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Author Archive
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
Photo courtesy of Carleton College
Wind turbines are most commonly used as a way to create renewable energy on existing farmland in the United States. However, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory reports wind turbines also help keep corn and soybean crops cool and dry which means they are less likely to get fungal infestations.
Ames Laboratory associate and agricultural meteorology expert Gene Takle spoke at the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco on the subject. “We’ve finished the first phase of our research, and we’re confident that wind turbines do produce measurable effects on the microclimate near crops,” Takle said.
Takle worked alongside assistant professor of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of Colorado- Boulder, Julie Lundquist.
Lundquist’s team used a laser known as a lidar to measure winds and turbulence near the top tip of the blade as well as near Earth’s surface. “Our laser instrument could detect a beautiful plume of increased turbulence that persisted even a quarter-mile downwind of a turbine,” Lundquist said.
Both researchers state that the findings cannot prove anything yet, but scientifically the increased airflow suggests this is a highly realistic possibility. “The turbulence resulting from wind turbines may speed up natural exchange processes between crop plants and the lower atmosphere,” Takle said.
Not only can wind turbines help control the airflow and temperature of crops, but they can also effect crop moisture levels. The turbulence may dry the dew on plants that appears in early morning ultimately minimizing the time fungi can grow on plant leaves. It can also help farmers reduce the time and money spent on artificially drying crops.
This article courtesy of Farm Plus Financial. For information regarding agricultural finance opportunities contact our offices at 866-929-5585.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Financial staff writer
Tags: Department of Energy, renewable energy, wind farms
Posted in General | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available through the U.S. Small Business Administration for non-farm businesses that rely on farms and ranches to operate. 72 Oklahoma counties as well as neighboring counties in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico and Texas may be eligible for low-rate disaster loans.
These counties experienced extreme, damaging weather from Nov. 1, 2009 through Oct. 31, 2010. During this time the area experienced extreme heat and drought as well as high winds.
Click here for a list of effected counties.
The SBA works to assist businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers who cannot operate due to production losses. This includes agricultural cooperatives and non-profit organizations.
“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4% for businesses and 3% for private, non-profit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years, and are available to small businesses and most private, non-profits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” said Alfred E. Judd, Director of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center West.
Interested small businesses must apply by Aug. 29, 2011. Call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659 2955 for additional information.
This article courtesy of Farm Plus Financial. For information regarding agricultural finance opportunities contact our offices at 866-929-5585.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Financial staff writer
Tags: california, disaster relief, SBA
Posted in Calfornia Farm Loans | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
California Governor Jerry Brown announced Karen Ross, a longtime agricultural advocate, was appointed as secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
“Karen Ross is a well-known and dedicated advocate for California’s diverse and dynamic agriculture,” California Farm Bureau Federation President Paul Wenger said. “We look forward to working with Karen in her new position, leading a department that oversees the fifth-largest agricultural economy in the world and a source of much-needed economic stimulus throughout California.”
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is the largest in the country. Ross currently serves as the chief of staff to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Prior to her government position she was the president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers and a member of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture.
“Karen Ross is well-suited for the role of food and agriculture secretary. She has firsthand knowledge about the many challenges farmers and ranchers face each day, not just in California but throughout the nation,” Wenger said. “Her experience working at USDA will provide her with important insights on how government can better assist our diverse agriculture in California, which not only provides so much of the fresh fruit and vegetables enjoyed throughout the United States but whose products also create positive trade activity worldwide.”
The farm bureau acknowledges the long road ahead of Ross with the department and the many struggles she will help the state’s agriculture industry overcome.
This article courtesy of Farm Plus Financial. For information regarding agricultural finance opportunities contact our offices at 866-929-5585.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Financial staff writer
Tags: karen ross, secretary of california dept of food and drug
Posted in General | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
Scholarships are available for high school seniors in Minnesota pursuing a future in agriculture or biodiesel production.
To apply students must submit an application to the American Lung Association in Minnesota and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association including an essay on the importance of biodiesel. One student will receive the top prize, a $1,000 scholarship while another student will receive a $500 scholarship.
“We’re always looking for new ways to get young people involved and informed about biodiesel,” Robert Moffitt, communications director for the Clean Fuel and Vehicle Technologies Program of the American Lung Association in Minnesota told Biodiesel Magazine. “Minnesota is really a pioneering state for the use of biodiesel, and what better place to hold a biodiesel essay contest than here—the first state in the union to require biodiesel in all diesel sold…This is our fifth year, and we’ve always had a very good response. There is some very innovative and creative thinking out there from our young people, and we just wanted to be a part of that.”
The essay must be 1,000 words long and discuss the benefits of Biodiesel in Minnesota, Biodiesel’s benefits to Minnesota or how you can impact biodiesel use in your area. Essays are due by 4:30 p.m. on March 30, 2011. Click here for an application.
For more information on agriculture scholarships or biodiesel contact Farm Plus at 866-929-5585.
Tags: biodiesel, scholarships
Posted in General, Minnesota Farm Loans | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
With election season over, many changes are occurring throughout the agriculture government infrastructure. Governor-elect John Hickenlooper announced John Salazar is the new Commissioner of Agriculture for Colorado.
Salazar is a sixth-generation farmer and rancher whose resume includes three terms as Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District’s representative, two years on the Colorado General Assembly and a member of the Agriculture Committee.
“A thriving agriculture sector is critical to Colorado’s economic recovery,” Hickenlooper said. “Farmers and ranchers are also leading the way as business innovators. Their prosperity helps build a foundation for all of Colorado. And no one has been a more passionate champion for agriculture and rural communities than John Salazar. We are fortunate to have his leadership at the helm of the Department of Agriculture.”
As an active member in Congress, Salazar is recognized by the American Farm Bureau and National Farmers Union for his agricultural advocacy. Salazar was a key player in the 2008 Farm Bill. He also worked on issues related to natural resources, job creation and the economy.
Before participating in politics, Salazar served on the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, Colorado Agricultural Leadership Forum and the Colorado Agricultural Commission. He was elected as a state Representative in 2002.
This article courtesy of Farm Plus Financial. For information regarding agricultural finance opportunities contact our offices at 866-929-5585.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Financial staff writer
Tags: colorado, commissioner of agriculture, farm burea, National Farmers Union, salazar
Posted in Colorado farm loans, General | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
Photo courtesy of WHSV
Virginia Tech is reaching to beginning farmers across Virginia. The outreach program at this college will use $740,000 in federal funding to help farmers who have owned their operations for nine years or less.
Agriculture is the key to nutrition, food security and community viability so the school feels with workshops and education programs many farmers can learn valuable farming and business techniques to ensure successful businesses.
Researches at Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will offer support that ranges from agricultural training and networking to help the 13,000 farmers in Virginia. Even with beginning farmers, the average age of farmers is 50 years old. These farmers often do not have computer or business skills to create and maintain a successful business. With the funding Virginia Tech hopes to improve this issue and even get the youth interested in becoming farmers or ranchers.
The main goal of the program is to increase the number of farms and promote local agricultural production.
This article courtesy of Farm Plus Financial. For information regarding agricultural finance opportunities contact our offices at 866-929-5585.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Financial staff writer
Tags: scholarships, virginia, virginia tech
Posted in General | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
Oregon farmers in Josephine County who are family-farmers may qualify for loans through the United States Department of Agriculture following bad weather conditions in 2010.
Throughout 2010 farmers experienced loss due to rain, flooding and low temperatures. The USDA named Curry and Linn counties natural disaster areas which means family farm and ranch producers in Josephine County to apply for disaster assistance.
This money can be used to cover crop or physical losses. Any family farmers or ranchers who experienced 30-percent (or more) crop or livestock loss can apply for funding. They must have an acceptable credit history and provide collateral.
Siskiyou and Klamath counties are also natural disaster areas due to drought. This affects loans in Jackson and Josephine counties as well.
Producers have until Aug. 29, 2011 to apply for these low-rate emergency loans.
This article courtesy of Farm Plus Financial. For information regarding agricultural finance opportunities contact our offices at 866-929-5585.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Financial staff writer
Tags: disaster loans, josephine country, oregon, usda
Posted in General, Oregon farm loans | No Comments »
Monday, April 4th, 2011
Betty Krcma of Washington Middle School in Green Bay (Wisconsin) was recognized by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for her part in promoting agriculture literacy.
She has earned a $1,500 scholarship to attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Floriday.
Krcma believes it’s important to teach students about food that doesn’t come from fast-food or the supermarket and its her job as a teacher to educate. With this knowledge she feels students can understand the hard work and investments made by American farmers.
The national conference is held every year to show teachers the latest advancements in the industry as well as new ways they can encourage agriculture in the classroom. This is done through real-life agriculture applications in language arts, math, nutrition, science and social studies lessons.
Teaching children the importance of agriculture is key to the vitality of the industry. Children exposed to agriculture at a young age are more likely to continue with a career in the industry.
This article courtesy of Farm Plus Financial. For information regarding agricultural finance opportunities contact our offices at 866-929-5585.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Financial staff writer
Tags: agriculture, wisconsin
Posted in General | No Comments »
Monday, April 4th, 2011
The Montana Range Days is offering $3,000 in scholarships to increase their commitment to rangeland education.
Three $1,000 scholarships are available to students interested in Range Science. This includes the “Bob Sitz Me-morial Scholarship,” “Montana Range Days Scholarship,” and the “Harold and Lillian Jensen Scholarship.”
Students will be chosen based on range activity participation, academics, leadership qualities and financial need.
To apply, students should download the one-page application here (www.cartercd.org), complete and mail into the Montana Range Days Committee. Applications are due April 30 to: Montana Range Days Scholarship Committee Chairman Mike Sjostrom, c/o Montana Livestock Ag Credit, Inc.. PO Box 4549, Helena, MT 59604.
Winners will be announced June 14 at the 2011 Montana Range Days in Deer Lodge.
This article courtesy of Farm Plus Financial. For information regarding agricultural finance opportunities contact our offices at 866-929-5585.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Financial staff writer
Tags: ag credit, range science, scholarships
Posted in General | No Comments »
Monday, April 4th, 2011
Five scholarships are available from the Chisago-Isanti-Anoka (CIA) Dairy Association.
Each scholarship is worth $500 for the 2011-2012 school year. Eligible students include those pursuing a career in agriculture of food sciences. Students must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution, but does not have to be a four-year school.
High school seniors are the target, to encourage students to join the agriculture industry. Keep in mind applicants must live in Chisago, Isanti or Anoka counties. Funds will be distributed at the end of a successful term with a GPA of at least 2.0.
High school counselors should contact Diane Buehring at 320.358.4625 to obtain applications. A request may be sent to: Diane Buehring, 51100 Driftwood Avenue, Rush City, MN 55069 as well.
All applications are due May 1.
This article courtesy of Farm Plus Financial. For information regarding agricultural finance opportunities contact our offices at 866-929-5585.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Financial staff writer
Tags: CIA, scholarship
Posted in General | No Comments »
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