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Archive for the ‘Wisconsin Farm Loans’ Category
Thursday, May 7th, 2009
The United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on April 22 that he appointed Dough Caruso as Administrator.
The administers manage farm commodity, credit, conservation, disaster and loan programs through state, county and federal offices. The FSA runs programs to help farmers and ranchers manage their business risks and improve the stability of the domestic agricultural economy.
“As FSA State Executive Director in Wisconsin for 8 years, Doug Caruso compiled an impressive record of improving client services and enhancing outreach to historically underserved farmers,” said Vilsack. “He is the right choice to serve America’s farmers, ranchers, rural landowners and communities that benefit from FSA’s services and to implement USDA’s goals of providing a safety-net for small and mid-sized farmers while promoting a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.”
Caruso previously worked as CEO of Wisconsin Farmers Union Specialty Cheese and the State Executive Director of the FSA in Wisconsin. This office served 100,000 farmers and rural land owners throughout sixty county offices. He also worked as State Director for United States Senator Herb Kohl from 1989 to 1993.
His resume is quite impressive. During his work at Wisconsin’s FSA, Caruso participated in many programs and changes including multi-agency USDA initiatives and the Milk Income Loss Contract payment program in 2000. That same year the FSA honored him as “Outstanding State Executive Director†for “exemplary leadership, superior management skills, and significant contributions to the betterment of the Farm Service Agency at all levels.”
If you are interested in agriculture loans please contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans and ranch loans are available now. Call (866) 929-5585 or visit online for more information.
Tags: tom vilsack, wisconsin
Posted in General, Wisconsin Farm Loans | No Comments »
Thursday, May 7th, 2009
Raw milk is drawing crowds far away to farms across Wisconsin. Not many farms carry raw milk, but it is a much desired product.
Unpasteurized milk is considered illegal by regulators because it can carry pathogens that can make someone ill or kill them. However, they also believe that it is legal to provide raw milk to the public on a limited scale.
The product is wanted by people who are trying, or have entirely, eliminate process foods from their diets. The raw milk business is a great revenue because people are always looking for an alternative to what is sold in grocery stores.
Linda Conroy, owner of a Sheboygan herbs business, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that raw milk has given her more energy.
“I have never been sick from it,” she said. “In fact, just the opposite is true. My health is a lot better.”
The only problem is that according to Wisconsin state law, farmers cannot sell or give away raw milk. They can however consume milk from the cows they own. To please the public, farmers often sell shares in their cows to would-be customers and provide raw milk to shareholders for a small fee.
Raw milk is just one of many organic options people are turning to. People want to know where their milk is coming from and that is partly why they consume the milk directly from the organic cows.
If you are looking for purchase farm land in Wisconsin or any other state, contact Farm Plus for information regarding low rate farm loans. Now is the best time to make your dream a reality. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.
Tags: dairy farm, raw milk, wisconsin
Posted in Wisconsin Farm Loans | No Comments »
Thursday, March 19th, 2009
Organic farming is quickly gaining popularity as people are learning what is happening to the planet and their bodies. Few realize that it dates back decades.
Tom and Irene Frantzen, this year’s winner of the 2009 Farmers of the Year by the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Services, have been using organic farming methods since 1979.
Tom saw Pope John Paul II speaking in Des Moines, Iowa about preserving the land in 1979 and immediately started using fewer chemical inputs. His efforts were taught to him by the Practical Farmers of Iowa where he served as president in 1991 and 1992.
The Frantzens spent many hours learning innovated techniques from various farmers, classes and even visiting farms in Sweden. The couple used an experience in Sweden to change their entire farming process. The farms used deep straw bedding for hogs. This technique traps heat in the straw so barns do not have to be heated. When fresh straw is put down, the old straw goes on top the fields to add nutrients to the ground.
In 1998 the land owned by the Frantzens was certified organic. In 1999 their hogs were also certified, followed by their beef in 2003.
The Frantzens are very involved in the organic farming community in the Midwest and are an inspiration. They show that hard work and the willingness to learn pay off in the end.
Have you been tossing around the idea of purchasing land for organic farming or conventional farming? Contact Farm Plus today. Low rate agriculture loans are available. Contact a representative about farm loans by phone at 866-929-5585 or online.
Tags: iowa, midwest, organic farms
Posted in Iowa farm loans, Wisconsin Farm Loans | No Comments »
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 »
Wednesday, February 4th, 2009
The National Family Farm Coalition’s dairy subcommittee sent a letter to Congress January 29 asking for emergency stimulus funds to help farmers.
Paul Rozwadowski, a Wisconsin dairy farmer and chair of the National Family Farm Coalition Dairy Subcommittee told The Post-Standard, “NFFC for over a year and during the entire Farm Bill debate warned we were in a crisis in the dairy industry. These are the worst economic conditions we have ever faced and they are impacting all farmers, whether you milk 50 or 5,000 cows.
“It is unconscionable for dairy farmers to have to suffer through these low milk prices and we hope Congress can take immediate steps to rectify the situation,” he said. “Otherwise, we could soon become dependent on Chinese milk powder for our dairy needs.”
The stimulus is only a temporary solution needed to stabilize the dairy market. It will be used to help farmers with fuel, feed and transportation costs.
If Congress does not agree with the plan, the coalition feels there must be an increase in the Milk Income Loss Contract payments.
The coalition also wants the milk pricing system to be reformed.
The National Family Farm Coalition was founded in 1986 to ensure fair prices for farmers and farm workers.
Although dairy prices seem to be in trouble, there are many great opportunities in agriculture. Farm loans are available and a Farm Plus consultant can assist you with any questions. Find out more information by visiting this Web site or call 866-929-5585. Interest rates are at historic lows.
Posted in General, Wisconsin Farm Loans | No Comments »
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