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Archive for the ‘Minnesota Farm Loans’ Category

USDA Program to Help Minnesota Dairy Farmers

Monday, April 6th, 2009

In 2007 three Minnesota counties alone had 986 dairy farms. With the 50 percent decrease in dairy prices, farmers are struggling.

A statement released by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said the USDA is planning to step up and assist dairy farmers by purchasing dairy products from the market and make them available to food pantries, school food programs and Indian reservation programs.

The USDA plans to buy 200 million pounds of dry milk. The program is not expecting to fully solve the current economic problem, but the USDA wants to help farmers who are in need. “There’s more to bed one,” Klobuchar said. “I am completely sympathetic to our dairy farms.”

Farmers and agriculture figures are excited about the plan. Bob Lefebvre of the Minnesota Milk Producer Association told the St. Cloud Times he thinks “it certainly is a step in the right direction.”

Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) agrees. He said, “This is a win-win situation that will offer relief to our nation’s dairy farmers who are suffering from high input costs and declining milk prices and to low-income American families who are finding it harder to put healthy food on the table during these difficult economic times.”

If you are interested in purchasing farm land now is a great time to do it. Low rate farm loans are available through Farm Plus today. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.

Minnesota Farmers Respond to Obama’s Plan

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

Another state is lashing out against President Obama’s budget. Although there is no way to entirely make everyone happy, each state seems to have their own response to the problem.

Congressional farm leader, Collin Peterson, from Minnesota, is standing up against the announced plan. If the plan would go into play, thousands of Minnesota farms would see a huge portion of their income disappear.

However, at the same time many farmers like Fred Dauer see the importance of the cuts and think it will greatly benefit Minnesota agriculture.

“If you gross over $500,000 you don’t need to get any help from the federal government,” Dauer told Minnesota Public Radio.

Dauer himself does receive some payments from the federal government, but many of his crops including sweet corn, peas and alfalfa do not qualify for subsidy programs.

He pointed out that many of the larger farms use the money from the government to buy more land and slowly squeeze out small farms. This has a huge impact on Minnesota revenue because according to census, most agriculture sales come from small farms.

Others point out that farms, such as soybean farms, that have a revenue of $500,000 ultimately only make $36,000 a year in the long run. That is well below the average income of Americans.

Regardless of the debate to the “proper” solution, few point out that Obama is offering alternatives for farmers to make extra money. His plan includes subsidy payments for “environmental services” including wind turbines and sequestering carbon on the land.

If you are interested in purchasing, refinancing, or expanding a farm, contact Farm Plus. Farm loans are available at low rates. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.

The Green Acres Act Needs Work

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

Minnesota officials are working with Congress to rework the Green Acres act.

The Green Acres act was enacted to help farmers resist development of farmlands. The program was generated four decades ago when Minnesotians noticed the effects of suburbanization.

As of late, farmers want changes because taxes are extremely high. For example, taxes on a 140-acre farm went from $2,300 to $11,000.

Green Acres was looked at last year and breezed past. Many lawmakers took little time to work in changes that met the needs of farmers. The state’s top property tax administrator said, “if we had it to do all over again, we’d certainly like to spend more time on those provisions—we didn’t.”

The goal of the Green Acres program was to keep taxes low enough that farmers were not tempted to give into suburbanization. Government is currently listening to tax payer’s concerns and will be reworking or repealing the act.

If you are interested in purchasing a Minnesota farm please contact Farm Plus today. Farm loans are available for agriculture land and a representative will answer any questions you may have about farm loans, rates are at historic lows, now is a good time. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online.

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