The FFB Oppose Water Regulation Proposal

Last modified on 2010-02-26 02:45:22 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The Florida Farm Bureau has vocally announced its opposition to new water quality standards proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The FFB feels that the new plan places an excessive water tax on citizens through an increasing sewer bill and will place a burden on Florida producers.

“For nearly a decade, Florida’s agricultural community has been proud to cooperate with other businesses and government agencies in the state’s Total Maximum Daily Loads program,” FFB President John L. Hoblick said in a news release. “The TMDL program, which established numeric nutrient criteria based on watersheds, has caused Florida to be recognized as a national leader in water quality protection and restoration. This action by EPA abruptly changes that.”

The EPA’s plan puts a limit on phosphorous and nitrogen which are nutrients found in fertilizer and wastewater. The standards would decrease the amount of pollution in drinking water.

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.

___________________________________________________________

Florida hit With Freezing Temperatures

Last modified on 2010-02-09 03:04:24 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Florida governor Charlie Crist has asked the USDA to declare Florida an agircultural disaster area following a state-wide freeze.

The uncommon freezing weather hit large parts of Florida through January. The state has experienced 13 consecutive days of “sustained hours” of below-freezing temperatures resulting in crop damage.

Crist would like all 67 Florida counties to be included in the disaster declaration according to a letter written by the governor to the USDA. The letter outlined how much the weather has affected crops and how important agriculture is to the state’s economy.

“No sector of agriculture appears to have been spared,” he wrote. “Citrus, sugarcane, nursery crops, tropical fish, sweetcorn, tomatoes, snap peas, strawberries, blueberries, peppers, avocados, mangoes and oats are some of the crops that appear to have sustained significant damage.”

Since the request, Congress has been to Florida to exam the 30 percent crop loss. No decision has been made yet.

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.

___________________________________________________________

Tomato Pickers Paid More

Last modified on 2009-06-16 22:10:48 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

A Florida farm worker group and Whole Foods Market announced that two farms have made an agreement to honor their deal to boost tomato picker wages.

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers said the farms will give a penny more per pound of tomatoes that are sold to Whole Foods. The penny will come from the Texas-based Whole Foods.

The coalition has deals as well with fast food joins, but was inactive because a Florida farmer group threatened to fine working members who participated.

Pickers in Florida can earn as much as $12 an hour during the season, but most pickers earn far less. If all Florida pickers joined the penny deal, workers can double their earnings.

If you are interested in a farm loan please contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans are available for your needs.
Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.

___________________________________________________________

Florida Farm in the Clear

Last modified on 2009-06-16 22:05:59 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

L&M in south Florida is free of salmonella. Investigators found no additional samples after cantaloupe growing on the land led to a three-state recall.

On May 14 a random test by The Food and Drug Administration led North Carolina-based L&M Cos. Inc. recalling all the melons sent to them from Immokalee, Florida. The cantaloupes were being distributed at Walmarts across America.

The company recalled any cantaloupe sold between May 10-15. No illness was reported, but it was done as a precautionary measure. Pass Line Farms received 73 bins full of cantaloupe from the recall.

Lee Anne Oxford, L&M director of marketing said there had been no issues in the past and they are now working with the FDA to clear up any problems.

18 tests were conducted that showed the salmonella no longer exists.

Interested in farm loans? Contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans are available. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information.

___________________________________________________________

Emergency Farm Loans Available

Last modified on 2009-05-21 21:10:47 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

 

January freezes left St.Lucie, Indian River and Martin disaster areas. A total of 24 counties have been declared disaster areas by the United States Department of Agriculture. The area suffered unusual freezing temperatures from Jan. 20 through Jan. 23.

Farmers in the 24 counties are eligible for assistance from the Farm Service Agency. If requirements are met, emergency loans are available through the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program. Those eligible should contact the Treasure Coast agency at 8400 Pico Road, Suite 101 in Fort Pierce.

In need of a farm loan? Low rate farm loans are available today at Farm Plus. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information.

___________________________________________________________ 

Florida’s Newest Crop

Last modified on 2009-05-15 21:38:23 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Florida farmers boast the quality of their peaches, and even goes as far to say their peaches are better than Georgia’s. New crops of peaches including “Florida Prince” and “Tropic Beauty” have helped Florida gain notability.

Florida also has the advantage that these peaches grow fantastic in its subtropical climate, meaning Florida has three extra growing months on Georgia.

As Chile exit’s the peach market, Florida starts in April. The season ends in June just before Georgia and California start growing.

Although the crops are gaining such high praise, no one expects the crops to replace Florida’s notorious grapefruits, oranges and limes. Regardless these crops can help Florida farmers prosper.

“We have a hard enough time growing citrus so I can’t imagine peaches are any easier,” Jim Harvey, co-owner of the Rockledge-based Harvey’s Indian River Groves, told Florida today. “The problem with peaches is that they are very fragile.”

70 acres of peaches scatter across Central Florida, but officials agree that Georgia and South Carolina currently are the leaders of peach production in the southeast.

As word spreads acreage is expected to increase. So far farmers are happy with the outcome.

“We were happy with our first year of production and hope to double it next year,” said Ron Wilson of JON Peach Farm in Dade City near Tampa.

Want to join the trend? Low rate farm loans are available today at Farm Plus! Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.

___________________________________________________________

Odd News… Check City Ordinances!

Last modified on 2009-05-07 19:44:54 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Tim Clement, 50, a former Florida hairdresser won $3.3 million in the state’s lottery and did what anyone would do, pursue a dream. Unfortunately, his dream did not comply with the anti-nudity country ordinance according to Brooksville, Fla. Officials.

Clement used the money to set up a 10-acre dude ranch in Brooksville where clothing was optional. Prior to purchasing the land he did not receive proper approval from Hernando County, which is not only to open a ranch, but especially one that did not require tourists to wear clothing.

“I grew up on a farm,” Clements told the Sun-Sentinel. He admitted that he did not think he would run into any trouble because the dude ranch was completely private. However, when word started to spread about the “optional clothing,” officials caught wind and closed the place down due to an ordinance that has existed since 2002.

If he cannot work something out with officials he said, “I might just shut it down” and go back to simply inviting friends to stay at the ranch.”

If you are interested in purchasing a ranch contact Farm Plus today. Low rate ranch loans are available call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding ranch loans.

___________________________________________________________

Tis the Season for Giving

Last modified on 2009-04-15 02:13:51 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Florida is one of the many states seeing farms give back to the community this Easter. 12,000 dozen eggs were donated to the Second Harvest of Tampa Bay. That is a total of 144,000 eggs!

The spokesman for the food bank said that supply will only last three or four days. Tampa Farms donated 14 pallets of eggs that would stretch over six miles of land if spread out.

The eggs will be given to 10 counties in West Central Florida, and this is the second year the farm has donated the eggs to Second Harvest.

Children in need will not only have eggs to color this holiday season, but a healthy meal to eat as well.

If you are interested in purchasing a farm, maybe even to give back to the community, contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans are available. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information about farm loans.

___________________________________________________________

Peach Crops in Trouble?

Last modified on 2009-04-15 02:03:39 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Farms throughout the south are concerned about their peach crops. Unusual spring freezes are threatening peach crops in Florida and North Louisiana especially. Joe Mitcham at Mitcham Peach Farm in Ruston, Louisiana told KATC.com the late freeze could wipe out his entire harvest.

This will have a huge impact on his revenue since his peach crops reach as far as Arkansas.

“It’s part of farming. It’s just a gamble that you’re always, you’re up against mother nature. It is either too dry or too wet; hail really hurts the peaches, and of course the freezes. So it’s just part of farming”, said Joe Mitcham.

Looking to purchase farmland in Louisiana or Florida? Contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans are available for any farming needs you have! Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.

___________________________________________________________

The Projected Numbers are In!

Last modified on 2009-04-15 01:20:26 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

With Spring around the corner many farmers are deciding what crops to plant to make the biggest profit. In many states, including Florida, big changes are being made.

In early March Florida farmers said they intend to plant more corn and soybeans and fewer acres of wheat, cotton and peanuts in 2009 compared to 2008.

Growers are planting an estimated 35,000 acres of soybeans, up 3,000 acres from the 32,000 acres planted last year. While corn acres are expected to be at 80,000 instead of 75,000 from last year.

While soy beans and corn are increasing, cotton crops are expected to cover only 65,000 acres, down 3 percent, and peanut growers are only planting 110,000 acres covering 27 percent less acreage than in 2008.

If you are interested in purchasing farmland in Florida for soy beans, corn, cotton, peanuts or any other crop contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans are available today. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.

___________________________________________________________

Save the Avocados!

Last modified on 2009-04-15 01:10:47 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Members of Florida’s Congressional delegation signed and sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture drawing attention to the fact the state’s avocado crop is in danger of extinction.

The problem behind the threat is a disease, The Laurel Wilt Fungus, that is spread by the Redbay Ambrosia bettle that is spreading across 70 miles of the heart of avocado growing region.

The letter asks lawmakers to put restriction on interstate transportation of Redbay wood plants that host the beetles.
In order to fix the problem they are requesting money provided from the 2008 Farm Bill for creating strategies to protect avocado farmers.

10 percent of the nation’s avocado production comes from Florida.

If you are interested in purchasing Florida farm land please contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans are available today. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information.

___________________________________________________________

U-Pick Strawberry Farms Almost Absolete.

Last modified on 2009-04-07 02:43:04 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Hillsborough County farms, in Florida, are slowly ending a Spring tradition. Starting in March strawberry farms would allow the public to come in and pick their own strawberries. This tradition is common among many states with various crops, but fewer strawberry farms in Hillsborough County are offering this option.

Farmers agreed that is was a good way to harvest all the berries from their strawberry crops, and many people would admit it is a fun experience. However, many farmers have been forced to replant their fields with a spring crop of vegetables to make up for dwindling profits.

Other will blame the lack of interest or the fact fewer people were picking enough strawberries. Fancy Farms’ owner Carl Groom said people use to make more jam which required a lot of strawberries, but today people only want enough for a small dinner “or to make a daiquiri.”

If you are interested in bringing back the tradition or purchasing farmland for your own crops, please contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans are available today. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.

___________________________________________________________

Solar Energy Expanding in Florida

Last modified on 2009-03-20 15:44:22 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

JEA has announced plans for a 100-acre solar farm on the Westside that will produce enough power to heat, cool and light 2,700 homes in Jacksonville.

A collection of 200,000 solar panels could generate 15 megawatts of electricity according to JEA chief executive Jim Dickenson. To date only 1 megawatt of solar energy is found around Jacksonville.

The farm is expected to open on a massive rural site around JEA’s Brandy Branch natural gas generating system in 2010.

JEA is making the change as pressure increases at state and federal legislative levels to lessen pollution resulting from power production. The change may come as a surprise because the current coal power used in Jacksonville costs an eighth less than solar power production.

However, the combination of this solar farm and other state projects is expected to reduce the overall cost.

“We’ve got to get enough of these out there so there’s a breakthrough in the technology,” Dickenson said.

If you are interested in purchasing land to push renewable energy forward, contact Farm Plus today. Innovated farming is a fast growing trend with many benefits from the government. Low rate farm loans are available today, call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information on Florida farm loans.

___________________________________________________________

Research for Citrus Plant Diseases

Last modified on 2009-03-10 21:25:55 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The Florida Department of Citrus has announced a $10.8 million plan to fight citrus greening and diseases.

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is using the money to research 83 diseases. 70 are sponsored by the Florida Department of Citrus and 13 will be funded by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Two diseases, and the highest concerns of those in the citrus industry, included is canker and greening.

Canker is an infection that creates lesions on the leaves, stems and fruits of the citrus trees. This means leaves will ultimately fall off early.

Greening is a bacterial disease that reduces the tree’s production, this disease leads the the tree’s death.

Psyllids are another concern being addressed by the research. The psyllid insects are currently at low numbers due to unusual cold weather throughout Florida. However, as the weather warms up the psyllids attack leaves leaving behind white specks that cause the leaves to curl, be stunted and fall off.

Researchers hope to find cures to destory all these diseases and the pests that carry them.

If you are interested in purchasing a farm, expanding or refinancing for any reason Farm Plus Financial can help. Call Farm Plus at 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information about farm loans.

___________________________________________________________

Florida Farm Loans - Refinance, Purchase or Expansion 

 

Farm Plus Financial is proud to offer government secured Florida farm loans and Florida ranch loans.  Florida is known for many things andbeing a large agricultural state is one of them.  Florida is largely diversified in its agricultural offerings including everything from potatoes to oranges to aquaculture.  In fact, Florida ranks #1 of the United States in grapefruits, oranges and tangerines to name a few.  We understand searching for a farm loan for your Florida operation can be grueling.  Farm Plus Financial offers low interest rates, great terms, knowledgeable and friendly staff and a streamlined loan process to insure you experience a pleasant loan transaction.  If you are seeking a Florida farm loan for a refinance, purchase or expansion, Farm Plus is your source.  You can contact a Loan Specialists at Farm Plus by calling toll-free 866-929-5585 or simply by clicking here.