Taste of Agriculture in Kosciusko County

When Kosciusko County residents in Indiana don't know if food tastes good, they will often ask to sample some before ordering any. How do those same people, young and old, know if the Farm Service Agency (FSA) is any good? They do it by going to the Taste of Agriculture event and speaking with FSA employees to get a sample of the agency’s programs.

The goal of the 11th Annual Taste of Agriculture, which took place on April 14, 2009, was to showcase county-grown food, provide interaction with the producers, and to distribute information about the production of the food that residents of Kosciusko County eat on a daily basis.

The Taste of Agriculture included demonstrations and enabled residents to ask questions and visit with agricultural professionals. This year an estimated 1,700 attended. FSA was represented by Farm Loan Officer Amanda Borne and Farm Loan Officer Trainee Nancy Reiff.

Visitors to the FSA booth watched a youth loan video and browsed through the many brochures that explained farm loan financing options. In addition, activity books, sticky notes and pens were distributed. "The kids enjoyed the activity books while their parents received valuable information. It was especially enlightening for those who were unaware of the Youth Loan Program," said Reiff. Several individuals also stopped by to discuss FSA’s Farm Ownership Program.

FSA staff members Nancy Reiff (left) and Amanda Borne (right) are on hand to provide information to attendees about loan options and answer questions about the various farm programs.