Grapevine: Putin's baby boom effort in Russia

Promise of incentives for families to have more children

And now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine...

Oh, Baby

It's Valentine's Day, but that's not why Russian Prime minister Vladimir Putin wants people to cozy up.

In stark contrast to countries like China that try to limit births, Putin is hoping to boost the number of babies born in Russia.

He is promising cash incentives, free kindergarten and cheaper housing to mothers who have a third child.

Putin has made the birth rate one of his main campaign issues in his run for president noting a population decrease of 2.5 million since 2000.

He wants to see Russia's population of 142 million grow to 154 million by 2050.

Farm Sting

The federal government here in the U.S. has won a two year battle resulting from a sting operation against an Amish farmer in Pennsylvania.

The Washington Times reports the man sells raw milk which many believe is healthier than the pasteurized version.

But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it is not safe to consume.

His persistence prompted a 5 a.m. visit from the feds to catch him in the act of selling the product across state lines which is illegal.

The FDA launched a full investigation and purchased milk to be used as evidence. A judge sided with the government and banned the farmer from selling his products across state lines.

The judge warned the farmer he will have pay the FDA's costs for investigating and prosecuting if he violates the law again.

The Amish man has decided to shut down his entire farm including sales of milk, eggs and honey.

Family Ties

Michigan Republican Congressman Fred Upton is suddenly a very popular guy on Capitol Hill thanks to his niece.

This is his niece.

(SHOW IMAGE)

Kate Upton is the cover model on the just-released Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

The 19-year old is originally from Saint Joseph, Michigan, is also an actress in the up-and-coming Three Stooges movie.

This afternoon Congressman Upton's office told Fox News he is not commenting on the magazine.