USDA/FSA WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that agricultural producers can now enroll in the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year.

It’s the time of the year when we typically set New Year’s Resolutions. Do you make Resolutions? Or do you set Goals? I set goals and have had better results, better than making resolutions ever did for me. I’ve worked for several companies over the years, from large international firms to small mom and pop operations, had my own business a few times, and some employers werestrongon training and motivating, while others were not. The companies that spent the time and resources to train were more successful than those that didn’t. Because of these career experiences, I was fortunate to have been able to hear many inspiring and educational presentations about setting goals and how to reach them.

Black-eyed peas and rice are a fantastic way to bring in the New Year! If you missed your chance or have plenty left over, perhaps a different way to serve them is in order. On another note, I continue to be shocked that some regions around the country only feed black-eyed peas to their livestock. Lucky for the animals, but how sad for the humans.

One year, my husband told me all he wanted for Christmas was a fruitcake. Wow, what do I do with that bit of information? It’s true that I love to cook and bake, but I put myself in the group of people who fear those bright, artificially colored syrupy fruits and the general heaviness of fruitcakes. But I know there must be beautiful ones to discover.

KNOX CITY – While the holiday season bringsimmensejoyformany,theabundance of events and activities can also elevate stress levels.Regardlessofyourchosencelebrations this year, it is essential to prioritize safety and uphold healthy habits. “Amidst the festive cheer, take intentional stepstoensureyourphysicalandmentalwellbeing,” said Stephen Kuehler, CEO of Knox County Hospital District (KCHD).

There is no tradition of celebrating Christmas in China, but it has gained in popularity in the last few years as Chinese people have become more aware of customs in other countries. My impression is that they were somewhat interested in the idea, and they like giving and receiving presents, but it is not an official national holiday. It’s kind of a “nothing against it” attitude, and they can take it or leave it, similar to American’s attitude towards “Chinese New Year” . . . interesting but not a big deal.

We all have favorite words of wisdom or humorous sayings we keep in mind from family and friends, smart people, successful people, and sages. Here are a few I’ve run across recently, and a few of my favorites from years ago. I’ve always liked “Roses are red…” poems. I know, they’re kind of cheesy, but I like the twist that comes at the end. Roses are red, tacos are delicious, I use paper plates, ‘cause I hates doing dishes. Roses are red, violets are purple, sugar is sweet, and so is maple surple.

For many years, peppermint bark has been one of my son’s favorite Christmas treats. The last time I purchased the ingredients for it, the cashier asked what I was making. It’s simple to prepare—but perhaps some folks may not know just how easy it really is.

“Not all treasure is gold” spokenbyCaptainJackSparrow in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean holds strong meaning. Books to me hold moretreasurethananychest can. A never-ending supply of treasure. A library holds this treasure waiting to be taken, with zero chance of going book bankrupt.

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