Commission Votes to Hear Pot Farm Proposal

Last modified on 2010-10-05 17:29:10 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Though marijuana farms are banned in Colorado, a proposal for a pot farm outside of Longmont will move forth. The farm, which would be located north of Longmont, was proposed before the ban went into effect.
Boulder County officials will view and review the proposal, but neighbors aren’t happy and vow to continue fighting the plans.

A vote of 3 to 0 by the commission agreed to hear the proposal and hold a public meeting about the 67-acre project. Here neighbors can express their opinions and feelings. The farm would sit near a neighborhood of multi-million dollar homes.

Neighbors fear the pot farm would lower the value of their Laramie, Wyoming homes and attract unwanted attention from customers and media. An organic egg farm occupied the land for many years before selling to the current owners.

Marijuana is illegal in most states aside from the use of medical marijuana in some states.

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Groundbreaking Ceremony in Mojave for World’s Largest Wind Farm

Last modified on 2010-09-08 14:51:55 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Mojave, California is hitting the news as the California groundbreaking ceremony for the world’s largest wind farm was completed. The governor said it is a sign of the state’s leadership in green energy.

Terra-Gen Power and California officials met for the groundbreaking ceremony for the 1,500-megawatt wind farm. The project will provide 1.1 million Californians. A reduction of an estimated 52 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions will result from the large wind farm.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said the state policies in renewable energy can be attributed for the project. He said, “Having the world’s largest wind project break ground in our state is tangible evidence that our pioneering policies are drawing investment, improving the economy and creating jobs now when we need them most.”

When the 600 wind turbine project is complete, the wind-power capacity in California will rise by 25 percent. Not only will it increase the amount of wind-power capacity, but the project will also boost the local economy by providing jobs.

Renewable energy is one way to add income to your business. Contact Farm Plus today for information on agriculture loans and funding to assist you with your renewable energy project. Call us at 866-929-5585 or visit us online for more information.

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Canadian Company Purchases Colorado Wind Energy

Last modified on 2010-09-08 14:39:22 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

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.”

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.

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BP Energy Signs Purchase Agreement with Cedar Creek II

Last modified on 2010-09-08 14:30:08 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

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.”

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.

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Colorado Cows Test Positive for TB

Last modified on 2010-08-11 21:08:08 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

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.

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Stripe Rust Endangers Wheat Crops

Last modified on 2010-08-11 20:39:06 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

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.

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Colorado Officials and Producers Looking for Solutions

Last modified on 2010-08-11 20:26:24 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

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.

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Land Added to Conservation Program

Last modified on 2010-06-10 19:34:22 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The United States Department of Agriculture announced that 38,000 acres of farm land in Washington and 7,000 acres in Colorado have been added to the Conservation Reserve Program.

The 38,000 acres of land in Douglas County, Washington, will be used to protect sage grouse and sharp-tailed grouse. While the 7,000 acres in southeast Colorado will protect and preserve lesser prairie chicke3ns.

The Conservation Reserve Program is open to all producers whose land doubles as farm land and home to certain animal species. The program pays farmers to not grow crops on land that is home to endangered or rare species.

Farmers can receive a hundred dollars per eligible acre and the United States Department of Agriculture covers up to 40 percent of recommended conservation costs.

Interested farmers and producers should contact their county United States Department of Agriculture office. Applications and information can also be found online and turned in at the local United States Department of Agriculture office.

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.

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Colorado State University Plans for Largest Solar Farm

Last modified on 2010-06-10 19:23:35 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Colorado State University is planning to add to its solar farm at CSU’s Foothills Campus to create the largest solar farm in the United States.

A private owned company and Xcel Energy have invested money to expand the 2.2 megawatt farm to 5.5 megawatts. The 14-acre establishment will be owned by the private company and the energy will be purchased by Xcel. According to Colorado law by 2020 the energy company must outsource 30 percent of its energy from renewable sources.

The project, which will begin construction in late-December, will surpass Los Angeles’ Southwest College’s solar farm that currently holds the title by at least .5 megawatts.

University officials said the solar farm upgrade will save the university $7 million over a 20 year period. If the cost of carbon continues to increase it could save even more money.

Solar farms are one of the many ways farmers can add to their farms to create extra revenue, and even apply for government subsidies. Contact your local Farm Service Agency for more information on renewable energy.

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.

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Colorado Group Looking for Centennial Farms

Last modified on 2010-05-21 17:28:39 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Has your Colorado farm or ranch been in the family for over 100 years?

The Colorado Centennial Farms is looking for applicants for the 2010 Colorado State Fair to showcase the importance of agriculture on the state’s history and economy. The group has extended the application deadline to May 15 for families who have owned their farms for 100 years or more. Those accepted will be showcased at the 24th Annual Centennial Farms Celebration in August in Pueblo.

Farmers and ranchers must provide the history of their property and submit it to The Colorado Centennial Farms by mid-May. Qualifying farms and ranches not only have to be in a family for over 100 years, but must also still be working farms or ranches and have at least 160 acres of land. Those who have farms on less than 160 acres of land qualify if the annual gross income is over $1,000.

Since 1986 The Colorado Centennial Farms has acknowledged these arms across the state. The group was created by History Colorado, the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado Historical Society.

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Colorado’s First Blender Pump Launched

Last modified on 2010-05-21 16:10:52 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Colorado launched its first blender pump on April 8, 2010 in Burlington.

The pump, located at the Stratton Equity Coop, is the first of ten pumps ready for use in the state. The remaining nine pumps do not currently have a home. The Colorado Corn Growers Association is looking at a variety of locations.

John Stulp, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, said that the United States consumes 10 billion gallons of ethanol a year and the blender pump will help cut usage by seven percent. Growing corn for ethanol in America has boosted the corn industry as well. “We’re marketing about three million bushels of our members’ corn that’s going into productions,” Dan Slingel, general manager of Stratton Equity Coop, said.

Steve Scott of the Colorado Corn Growers Association adds that ethanol production has helped increase the price of corn crops, and added 250,000 jobs to the state through production and construction.

The additional pumps are expected to be up in the next year, but no dates are finalized.

Want to join the growing ethanol industry and need money to make the transition? Farm Plus has low-rate farm loans available today! Call a representative at 866-929-5585 or visit our website for information on our agriculture loans starting at 2.95%!

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Colorado Tightens Certification Program

Last modified on 2010-05-13 16:53:42 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

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.

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Governor Signs AG Bills

Last modified on 2010-05-13 16:51:09 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

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.

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Organic Production Over $70.2 Million

Last modified on 2010-02-26 03:14:40 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Colorado organic producers contributed to $70.2 million of organic sales in 2008 according to a survey by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA reported that Colorado had 220 organic farms in 2008. 34 percent of these farms have been in operation for less than ten years.

Farms counted in the survey were those with organic certification and those that follow certification production but do not make enough money to be certified (less than $5,000 annually).

A farm is organic if it does not use pesticides, petroleum, sewage sludge-based fertilizers, herbicides, genetic engineering, antibiotics, growth hormones or irradiation.

Animals on organic farms must be fed organic feed and have access to the outdoors.

Looking to refinance your farm loan before inflation hits? Farm Loan interest rates starting at 2.99% and terms up to 25 years. See our rate sheet or call 866-929-5585 to speak with a representative

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Colorado Counties Granted Request

Last modified on 2010-02-26 03:09:29 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

On Jan. 7, 2010 Colorado Governor Bill Ritter asked the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to declare several Colorado counties disaster areas.

The requests comes after many farmers were hit by freezing temperature Oct. 7- Oct. 11, 2009. Many farmers experience extensive crop losses.

Chaffee, EI Paso, Pueblo, Saguache, Teller, Custer, Park, Delta, Gunnison, Ouray, San Juan, Garfield and La Plata counties are eligible for low-rate farm loans from the USDA.

Those eligible should apply at their local Farm Service Agency.

It’s been a hard year for farmers in Colorado who have experienced a dry summer, flooding and freezing temperatures.

Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. Farm loan rates starting at 2.99% with 25 year terms. See our rate sheet here or call, toll free, 866-929-5585.

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And the Survey Says…

Last modified on 2010-02-09 02:32:38 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Regional bankers in Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri took part in a survey that shows farm values have decreased, but are steady.

Compared to the last quarter in 2008, non-irrigated farmland in Nebraska dropped 4.8 percent and irrigated fell 4.7 percent. Ranch land dropped 5.3 percent.

Overall, regionally non-irrigated farmland dropped 1.7 percent and irrigated 3 percent. Ranch land has fallen by 4.2 percent.

Experts believe these numbers will stay consistent over the next three months.

One major contributing factor to the decrease is that farm incomes quickly changed from record heights to below $50,000 annually. This is the lowest it has been since 2003.

Looking to refinance your farm loan before inflation hits? Farm Loan interest rates starting at 2.93% and terms up to 25 years. See our rate sheet or call 866-929-5585 to speak with a representative.

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Acres Removed From Program

Last modified on 2009-12-08 18:53:56 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

3 million acres of farmland are being taken out of the federal conservation program and may be tilled. The change has many environmentalists concerned about wildlife habitat, water quality and soil erosion.

39 million acres of farmland across the country are protected by the Conservation Reserve Program, but 3.4 million acres were taken out in September. The removal stems from present owners’ not renewing their contracts.

A change in the 2008 Farm Bill also caused the removal because the bill caps the program at 32 million acres.

Most of these acres are located in Texas, Kansas and Colorado. North and South Dakota, as well as Montana are also effected.

Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. Farm loan rates starting at 2.99% with 25 year terms. See our rate sheet here or call, toll free, 866-929-5585.

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Deadline for Value Added Producer Program

Last modified on 2009-12-08 18:42:12 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The USDA is no longer accepting applications for the Value Added Producer Program.

Colorado producers may be eligible for money that is available to assist agricultureal producers seeking to add value to crops and livestock. The USDA is looking to award up to $100,000 to producers or $300,000 in working capital. $18 million is available nationwide from the USDA.

Applications were to be received by November 30 for anyone looking to propose projects to the USDA for funding. Family and medium-sized farms are most likely to be approved for funding. Those looking for funding must be able to match the funds requested. Ten percent of the funds have been put aside for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers.

Looking to refinance your farm loan before inflation hits? Farm Loan interest rates starting at 2.99% and terms up to 25 years. See our rate sheet or call 866-929-5585 to speak with a representative.

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Emergency Assistance Available for Colorado Producers

Last modified on 2009-12-08 18:14:03 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Colorado producers and farmers may be eligible for emergency assistance under the Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program. This program is part of the 2008 Farm Bill.

Those who qualify must have suffered losses between Jan. 1, 2008 and Oct. 1, 2011. The applicants must have insurance coverage through the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program or the Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Insurance.

The FSA offers producers the chance to “buy-in” eligibility for those losses that were filed before Sept. 16, 2008 and are required to pay a small fee.

“Since the passage of the Farm Bill in June of 2008, the Agency publicized program ‘buy-in’ and NAP coverage deadlines and offered deadline extensions in order to insure all producers had ample opportunity to meet program eligibility requirements,” said Colorado FSA director, Trudy Kareus.

Any farmers or producers who are socially disadvantaged, beginning farmers or ranchers or have limited resources do not have to pay the buy-in fee.

Another opportunity exists for livestock producers who loss livestock due to fire or drought. The losses only apply to rangeland. The only livestock that apply to this assistance is beef cattle, beefalo, alpacas, buffalo, dairy cattle, elk, deer, emus, equine, llamas, poultry, goats, reindeer, swine and sheep. Click here for more information.

For producers of honeybees, livestock and farm-raised fish, there is also emergency assistance. Those producers who have suffered losses from poor weather, disease or wildfires may apply for ELAP assistance. For more information on this program click here.

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.

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Colorado Official Appointed

Last modified on 2009-10-30 20:13:55 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Harris Sherman, a Colorado state official, was appointed by President Barack Obama as agriculture undersecretary for natural resources.

Sherman was the director of Colorado’s Department of Natural Resources and is now in charge of the 191 million-acre national forest system and the USDA programs that encourage stewardship of farm and range land.

Although environmental groups oppose his appointment because he had an active role in a state plan that offers logging, oil and gas production in roadless areas, the White House is confident in the appointment. In a statement the White House said that Sherman played an important role in “the largest expansion of the state’s wilderness and parks programs.”

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.

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Judge Rules in Favor of Consumers

Last modified on 2009-10-30 19:43:38 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

A federal judge in Colorado overturned the USDA’s approval of genetically engineered sugar beets that cause upset in Boulder County this year.

Judge Jeffrey White said the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service didn’t take a “hard look” into whether the sugar beets, that are engineered to resist weed killer, would share genes with other crops. He feels this violates environmental laws.

90 percent of this year’s crops are considered these “Roundup Ready” beets. Many consumers are concerned for the safety of eating these beets as well as the safety of eating other crops grown within its means.

The Food and Agriculture Policy Council took the concerns into their hands last December and have been researching the issue since. In August the county commissioners decided to wait to vote on the issue and are happy they did so.

“The judge’s ruling “makes me glad we didn’t make a decision on this,” Boulder County Commissioner Will Toor said. “I would think that we want to let the courts and federal government sort through this before we make a decision on sugar beets.”
With new technology emerging genetically modified food is a growing concern for consumers.

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.

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Sugar Beets are Sweet Crops

Last modified on 2009-10-30 19:04:58 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Montana sugar beet growers are looking forward to a large crop.

Estimates show that prices will be near $50 a ton, the highest it has been in 28 years. This is partially due to the world’s current sugar shortage.

The Western Sugar Cooperative believes farmers will yield an average of 31 tons per acre.  Although sugar beet farmers are expected to rise above the average numbers, 60 percent of farmers in Colorado and Nebraska are not expected to fair as well with crops damaged from hail.

In the market for a farm loan? Farm Plus offers low-rate farm loans starting at 2.99%. Call today for more information on our current rates. A representative is available at 866-929-5585 or visit our website for more information.

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Grants Available for Renewable Energy

Last modified on 2009-08-28 23:10:58 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Colorado is offering businesses grants for small wind turbine installations. Residents, farmers and businesses interested must apply for the New Energy Economic Development (NEED) by August 28.
The money can be used to purchase and/or install wind turbines. It can also be used for other renewable energy systems.

The grants for NEED come from the Federal Investment Tax Credit. In the end, the NEED grants are like an investment. Those who use wind turbines to create one’s own electricity will save a significant amount of money.

Farm Plus Financial has low-rate farm and ranch loans waiting for you today! We even work alongside government agencies to get you the loans and grants you qualify for. For more information on agricultural loans call 866-929-5585 or visit our website for more information.

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Colorado’s New FSA Executive Director

Last modified on 2009-07-17 22:15:44 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Trudy Kareus has been named Colorado’s executive director of the Farm Service Agency of the USDA.

Obama’s administration announced the decision Tuesday.

Kareus’ background includes member of Sen. Ken Salazar’s Colorado staff, she worked for the USDA and was director for the Southwestern area Farm Service Agency.

Sen. Jim Isgar of Hesperus was also named USDA’S state director of rural development.

Are you looking for a farm loan? Look no further! Farm Plus has low rate farm loans waiting for you! Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information about farm loans.

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Hay Producers in Trouble

Last modified on 2009-07-17 22:11:59 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Producers, including Don Leonard, feels the wet spring is an “economic disaster.”

For the past 30 days, northeaster Colorado has seen five to eight inches precipitation levels.  Last year, levels were at .5 and .2 inches.

 

 

 

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Colorado Potato Beetle

Last modified on 2009-06-16 23:02:57 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Colorado farmers are having problems with a pest known as the The Colorado Potato Beetle.

Plans around the Ozarks are being destroyed at disastrous rates. Some farmers like Dan Bigbee of Fassnight Farm is afraid his potato crop may not recover from the damage.

Bigbee said farmers need to check their plants every day or at the least every other days. He suggested a high-yield indoor-outdoor pesticide to get rid of the pest.

He also said there’s been problems last year with the beetle, but this year it is farm worse.

Click here to watch an interview with Bigbee.

Interested in a farm loan? Contact Farm Plus today! Low rate farm loans area available, so call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information about farm loans.

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Less Foreign Workers in Colorado

Last modified on 2009-06-16 22:40:57 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Despite the growing trend in other states, Colorado farmers are hiring less foreign workers to work on their operations.

Last year Colorado applied for 13 percent less foreign work visas compared to 2007.

In 2008 Colorado 336 producers requested H-2A visas for 2,831 workers and this year only 258 farmers have applied for 2,498 visas.

The Department of Labor and Employments’ Larry Lemmons said the reason is that many Colorado residents are now willing to take seasonal jobs working on farms.

Are you ready to make an investment in your future? Now is a great time to purchase farmland with a low-rate loan from Farm Plus! Call 866-929-5585 to speak with a representative about loans for any of your farming needs. Visit online for more information on agricultural loans.

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Colorado Dairy Incentive Program Revived

Last modified on 2009-06-16 21:53:30 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

May 15, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the USDA plans to revive a dairy subsidy program called on by lawmakers who wish to help dairy farmers suffering with drops in commodity prices and the loss of one of Colorado’s biggest agricultural lenders.

The Dairy Export Incentive Program will make dairy prices in the overall overseas market more competitive.

“Colorado’s dairymen are doing everything they can to keep their farms afloat as they deal with the credit crunch and the drop in commodity prices,” U.S. Senator Mike Bennet said in a statement. “The DEIP can help Colorado farmers take advantage of the global marketplace and make it work for them as soon as possible.”

New Frontier bank closed its doors in April leaving many farmers in trouble. At least 20 dairy operations have been left without credit lines.

The good news is Farm Plus Financial has farm loans available today! If you are in need of a low-rate farm loan please contact Farm Plus today. Call 866-929-5585 to speak directly with a representative or visit online for more information.

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Vilsack Looking for Answers

Last modified on 2009-05-21 21:07:44 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Colorado Sen. Mark Udall said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack promised to take an in-depth look into the problems farmers and ranchers are left with after the fall of New Frontier Bank in Greeley, Colorado.

The failure of the bank left many northeast Colorado dairy farmers struggling to find credit in a hard market.

Farmers and state officials sent a letter last month to Vilsack asking that funds from the Farm Agency be moved from a guaranteed loan program to one that offers operating loans to farmers.

Udall told Forbes.com that Vilsack was polite discussing it and they will further discussion on his next visit.

New Frontier Bank closed its doors on April 10 after they were issued a cease and desist order for unsafe and unsound banking practices.

If you are in need of a farm loan please contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans are available and Farm Plus works with government agencies to apply for loans you need. Call 866-929-5585 for more information or visit online for information on farm loans.

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Farmland Values Increased

Last modified on 2009-05-21 21:01:43 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

According to the Federal Reserve farmland values appear to have stabilize in the first quarter of 2009.

The increase is promising after a the decline at the end of 2008.

The report released numbers for Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, New Mexico and Missouri.

Although overall farmland has increased, nonirrigated farmland did not change and ranchland declined 0.9 percent.

Demand for farmland has decreased with the economic crisis. However, it is important to realize that low rate loans are available today. Farm Plus has many farm loans available. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online to speak with a representative about farm loans today.

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Colorado Farm Uses Basic Business Practices

Last modified on 2009-03-20 15:30:12 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Colorado’s Longmort Dairy Farm Inc. is an inspiration to many in a gloomy economic time. The farm has been in business since 1968, but has seen steady growth over the years due to basic business practices.

“Our growth has always been slow and intentional-one customer at a time, one cow at a time,” Susan Boyd, co-owner of the business. “I think that’s the one business model that has worked for us. It’s called the hoeing corn. You just plod along, you move at the pace you can comfortably move.”

Boyd points out that adding 1,000 customers at a time wouldn’t work because “we couldn’t supply them with milk. The number of cows we have is in balance with the number of clients we have.”

In 2008 the farm recorded 10.7 percent increase in revenue.

That revenue is from generating products and customers they can handle, but also by using bottled milk. Recycling the bottles 15-20 times saves a great deal of money on packaging. It not only saves money, but helps improve the environment. “Glass is a nonporous container- there’s no foreign flavor,” Boyd points out.

If you are interested in purchasing farm land contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans are available. Farm Plus will work with government agencies to get the loans you need to start your farming business. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information about farm loans.

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Southern Colorado Facing Drought Conditions

Last modified on 2009-03-20 00:49:59 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Farmers and ranchers in Colorado are concerned that drought like conditions could harm their crops in the upcoming season.

Colorado Springs is reporting that drought conditions already exist. The U.S. Drought Monitor has labeled the southern most part of Colorado as “abnormally dry”. The southeast corner of the state is not as concerned because it is only at “moderate drought” levels. They were originally under radar, but precipitation from the Front Range (El Paso and Teller counties) moved the level up.

For most people these both sound frightening unless you have a full understanding. Moderate drought levels means that there could be a shortage if the trend continues. Worsening conditions are unlikely along the Front Rage because the snow from the mountains will melt into water.

However, in the most southern parts there is a concern because the surface water is at low levels. For agriculture this will cause massive problems. For starters obviously there will not be enough water to properly irrigate the crops. The soil will become dry and the wind will blow away the nutrient-rich topsoil. Let’s not forget that worms and micro-organisms need moisture to survive in the soil as well.

Colorado is behind fellow state California who is currently addressing the problem.

 

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Colorado District Promotes Local Agriculture

Last modified on 2009-03-10 21:21:11 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

With the agriculture industry struggling with problems such as declining milk prices, everyone is working together to keep the industry thriving. At the Delta Conservation District’s annual meeting on Feb. 20, local food and farm education programs were the spotlight.

The meal itself featured a menu full of locally grown produce, meat and beverages (wine and juice). The feast was intended to showcase the diversity and quality of Delta County’s agriculture. The menu included prime rib, salad, potato bread, dessert, wines and juice.

The meeting also included a presentation of the new “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” campaign. This campaign supports the local industry and economy. It shows consumers the fresher products are a healthier choice and better for the environment. This campaign is set nationwide.

The meeting also included a presentation called “Teens on Farms.” It is no secret the average farmers is between 55-60, and it is important to educate younger people to interest them in the industry. This program provides work skills, mentoring and job skills by spending time with local farmers. “Teens on Farms” also includes a summer day camp for teens between the ages of 13-18 to learn the basics of working in agricultural occupations.

The Delta Conservation District has been around since 1951 to encourage land conservation. It incorporates ideas from the New Deal program set by the Franklin Roosevelt administration.

If you are interested in purchasing a Colorado farm please contact Farm Plus. Farm loans are available and Farm Plus works with government agencies to provide farm loans. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.

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Colorado Wineries Have Record Harvest

Last modified on 2009-02-25 18:44:41 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Colorado wineries plan on a good vintage year with record harvests. Mild weather during the late summer led to slow ripening of grapes for a good vintage year and record harvests.

Numbers recorded in 2006 show harvests were at 1,515 tons, but this year’s harvest was between 1,800 and 2,000 tons.

“It’s our biggest and one of the better quality harvest we’ve had,” John Garlich, owner of BookCliff Vineyards told The Examiner.

Fellow winemaker, Nancy James agreed. “It was a long, not terribly hot season. We got great ripeness,” she explained.

Most wineries in Colorado are located on the Western Slope. The Grand Valley is where most vineyards call home, located along the Colorado River and West Elks region along North Folk Valley.

If you are interested in starting your own vineyard, be sure to contact someone at Farm Plus today. Vineyard loans are available and Farm Plus wants to make your dreams come true. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information about vineyard loans.  Also remember, interest rates for vineyards are at historic lows, if you want a lower rate or even an expansion loan now is a great time.

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Colorado Working to Change Legislature

Last modified on 2009-02-25 17:46:30 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Some ranchers like Dale Allee fear that his family will not be able to enjoy the ranch he built for security after he dies. This fear comes after reviewing the federal estate tax that will be applied to his land once he passes.

Allee will leave his 4,200 acre ranch in Pueblo County to his children, but he is greatly worried it will not be theirs. “I just turned 80 last week. You know that that means? That means I’m not going to be around here very long, and somebody’s going to have to pay those taxes,” Allee told the Associated Press.

Many Western ranchers are currently lobbying in Washington to exempt them from the tax that may ultimately force their heirs to sell the land. Often it is sold for commercial development.

“I don’t like subdivisions and I don’t like development,” he said. “We just don’t want to see houses built all over our land.”

As of 2009, the federal government requires heirs with an estate worth more than $3.5 million (owned by a single person) or $7 million (owned by a couple) to pay up to 45 percent taxes.

This means that an operation with 200 to 300 cattle may end up paying $3.5 million.

Terry Fankhauser, executive director of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association said, “Look at the need for food production in this country. The only way we can meet that growing demand is to keep these farms and ranches in agriculture and incetivize that by getting rid of the estate tax.”

The tax is expected to be completely gone by 2010, but in 2011 any estate worth more than $1 million will be taxed up to 50 percent.

The bill has been referred to the House Ways and Mean Committee.

If you are interested in purchasing a ranch, ranch loans are available. Contact a representative at Farm Plus with any questions you may have about ranch loans. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding ranch loans.

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Soybeans Grown for Bio-diesel

Last modified on 2009-02-12 00:40:43 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The Colorado Agricultural Value Added Development Board awarded $150,000 in Advancing Colorado’s Renewable Energy grants to two projects that focus on bio-diesel production.

$100,000 was awarded to the International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology (ICAST) in Lakewood, Colo. This money will be used to implement two farm-scaled oilseed crushing and bio-diesel production facilities. ICAST, in partnership with Colorado State University in Fort Collins, will be using a location feedlot in Stratton, Colo.

Ralphy Shay, sustainability project manager for ICAST said, “By producing meal with the oilseeds, we can actually make the project viable. The biodiesel in this case is the coproduct. We’re hoping to use this as a demonstration project so that other producers see how it can be done.”

Instead of commonly used sunflowers, Shay said soybeans will be used instead. The facility is expected to be open in the summer and will produce 100,000 gallons of bio-diesel a year. The glycerin byproduct might be diluted with wastewater and sprayed onto fields, or it might be used as a feed additive.

Farm Plus Financial works with many government agencies to deliver farm loans. If you are interested in growing crops for bio-diesel please contact a Farm Plus agent for more information on farm loans. You can reach them by telephone 866-929-5585 or visit online.

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The Easiest Profit of All

Last modified on 2009-02-05 00:42:07 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Many Eastern Colorado Farmers have valuable revenue simply sitting on their farm, yet no one seems to notice.

Carbon credits, a valuable component for emission schemes that lowers greenhouse gases, can be captured in topsoil. Once captured it can be sold in the pilot greenhouse gas trading market, the Chicago Climate Exchange.

The idea was suggested by Lowell Messman, a specialist with AgraGate Climate Credits Corp of West Des Moines, Iowa, at the 2009 Colorado Farm Show. AgraGate is one of the three companies that are working to have contracts for carbon credits with the Chicago Climate Exchange.

Carbon Credits are not solely for farms, they can be found on ranches, too. Warren Hammerbeck owns a ranch he grew up on in South Dakota, he is also working to have a contract with the Chicago Climate Exchange.

“It’s a source of additional revenue everybody who farms or ranches needs to explore,” Hammerbeck told The Tribune.

“The market has gone from about $1 per ton per year this past year up to $7 per ton. But I think it could go a lot higher than that, unless the government gets involved and puts a cap on how much credits can be sold for,” Hammerbeck said.

For those interested in profiting off carbon credits or starting a farm or ranch of their own, farm loans and ranch loans are available. Contact a representative at Farm Plus for more information on available farm credit. Visit online or call 866-929-5585.

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The Northern Colorado Wind Facility

Last modified on 2009-01-30 01:02:35 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Xcel Energy signed a deal through a power purchase agreement with NextEra to develop a 152-megawatt wind farm in northeastern Colorado. The farm will be called the Northern Colorado Wind Facility. The exact location of the farm is at northern Colorado’s Peetz Table. Currently this location is home to two wind farms that generate 400 MW.

Xcel Energy, a Denver based company, chose NextEra out of many proposals that totaled more than 2,400 MW of wind power.
The project is estimated at $300 million but will generate enough power for about 38,000 homes. This farm will be the fifth largest wind farm in existence.
The deal for the wind farm will go through if approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

A wind farm consists of many wind turbines use to produce electrical power. A large wind farm will have anywhere from 24-100 turbines. The land between turbines can be used for agriculture. Farm Plus Financial utilizes various government guaranty programs in the process of financing wind farms in Colorado and many other States.  If you’re interested in financing a wind farm click here or call #866-383-5585.

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The Save the Family Farm and Ranch Act was reintroduced in senate by Representative John Salazar, D-Colo. It was first introduced in April 2007 and would defer payment of estate tax on family farms if the land is used for any agriculture or conservation purposes.

According to Salazar many people inherit farms but have to sell them because they cannot afford the taxes. Salazar told Farm Futures, “Our intention is by removing that and utilizing the IRS definition of a family farm; they would then be allowed to defer the death tax until the time the person would decide to sell it for development or something else.”

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) determines land a farm if it derives at least 50 percent of the gross income from farming. The current inheritance tax rate is at 45 percent after $2 million. Land value often easily exceeds $2 million.

The Save the Family Farm and Ranch Act would save farms and some agricultural. It keeps farms in families as well. It prevents farmland from being developed into commercial property.

“I think there’s great interest in doing this,” Salazar said. “There are a lot of people that are very concerned about the open space and our ability to provide food not only for this country but the world.”

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.

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Milk Prices

American Farmer

A new pictorial essay called “American Farmer” has been released by photographer Paul Mobley and author Katrina Fried.  Paul Mobley traveled across the United States taking pictures of farm and ranch families while his colleague, Katrina Fried, collected their bios for the book.

The book features over 200 portraits of farm families in United States.  Every type of farm from your conventional corn farmer to alligator farmers to lobster farms.  Mobley traveled more than 100,000 miles to create American Farmer.  By working with the American Farm Bureau Federation, Mobley was greeted time and time again by families across the country including one of our very own, Loan Specialist Greg Van Thuyne and his family.  The Van Thuyne’s  are featured on page 39 of American Farmer.  Greg’s family farms 2200 acres in Boulder County, Colorado.  The Van Thuyne’s mostly grow corn, wheat and sugar beats.  They’ve also been honored by Coors for their outstanding quality in barley which was supplied to Coors brewery.   And, if you’d ever like to contact Greg about a farm loan you may reach him by clicking here.

If you don’t already have this wonderful book you may order one by visiting http://welcomebooks.com/americanfarmer/.  Enjoy!

 

Statement by Dr. Alan Foutz, President Colorado Farm Bureau, on the Nomination of Senator Ken Salazar for Secretary of the Interior

Sen. Salazar has been a great leader during his time in the Senate. Through his work on the Food, Conservation and Energy Act, Sen. Salazar advocated for maintaining a strong safety net for producers and strengthening the energy title, working toward greater investment in rural America and home-grown renewable energy. Through his hard work, Sen. Salazar earned the Friend of Farm Bureau from Colorado Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation for the 110th Congress.

Sen. Salazar is a strong advocate of conservation, fighting for increased funding for EQIP, CREP and other programs in the 2008 Farm Bill. In the early 1990s in his home state, Sen. Salazar led a successful voter-approved campaign which created ‘Great Outdoors Colorado,’ directing a portion of the state’s lottery proceeds towards conservation. This program uses 50 percent of the state’s lottery proceeds to fund parks, preservation of open space and wildlife protection.

Sen. Salazar has a great understanding of water law and during his time as Attorney General for Colorado, he was instrumental in negotiating compact agreements between states. He also understands the need for states to maintain jurisdiction over protecting their water. Sen. Salazar has been opposed to the Clean Water Restoration Act, an effort that would give the Federal government the authority to regulate all waters, including those that have been traditionally known as state waters.

As an agriculture producer, Sen. Salazar understands issues facing agriculture not only in the West but across the country. Farm Bureau has a great working relationship with Sen. Salazar and as a result of his support for our industry, he earned the coveted ‘Friend of Farm Bureau’ award.

On energy, Farm Bureau hopes that we can continue to have a dialogue about increasing production of domestic energy resources. It is important for us as a nation to become energy independent and drilling in proven domestic reserves will be an important component. We will continue working with the Senator in his new role to ensure that we are able to protect our natural resources while increasing energy production here at home.

Farm Bureau is pleased with the announcement of Sen. Salazar for nomination to Secretary of the Interior and look forward to working with him and the new administration on water, endangered species, and public lands and multiple use issues that are important to the agriculture industry.

We applaud his nomination and look forward to working with a great leader.