Indiana Farm Bureau Speaks Out

Last modified on 2010-02-09 02:40:14 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Congress is trying to pass a property tax cap amendment to the state constitution and The Indiana Farm Bureau is standing strongly against it.

The change to the state’s constitution would lock property tax for homes at one percent and farmland at two percent. However, there is also a three percent tax cap for farm equipment.

The Farm Bureau feel that the amendment does not benefit farm owners and it is unfair that it relieves only one group of tax payers in the state.

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Idaho Air Quality Improves

Last modified on 2009-09-24 18:33:04 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

In 2007 the Idaho government invalidated field-burning laws that allowed farmers to burn farm residue. This practice caused much pollution and upset many environmentalists in the state.

Government officials, farmers and environmentalists recently negotiated new laws for field-burning to help improve Idaho’s air quality. The new laws went into affect this past fall and have been a great success thus far.

Environmentalists in the state say there has been a drastic improvement in the air quality in the last year. Field-burning is a popular practice in Idaho. In the last month alone 3,400 acres have been burned.

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Cool Weather Postpones Crops

Last modified on 2009-09-24 18:26:29 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Indiana temperatures have been four to 10 degrees cooler than normal, damaging a few soybean fields across the state. The cooler temperatures have also had an affect on the corn crops that are just about to reach maturity according to a recent survey by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Although there is slight damage thus far, corn crops are reported to be 63 percent good to excellent condition, which is up by six percent compared to last year. 41 percent of the corn is at dent stage, which is slight less from 2008 (58 percent). Only seven percent of the corn is mature at this point compared to last year’s 22 percent.

Soybean conditions are similar, but improved compared to last year. So far the soybeans are rated 63 percent good to excellent, last year it was only 46 percent. Currently 95 percent of soybeans are setting pods unlike the 96 percent at this point last year.

Another popular crop, alfalfa, is coming along in Indiana. According to reports the alfalfa is 83 percent complete. This is behind last year which was at 91 percent.

Numbers overall are looking good for Indiana crops.

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Corn Crops’ Record Year

Last modified on 2009-09-24 18:18:08 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

According to the USDA Crop Production report, this year’s Indiana state corn crop will be a record breaker. The crop will not only be large in production, but also high in average of bushels per acre.

The USDA took ear counts in August, but the numbers are not released state-by-state. So far the USDA predicts the ear count is about 27,600.

“That’s huge, that’s the largest we’ve ever had,” Joe Prusacki, director of Statistics for USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service “We expected, based on current technology trends and what farmers are doing, about 250 more ears per acre this year than last year just based on typical trends.”

Prusacki added that Illinois and Indiana have suffered from late planting seasons and although they are generally the leaders in ear counts, their numbers are about the same as last year.

The estimates will be confirmed in September’s report.

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Wind Farm is on its Way!

Last modified on 2009-06-16 22:13:48 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Construction is underway for one of the biggest wind farm projects in Indiana. The main components for the Meadow Lake Wind Farm arrived at the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor on June 2 and are being transported to the location of the farm.

30 power generators and turbine hubs are making their way to White and Benton counties from Vestas Wind Systems in Denmark. Vestas is the largest and most widely used wind turbine manufacturer in the world.

A second ship full of pieces is expected in mid-June with 120-foot-long blades for the turbines.

The 260,000 acre farm in northwestern Indiana will supply power for 250,000 homes using 600 wind turbines.

Looking to start a wind farm? Contact Farm Plus today. Low rate loans are available for your farming needs. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information.

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Pork Industry Impacted by Swine Flu

Last modified on 2009-05-15 21:42:05 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

A struggling pork industry is bracing themselves for more hardships.

According to Chris Hurt, agricultural economist at Purdue University, Indiana hog farmers have been losing money every quarter over the last year and half, and it the problem is increasing as the swine flu scare lingers in everyone’s minds.

Hurt said hog producers have lost $5 a head as of April 24 and today it is at $20. Since the news of the outbreak the pork industry lost $30 million.

Despite efforts by the Agriculture Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assure the public pork is safe, few people are listening. Especially after a case of swine flu was transmitted through pork in Canada.

That case was rare, and most every case was contracted from person to person.

“I think it is a new twist. It’s one where the pork producers had said it’s not been found in hogs — well, you can’t say that anymore,” Hurt said. “Maybe it’s the hogs that should be more scared of humans at this point. Or, our hog producers really needing to increase their biosecurity to really try to keep it out of our herds here in Indiana.”

Consumers do not realize there are extremely strict health protection standards in practice. State officials work hard to ensure that the standards are always in effect and producers follow them.

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Indiana Corn Crops Suffer With Global Warming

Last modified on 2009-05-07 20:34:27 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

A study released by the Environmental America Research & Policy Center said Indiana corn farmers will lose an estimated $98 million a year as temperatures rise from global warming.

The $98 million is part of the $1.4 billion future losses farmers will face due to climate change.

Since 1981 it is estimated that farmers worldwide have suffered corn losses valued at $1.2 billion because of increased temperatures and decreased precipitation levels.

After studying scientific literature, government reports and studies done by the center, it was concluded that America’s main cash crop is in danger of lower yields due to rising temperatures.

Despite the over powering negative impacts of climate change, there are a few benefits. One major benefit is the more carbon dioxide for plant growth.

The study suggests that U.S. policymakers take steps to encourage clean energy and mitigate the effects of global warming.

Suggestion includes:
— Reduce U.S. global warming emissions by at least 35 percent below today’s levels by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.
— Auction all pollution allowances under a future carbon regulation program and use the proceeds to move the nation toward energy efficiency and clean, alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power.
— Create a fund from the sale of pollution permits to energy companies that would help farmers reduce agricultural sources of greenhouse gases and increase the storage of carbon in soils by enriching them with organic matter instead of chemcial fertilizers.
— Require utilities to obtain at least 25 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025 and to reduce energy use by 15 percent by 2020.
— Reduce energy use in new buildings by half by 2020.

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

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Growing Wind Farms!

Last modified on 2009-05-07 19:22:03 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Benton County, Indiana will soon be home to a 400-megawatt wind farm. Dominion Resources, a power company, is planning to generate enough electricity for 120,000 homes on The Fowler Ridge Wind Farm.

The farm is located about 40 miles northwest of Indianapolis and may even grow as big as 750 MW. Dominion and BP own 50 percent each of the 300-MW that come from the farm and the extra 100 MW.

The power from the 400 MW was sold to Dominion’s energy market arm and American Electric Power in Indiana and Appalachian Power utilities.

If you are interested in joining the renewable energy trend, call Farm Plus today. Wind farms are booming across American and farm loans are available today. For more information regarding low rate farm loans visit online or call 866-929-5585 for more information. A representative is waiting to help you with all your farm loan needs!

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Stimulus Package Helps Indiana Farmers

Last modified on 2009-03-20 01:23:33 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

With $28 billion set aside for USDA spending from the economic stimulus package, Indiana farmers will be impacted in great ways.

According to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, $145 million will be loaned out directly to farmers for various specified uses. “These will go to a little over 2,000 operators throughout the country to allow them to put in the crop and pay their bills for spring planting. 50 percent of these loans will go to socially disadvantaged farmers,” he said.

A great change to Indiana will come with the Floodplain Easement Program. Sign up has began and will continue until March 27. This program is designed to help those affected by flooding.

Indian state conservationist Jane Hardist told HAT it is important people apply if they are eligible. “It all depends on the interest of the farmers. If they come in and they ask for this, then this is what we hope will bring some additional dollars here. They will be ranked out nationally. There is $145 million nationwide for this opportunity, but it’s all about them coming in.”

Floodplain easements will help landowners who are constantly battling floods on the cropland. Farmers enrolled would receive a one time payment of $215,000 for 100 acres of cropland. This would benefit farmers because they lose $5,000 a year from flooding and this way the landowner would have money to relocate operations somewhere less likely to flood.

Farm loans are available today. Farm Plus works with government agencies to get loans to beginning or experienced farmers. The best part is farm loans at historic low rates. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information about farm loans.

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AEP Purchases an Additional Wind Farm

Last modified on 2009-03-20 00:26:27 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Wind farms are having a huge impact on agriculture. Many farms are turning to wind turbines to make extra money and credits. Large electric companies are buying into the trend and bringing business to new farms.

American Electric Power has sealed a deal to bring 100 megawatts of wind power to Ohio. The company, based out of Columbus, OH made plans to purchase power from a wind farm in northwestern Indiana.

The 100 watts is part of a transaction that will bring 250 megawatts to many parts of AEP’s 11 state coverage.

The farm will be developed by BP Wind Energy and will be up and running by the end of 2009.

AEP owns a total of 38,000 megawatts of power that provides energy for 5 million customers. Currently, Ohio does not see any of this wind-generated energy. Only one wind farm exists within the state in Bowling Green.

If you are interested in taking part of the green movement with a wind farm, please contact Farm Plus today. Farm loans are available for conventional farming or innovated farming. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans. Farm Plus will work with government agencies to provide you a farm loan. Now is a great time to inquire, farm loans have incredibly low rates!

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Indiana Farm Loans – Refinance, Purchase or Expansion Loans

 

Farm Plus Financial is proud to offer government secured Indiana farm loans and Indiana ranch loans.  Indiana is home to 15,000,000 acres of farmland making agricultural revenue a large part of the state’s economy.  Indiana ranks in the top five of the United States in hogs, ducks, soybeans and corn for grain to name a few.  Indiana is a huge contributor to United States overall agricultural production.  Farm Plus Financial is eager to help agriculture grow in Indiana by offering low interest rate loans.  Our knowledgeable and friendly staff, streamlined farm loan process, and superior farm loan programs makes every loan transaction a pleasant one.  Whether you need to refinance, purchase or expand an existing farm or ranch operation, Farm Plus is here to help you achieve your goals.  Searching for a farm loan or ranch loan for your Indiana farm operation can sometimes be challenging, let the challenges end here. You’ve found a lender you can call your own.  Please feel welcome to call us toll-free at 866-929-5585 or click here to have a Loan Specialist contact you today.  Thank you for visiting.