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Archive for the ‘Colorado farm loans’ Category
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
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Monday, April 4th, 2011
In Colorado, farmer Chris Jessen is the proud owner of a newly-born rare miniature cow that resembles a panda.
The “panda cow’ was born in Larimer County and is only one of 24 “panda cows” in the entire world. The Loveland Reporter-Herald said the male calf is named Ben and his mother is a lowline Angus cow. He was born Friday (December 31).
Jessen raises miniature cattle on his hobby farm that is also home to miniature kangaroos. A miniature panda cow is not common because it is a genetic manipulated species. Some specific traits include a white belt that encircles the midsection and a white face with black oval eyes that make the cow appear just like the Chinese panda bear.
These cows are so rare they sell for up to $30,000 at fairs and auctions. The panda cow made its first appearance on the television over the weekend on LIVE Report.
This article brought to you compliments 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, panda cow
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Tuesday, January 4th, 2011
Northern Colorado farmers in Yuma and surrounding counties are now eligible for disaster loans.
Governor Bill Ritter announced the United State’s Department of Agriculture’s permission to declare Yuma County a disaster area. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack made the decision following the June 21 storm.
“President Obama and I understand these conditions caused severe damage to the soybean crop and prevented producers from harvesting,†said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack via press release. “This action will provide help to hundreds of farmers who suffered significant production losses.â€
The majority of the area’s soybean crop was destroyed by hail and a tornado following the summer storm. Kit Carson, Logan, Phillips and Washington counties are also eligible for disaster loans.
Producers should contact their country Farm Service Agency with information regarding the extent of the damage. Crop estimates and photos are needed to apply for emergency assistance. Those who lost livestock may be eligible for similar funding as well.
For further information regarding this topic, or for information regarding loan products available, please contact Farm Plus Financial at 866-929-5585.
Tags: disaster relief, northern colorado, usda
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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Broomfield, Colorado is the future home of a 139-turbine wind farm. Enbridge, Inc., a Canadian firm, agreed to the purchase in late July.
Cedar Point Wind Energy Project is part of Renewable Energy Systems Americas, Inc. who is building the 250-watt wind farm based on the purchase agreement with Enbridge, Inc.
The deal is worth $500 million and will be located only 80 miles east of Denver. The project is scheduled for a 2011 completion and will supply power for 80,000 homes in the area through a power agreement with the Public Service Company of Colorado.
Al Monaco, Executive Vice President of Major Project and Green Energy at Enbridge Inc., said “Our green energy investments provide attractive returns and establish a new source of earnings growth that complements existing growth in our liquids and natural gas transportation businesses.â€
Since 2009 Enbridge, Inc. has invested in as much clean energy as the company consumes.
Renewable energy is high on the Obama Administration’s agenda. Through the USDA there are a number of funding opportunities for renewable energy. If you are interested in agriculture funding, contact Farm Plus today for information on our low-rate loans. Call us at 866-929-5585 or visit us online for more information.
Tags: cedar point wind energy, colorado wind energy, enbridge
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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
BP Wind Energy announced it has entered a long-term power contract with the Public Service Company of Colorado to purchase 250 megawatts of renewable energy from Cedar Creek II, LLC.
Cedar Creek II is a wind farm that will be located about 20 miles north of New Raymer in Weld County. It will be due east of the current 300.5 MW Cedar Creek I wind farm. “Today’s announcement is an important milestone for the landowners, county officials and many others in Weld County who have continued to support this project throughout its development,†said John Graham, president, BP Wind Energy. “A power purchase agreement with PSCo enables BP to help the State of Colorado achieve its aggressive renewable energy portfolio target of 30% by 2020.â€
The Cedar Creek II project is the second purchase agreement made from Xcel Energy’s 2007 Colorado Resource Plan. According to Xcel Energy vice president, this project will be the second largest of its kind in the state.
Interested in adding renewable energy resources to your land? Contact Farm Plus today for information on low-rate agriculture loans. Call us at 866-929-5585 or visit us online for more information.
Tags: colorado, renewable energy, Weld County, wind farm
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
A Colorado dairy herd tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB) after a lesion was found on a cow in a slaughterhouse.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Agriculture started an ongoing investigation in March following the discovery in Southern Colorado. The two departments traced the meat back to a farm and continued testing all cows on the farm and in the area.
Infected animals can have internal lesions from bovine tuberculosis. The disease is spread by respiratory aerosols that are exhaled by the infected animals. The airborne illness can be caught by other animals or humans and cause breathing problems on top of other health issues.
Although the meat was discovered at a slaughterhouse, no infected meat made it to circulation or into the food chain. Milk from these animals is also not an issue because milk is pasteurized and all harmful bacteria is killed during the process.
Federal Reserve stated interest rates likely to rise. Refinance your farm loan before rates go up. Call a representative by dialing 866-929-5585 or visit us online.
Tags: bovine tuberculosis, colorado
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Wheat is a major crop across the United States although farmers planted less acreage in the winter months.
Stripe Rust, a seeded wheat disease, is causing problems across major wheat growing states. The cool conditions thus far have caused a major problem spreading this disease across such states as southeast Colorado and Kansas.
Director of the Colorado Associations of Wheat Growers, Darrell Hanavan, said Stripe Rust is a huge threat to crops. It can cause as much as 50 percent yield loss in crops that are not treated with fungicide to prevent the disease.
Warm weather is the best way to cure the disease and farmers believe a three-day stretch of 90 degree weather would stop the problem. Farmers can also turn to fungicide, but this is a problem since harvesting time is near. Fungicide must be applied 30 to 45 days pre-harvest. Colorado farmers are expecting to harvest after July 4 which is sooner than 30 days.
Federal Reserve stated interest rates likely to rise. Refinance your farm loan before rates go up. Call a representative by dialing 866-929-5585 or visit us online.
Tags: colorado, kansas, wheat
Posted in Colorado farm loans, General, Kansas Farm Loans | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Government officials and producers met at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley to discuss the water problems in the Front Range. U.S. Representatives Betsy Markey and John Salazar held the meeting with the House subcommittee and local producers to brain storm ways to solve the water problem in the northeastern part of the state.
One highly discussed option is conserving water in the South Platte River Basin. Although this is one solution, farmers believe it is not going to solve all the water problems in the area. According to producers in the area, water is used and recycled seven times before reaching the eastern side of Colorado.
Producers want an irrigation system to support the $1.5 billion agriculture industry of the Front Range. The problem is that Front Range cities are growing from rural to urban, so many areas do not fall under rural categories or funding.
Producers and officials also discussed alternatives to “buy and dry,” the options farmers have to sell their water rights to cities. Farmers can earn anywhere between $2,000 and $7,000 per acre sold. The most popular option discussed was building a dam on the Cache la Poudre River, but no decisions have been made.
Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. Farm loan rates starting at 2.99% with 25 year terms. Visit our site or call, toll free, 866-929-5585.
Tags: colorado, usda
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Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Colorado is looking to tighten it’s inspections of certified organic product.
The Colorado House passed a bill (61-0 vote) that adds additional inspectors to the state’s Organic Certification Program. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Randy Fischer (D-Fort Collins) and Sen. Mary Hodge (D-Brighton).
Fischer said in a press release, “Farming and eating organic foods is a lifestyle that’s here to stay. In fact, it’s an industry that continues to grow.†He adds that Colorado must take responsibility for its booming industry to assure consumers are getting the best organic products possible.
Under the bill commissioners can now contract independent inspectors to conduct inspections or organic product handlers.
The bill also added three members to the Organic Certification Advisory Board increasing from nine to twelve members.
Colorado is not the only state making changes. Across the country more and more farmers are seeking organic certification with the ever-growing demand. Interested in becoming certified? Contact your local Farm Service Agency.
Federal Reserve stated interest rates likely to rise. Refinance your farm loan before rates go up. Call a representative by dialing 866-929-5585 or visit us online.
Tags: certification program, colorado, organic
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Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed five dozen bills last week, five highly important to producers across the state.
Ritter signed the SB 27 which allows officials to fine violators who illegally divert surface water $500. The same system is used for those who illegally divert ground water and caused violations to decrease and violation problems to be resolved quicker. With droughts across the country it is important that water is used as assigned and no one steals water from others.
Agricultural arson was illegal in Colorado until last week. Controlled agricultural burns are now legal under the HB 1123 law. The law states that those who start fires “in a reasonably cautious manner and there was no personal injury as a result,†cannot be fined.
HB 1107 was also signed which states that agricultural land is to be included under the URA for fair market value assessment instead of lower production value to determine the tax money given to the area for such thinks as schools and local governments.
A Farm-to-School Inter-agency Task Force is part of the SB 81 signed by Ritter. This creates a 13-person task force that works to bring local product into school cafeterias. The task force will not only provide students with healthier dining, but more income for producers in the area as well.
Finally legislators in Colorado are awaiting the signature on The Colorado Seed Potato Act. This act is much like the act in Idaho that requires potato seeds to be inspected by a committee before being planted for resale. “If we don’t put something like this through, Idaho is knocking on our back door,†Bob Mattive, a representative of the Colorado Seed Potato Growers Association said. Ritter is expected to sign the bill in the upcoming weeks.
Farm loan rates starting at 2.95%. Lock in before farm loan rates rise. Contact Farm Plus by clicking here or calling toll free 866-929-5585.
Tags: ag bill, ritter
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