed robbery suspects
The Gainesville Police Department says this video shows suspects in an armed robbery at Star Package Store, 1506 Atlanta Highway on Jan. ... [More]
Times news video Feb 05, 2009 11:57PM
Charlie Company's call of duty
Charlie Company, a Gainesville-based unit of the Georgia National Guard's 48th Brigade, heads out for three weeks of training at Fo... [More]
Feb 03, 2009 11:28PM
State school chief visits
Watch state Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox speak to civic leaders, visit Fair Street International Baccalaureate school. [More]
Times video news Feb 01, 2009 8:17PM
Celebrating Vietnamese New Year
Here are scenes from the Vietnamese New Year celebration Sunday at First Baptist Church on Green Street. [More]
Times news video Jan 30, 2009 12:02AM
Discussion on Old Town Flowery Branch
Flowery Branch City Manager Bill Andrew and developer Kellin Dobbs address the South Hall Business Coalition on the Old Town Flowery Bran... [More]
Times news video Jan 29, 2009 7:49PM
Tour new Grove Street Station
Dan Summer shows off the new Grove Street Station in Gainesville, which will function as an entertainment venue. He and his wife Chandell... [More]
Jan 28, 2009 6:26PM
Gallery Too
Take a video tour of the new Gallery Too, including a look at Maude the Cow, at the Sautee Nacoochee Center. [More]
Times news video Jan 27, 2009 4:31PM
How to wash collard greens
Elizabeth Westbrooks, director of the Sunshine Seniors and longtime cook, demonstrates how to properly cut and wash collard greens before... [More]
Times news video Jan 26, 2009 5:03PM
Tour the Northeast Georgia History Center's basement
Glen Kyle, managing director of the Northeast Georgia History Center in Gainesville, talks about items stored in the center's ba... [More]
Times video news Jan 25, 2009 8:20PM
Fixing finances the Biblical way
Jeff Crook, senior pastor at Blackshear Place Baptist Church, talks about the need for a financial program ministering to church members ... [More]
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Honeymooners Revisit Waldorf-Astoria 6 Decades On
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When Joan and Izzy Schwartz got married, they spent their wedding night in a suite at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Manhattan. Back then, the room cost $16.80. For their 60th anniversary, the Waldorf will give the couple a room for the same rate they paid in 1952.


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"Dry, very dry"
I was really excited at the beginning of this story. But by part 2 I was bored out of my brain. I know it's an award-winning novel, but for me there's far too much unnecessary dialogue and too few scene changes. It just doesn't move quickly enough for me. I gave up partway through part 2.
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