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Archive for February, 2009
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
Many farmers fear for security. In a time where nothing is guaranteed, people want answers. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke in Washington to the Federation of Southern Cooperatives about a variety of agriculture topics.
Vilsack met with a panel and pledged to renew efforts to ensure equality of treatment regardless of race and to have a new focus on food safety after the latest peanut scandal.
Here he said that food safety must be improved. He feels there is no excuse for the 14 agencies that dropped the ball regarding the salmonella-tainted peanut products.
“If the FDA finds out something about peanut butter and we at the USDA need to know about it so that we don’t provide the schools, which happened in this case and thankfully no one got hurt,” Vilsack said. “And I think that we need to ultimately migrate into a consolidated system to ensure that we have the very best food safety system.”
A farmer in the crowd from MItchell County asked Vilscak for a meeting between President Obama and the federation because a few people like himself are losing farms to foreclosure. Vilsack appreciated his input and said he would try to get some communication between the group and the White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel.
There are many options before foreclosure. Ag loans are available today. Even if the economy does not look promising, now is a great time to purchase a farm and plan for spring crops. Call 866-929-5585 or visit Farm Plus online to answer any questions you may have regarding farm loans.
Tags: peanut outbreak, tom vilsack, U.S. Agriculture Secretary
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Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
The Utah Farm Bureau is waiting for the final approval of legislation that protects farmers from law suits that new neighbors pin on them because they do not like the odors farms produce.
This may seem far fetched, but many neighbors that are new to rural areas do in fact sue many farmers because of the pungent odors.
With such low rates for purchasing homes in rural areas this could be a huge problem. However, this bill will protect all farmers.
One example is a case between a Highland City couple and farmer Kevin Birrell. The couple did not like manure specks and alfalfa seeds from the neighboring farm blowing into their pool. Eventually Birrell won the lawsuit, but had to pay over $70,000 in legal costs.
“Agriculture practices necessarily involve loud machinery, foul odors, flies and rodents which are often unwelcome to new homeowners and considered a nuisance,” Rep. Mike Morley said. “The reason I ran this bill was to provide another protection to our family farms from a very real threat. They are being forced out of existence at an alarming rate and, once gone, they cannot be replaced.”
If you are interested in purchasing agricultural land for a ranch or farm contact Farm Plus. Ranch loans and farm loans are available today. Visit online or call 866-929-5585 to answer any questions you may have about ranch loans or farm loans.
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Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
Although many are worried about the drop in dairy prices, a USDA report announced that milk production is up by 1 percent compared to last year. These numbers are based on the production of the 23 leading dairy states in the country.
The increase in production may be indirectly related to the increase in the number of cows. Compared to last year, cow numbers are up by 58,000 compared to last year, but down by 12,000 compared to 2007.
The 2008 summary also showed U.S. milk production climbed over 2.3 percent in 2007 over 190 billion lb. Per cow, milk was 20,396 lb. which is up from 192 lb. in 2007. In January milk production decline 1.4 percent and cow numbers declined by 7,000 and milk per cow 20 lb.
Texas gained the most by increasing by 13 percent in milk production with cow numbers climbing 28,000 head over a year ago.
Kansas increased by 10.6 percent jump in milk production while Colorado and New Mexico were up by 5.5 percent in milk.
Among the other largest dairy states, Wisconsin was up 1% in milk and 5,000 in cows. New York was up just 0.3% in milk, with cow numbers actually declining 2,000 head. Idaho was up 0.9% in milk and 20,000 in cows. Pennsylvania was down 0.3% in milk and 2,000 head in cows.
These numbers are promising compared to other news in the dairy industry. If you are interested in purchasing or refinancing a dairy farm please contact a representative at Farm Plus Financial today. Farm loans are available. Please contact Farm Plus with any questions on farm loans. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online.
Posted in Colorado farm loans, General, Kansas Farm Loans, Wisconsin Farm Loans | No Comments »
Thursday, February 19th, 2009
Many people overlook the importance of agriculture in Idaho’s economy. Paul Patterson, an economist at the University of Idaho-Idaho Falls extension, authored two reports that proves this.
Agriculture’s contribution to economy can be measured by gross measurement and base measurement. Gross measurement is all the measures of economic activity (output, employment, wages and value-added). Base measure on the other hand gives credit to the industry that brings new dollars into the region through exports for the economic activity that it supports in the economy.
Each mean of measurement shows a different impact on the economy. Base measure analysis shows that agriculture has the biggest impact on Idaho.
“Agriculture is the main export item of value we have in Idaho,” said Don Hale, a forage producer and president of the Idaho Hay and Forage Association. “It’s the best export we have.”
If using gross measure analysis, the data is similar, but slightly different. This analysis shows that 11 percent of Idaho’s income in 2006, paying $1.2 billion in wages. Although agriculture was the top contributor, it is expected 2008 reports will show that the record levels set in 2007 will drop by five percent.
A bigger shock than how much money agriculture brings in may be that many expect potato farms to make the biggest contribution. This is not true, in fact dairy cattle is the center of Idaho’s agricutlure in the Magic Valley. Potatoes bring in 15 percent of cash receipts while milk brings in 34 percent.
With impressive prices, Hale believes that the increased cost of inputs like seed, equipment, fertilizer and twine will have a huge effect on the overall numbers.
Regardless what issues may seem to appear, now is as good of time as any to make your dreams of owning of farm reality. Farm loans are available through Farm Plus Financial and rates are at historic lows. Farm Plus works with various government agencies to help people own a farm of their choice across the country. For more information on farm loans please contact a representative today. Contact one via telephone at 866-929-5585 or visit online.
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Thursday, February 19th, 2009
2009 Barn Grants are available through The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. The grants are available for anyone who owns a historic barn.
The grants are designed to preserve the iconic historic farms Connecticut offers. They are available for nonprofit organizations or private owners. The money is to be used for an evaluation of the building to assure it is in good condition and can be used.
The historic barns are an important part of Connecticut’s history, so the trust will pay up $1,500 for an evaluation, the rest must be paid by the owner. If the building is in need of stabilization, up to $5,000 will be provided for repairs.
The only eligibility is the owner must be a member of the trust. All applicants must have the ability to administer the grant and manage the project. It is best if the owner shows an interest in sharing the barn and or farm with the community.
Any qualifying barn must be more than 75 years old with a prominent view-shed to show its time period and in agricultural use. It must also be listed in the local historic survey.
Farm Plus works with many organizations to provide farm loans. If you are interested in purchasing a farm from any time period, please contact a representative at Farm Plus today. You can call them at 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information.
Tags: connecticut, farm grants, grants, restoration
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Thursday, February 19th, 2009
Economic development officials pushed to provide two rural counties with national rankings for high-speed Internet access on farms and have seen great success thanks to aggression.
The development project is for Kearney County, Nebraska and Clay County, Iowa. Developers feel that the broadband access will gives farms in the area a competitive edge.
“We may have someone from Minden, Nebraska, come up with the next Yahoo,” said Lisa Stadler, executive director of the Kearney County Economic Development Agency based in Minden.
According to the 2007 agriculture census, Kearney County, Nebraska ranks seventh among rural counties with the highest percentage of farmers connected to high-speed Internet. 65 percent of Kearney County’s farms are connected to high speed Internet.
Clay County on the other hand ranks 20th with 58 percent of its farms connected to high-speed Internet.
The numbers are most important because they show that rural farms have the opportunity to run modern businesses. The Internet provides not only connection to less rural areas, but it is a gateway to deliver goods and services as well as strike up more business. Farmers mostly rely on it to conduct business that cannot be done face to face.
In comparison to the rest of the country, Kearney County, Nebraska was beat by Nantucket (Mass.), Pitkin (Colorado.), Hood River (Oregon.), and three other ski counties in Colorado.
If you are interested in buying rural land for agriculture, farm loans and ranch loans are available today. Contact a representative at Farm Plus with any questions about farm loans or ranch loans. Interest rates are at historic lows. Call toll free 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information.
Tags: colorado, iowa, nebraska, rural
Posted in Iowa farm loans, Nebraska Farm Loans | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
Between 1982 and 2002 the top farms in America have doubled their annual sales according to a report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The top farms are those that earn at least $1 million yearly. Only two percent of farms fall into this category, but they are significant because they are responsible for the half the agriculture sales in 2002.
Although organic, small farms seem to be the trend, economists feel that million-dollar farms are where our country is going.
The owners of these large farms may seem like huge corporate operations, but in fact many of them are many consolidated family-owned farms. This is easy to do today because technology assists with growing more crops and tending to livestock.
An example of advances in farm equipment is the ability to harvest 12 rows of crops at one time. The ground can be covered much quicker than with other types of machinery.
Many of the farms employ as little as 13 employees and have such great sales they can pay their employees competitive wages. They also are offered full benefits like any other job. Having other people on hand helps to get the work done. Although possible to complete work, having only two people working a farm can make it seem like the work is never ending.
Today dairy, hog, beef, poultry, fruit and vegetable farms are using this model for business according to Bob Hoppe an economist at the USDA’s Economic Research Service. Because large farms produce more variety and a higher quantity of items, it costs less to produce things.
The biggest concern with multimillion-dollar farms is the fact so many little farms are consolidating to create them. Although consolidation seems to be the answer, at times there are many concerns surrounding it as well.
Many government subsidies and grants are to assist small and medium-size farms. However, most of the money goes to large operations according to the report. This is because small farms consolidate into large farms. President Barack Obama wants the limit of subsidies to be a net worth of $2.5 million because a lot of the money is going to multimillionaires, not farmers who actually need it.
Larger farms are likely to keep growing, Hoppe said. Technology and competition keeps encouraging consolidation, he said.
It is important to realize that it seems like the only successful farms are the larger farms, but this is not the case. Million-dollar farms will tend to dominate farm sales because many farms are simply “lifestyle farms.†A farm is considered a “lifestyle farm†when few animals and crops are raised on the land. These farms must sell at least $1,000 of products a year.
If you are interested in agricultural land of any size please contact a representative at Farm Plus. Visit online or call Farm Plus directly at 866-929-5585. Farm loans are available today.
Tags: farms, success
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Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
One of the latest debates in congress- a tax on animals that pollute the air. Many farmers, and the public, find it completely absurd that the government wants to put a tax on gaseous animals that pollute the air.
The cow tax comes as part of the Environmental Protection Agency report after a Supreme Court Ruling in 2008 that greenhouse gases from motor vehicles pollute the air.
The Environmental Protection Agency said each ranch and farm would pay an annual fee of $175 for every dairy cow, $87.50 for every head of beef cattle and $20 for every hog.
The fees would affect those who emit more than 100 tons of carbon emissions a year. Farms that have more than 25 dairy cows, 50 beef cattle or 200 hogs would be effected.
According to the EPA despite the ability to convert unusable plant materials into fiber and food, cows release methane into the air. This gas contributes to global warming.
Farmers in Douglas County (Kansas) find it upsetting and point out it will destroy the industry.
“It’s ridiculous,†said Joyce Williams, of MJ Ranch, 3105 Wild Horse Road told LJ World.com. “That would eliminate agriculture in our country almost, if all animals were taxed. We can’t do that; it’s just almost unthinkable.â€
Luckily for farmers, the EPA is most concerned with focusing on air pollution produced by factories and motor vehicles. This year’s technical report hardly touches on the proposed livestock tax.
If you’re in the market for financing to start your own farm, be sure to contact Farm Plus Fianancial. Two ways to contact a Farm Plus representative, either by clicking here or call them toll free at 866-929-5585.
Tags: cow tax, kansas, tax
Posted in General, Kansas Farm Loans | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
In Massachusetts, the Community Supported Agriculture has found an innovative way to support local agriculture. Members of the CSA have the opportunity to buy shares from a farm in the winter (usually costing between $500 and $600), and in return you will receive 20 pounds of fresh food weekly during the spring, summer and fall.
The food will be delivered to a central location for members to pick-up. This program helps farmers receive money is the cash-strapped winter and early spring months. Without having a messenger between the customer and the farm, the farms receive all the money.
The program is a great help for farmers, but the only downfall is customers are not guaranteed what they will receive every month. If the tomato crops are bountiful the customer will see many tomatoes, if potatoes do not grow well, customers will get few or none.
Although farms want customers to pick up the goods, some offer extra fees to deliver the food by bicycle to nearby homes.
There is no limit in the number of shares. The program is expected to catch on very quickly.
Despite the season, farm loans are available. For those interested in any type of farm loan or ranch loan please contact a Farm Plus consultant today. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information.
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Friday, February 6th, 2009
The 2007 Agriculture Census is out and contains surprising numbers. Regardless what economical problems the country seems to have, agriculture profits were high and the number of farms is increasing on a national level.
According to the census, the number of farms grew by 76,000. It may be a large number, but the farms are generally “small farms†that are more diversified and have lower sales. In Minnesota farms have increased by 2,200 in the small and micro category. 100 mega farms were also added in Minnesota.
“Agriculture is still a big part of this state’s economy,†Gene Hugoson, the Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner said.
The state of Utah is slowly losing farmland, but the number of small farms and ranches are increasing. The large livestock industry keeps the remaining farms strong. 42 percent of the farms in Utah are labeled as hobby or small farms.
Many feel the interest in small farms is pushed by the interest in organic farming.
Delaware is another state with less farmland than in 2002. The state, dominated by poultry, vegetable, grain and melon crops, is losing 6,000 acres of land a year.
In 2007 Delaware, despite losses, produced over $1 billion in crops, making $210 million in profits. “It tells us Delaware is still a very strong, viable and successful agriculture state,†Delaware’s Secretary of Agriculture said.
The state is making an effort to preserve more land, including the already preserved 90,000 acres. “The best way to preserve farm land is to see the farmers are making a profit,†Mark McGrath of the State Department of Agriculture said.
Aside from seeing the number of farms increasing, Ohio found that more women have gained interest in farming. 19 percent more women declare themselves farmers in 2007 than in 2002. Overall the average age of farmers ranges from 55-58.
Despite what anyone thinks now is the time to make farm and ranch dreams a reality. Farm loans are available across the country. Profits are still there and as Mark McGrath said people need to preserve the land by farming. Contact Farm Plus Financial by calling 866-929-5585 or visiting their Web site for more information on farm credit and farm loans.
Tags: agriculture census, small farms
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