Montana Counties Eligible for Assistance

Last modified on 2010-02-09 02:57:07 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

13 Montana counties have been named disaster areas by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Fergus, Judith Basin, Petroleum, Blaine, Cascade, Chouteau, Garfield, Golden Valley, Meagher, Musselshell, Phillips, Rosebud and Wheatland counties are eligible for low-rate loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Alfred E. Judd, director of SBA‘s Disaster Field Operations Center-West explained, “SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster.”

He added, “These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the combined effects of drought, severe storms, excessive heat, hailstorms, excessive moisture at harvest, and weather-related insect damage that occurred in the counties beginning Jan. 1, 2009.”

The loans have a four percent interest rate and a maximum term of 30 years. For more information contact the SBA at (800) 659-2955. The deadline is Aug. 16, 2010.

Farm loan rates starting at 2.99%. Lock in before farm loan rates rise. Contact Farm Plus by clicking here or calling toll free 866-929-5585.

 

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Montana Wind Farm Growing

Last modified on 2009-12-08 18:38:08 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer announced Glacier Wind Farm will be entering Phase II of its constructions.

The farm, that produces energy for NaturEner, will generate a total of 210 megawatts.

The farm was built in 2008 near Shelby and is the first of two large farms expected for the Spain-based company.

The second farm, named Rim Rock project, will be 25 miles north of Glacier Wind Farm. It will contain 206 turbines and will generate 309 megawatts.

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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Montana Counties Participate in ACRE Program

Last modified on 2009-12-08 18:20:06 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The USDA’s new Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program has approved 911 Montana farms for 2009.

The ACRE program is part of the 2008 Farm Bill that provides producers with a state-level revenue guarantee. The revenue is based on a five-year state Olympic average yield and a two-year national average price. Payments are made when farm-level triggers are met.

Producers and farmers that participate in ACRE receive a 20 percent reduction in direct payments and 30 percent deduction in loan rates. Those who participate are in a contract until the 2012 crop year.

Participating counties include : Beaverhead, 1; Big Horn, 3; Blaine, 32; Broadwater, 2, Carbon, 0; Carter, 4; Cascade, 35; Chouteau, 258; Custer, 1; Daniels, 17; Dawson, 2; Deer Lodge, 0; Fallon, 10; Fergus, 16; Flathead, 16; Gallatin, 3; Garfield, 2; Glacier, 3; Golden Valley, 6; Granite, 0; Hill, 42; Jefferson, 0; Judith Basin, 0; Lake, 6; Lewis & Clark, 6; Liberty, 16; Lincoln, 0; Madison, 4; McCone, 19; Meagher, 0; Mineral, 0; Missoula, 1; Musselshell, 0; Park, 4; Petroleum, 0; Phillips, 18; Pondera, 79; Powder River, 0; Powell, 0; Prairie, 0; Ravalli, 0: Richland, 6; Roosevelt, 70; Rosebud, 7; Sanders, 0; Sheridan, 61; Silver Bow, 0; Stillwater, 2; Sweet Grass, 0; Teton, 102; Toole, 20; Treasure, 0; and Valley, 33.

Click here for more information on ACRE.

Farm loan rates starting at 2.99%. Lock in before farm loan rates rise. Contact Farm Plus by clicking here or calling toll free 866-929-5585

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Wolves off the List

Last modified on 2009-12-08 16:52:05 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The U.S. District Court for Montana has made the decision to deny the injunction of the removal of the Rocky Mountain gray wolves from the Endangered Species list and The Montana Farm Bureau Foundation stands behind this decision.

Montana and Idaho are ready to take over wolf management plans. “It’s rewarding to see the Montana wolf management plan will be allowed to go forward,” MFBF President Bob Hanson told Western Farmer-Stockman. “Interests from all sides of the issue had a hand in developing the plan, and we are happy to see their hard work was not in vain.”

This decision affects cattle and sheep producers because their livestock have been paying the price since the mid-90s when wolves were being repopulated. Recently 120 buck sheep were killed on a Dillon ranch by these wolves.

“Producers entered the wolf re-introduction plan in good faith and when wolves reached the target population that was agreed by everyone – wildlife and producer groups alike – the wolves would be de-listed and managed,” Hanson added. “It’s time to go forward with the de-listing and let the management plan take affect.”

Farm loan rates starting at 2.99%. Lock in before farm loan rates rise. Contact Farm Plus by clicking here or calling toll free 866-929-5585

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Montana Producers Eligible for Loans

Last modified on 2009-10-30 19:49:36 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Montana Senator Max Baucus announced the USDA is allowing Montana producers to apply for funding to help with the loss of livestock during this season’s drought and unpreventable health conditions.

The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) and Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) have been available since mid-September.

The ELAP is for producers who have loss livestock from disease, adverse weather or other unpreventable situations. The LFP is for producers who have lost grazing livestock from drought or fire.

“This assistance will be a huge help to Montana farmers and ranchers who have been affected by drought and other bad weather,” Baucus said. “One bad storm can wipe out a lifetime of work, and I want to make sure Montanans who have suffered devastating livestock losses will get the resources they need to move forward.”

Those who are eligible can apply for losses dating back to 2008. For more information contact your local Farm Service Agency office.

Farm loan rates starting at 2.99%. Lock in before farm loan rates rise. Contact Farm Plus by clicking here or calling toll free 866-929-5585.

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Montana Feels Dip in Wheat Prices

Last modified on 2009-09-24 18:40:54 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Montana farmers are concerned over the 35 percent decrease in wheat prices.

So far Montana farmers are happy with the outcome of their crops, but despite this overall the agriculture industry is seeing a great decrease in prices per bushel.

Overall farmers are expected to see a 40 percent decrease in net farm income. The biggest decline is found with wheat because of the smaller number of exports and rising cost of production.

With Montana’s economy relying heavily on its wheat industry, many farmers are concerned the entire state will feel the impact of the change.

Are you looking for a low-interest farm loan during these hard times? A savings in interest rates can offset a decrease in net income.  Contact Farm Plus today for information on farm loans with interest rates as low as 2.99%! Call 866-929-5585 to speak with a representative or visit our website for more information.

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Montana Farmers Turn to Rotation Crops

Last modified on 2009-05-21 19:58:17 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Montana farmers are planting less wheat this year. The main reason is that prices are low and last year they planted back to back crops when commodity prices were high.

Carl Mattson of the Montana Grain Growers Association confirmed this adding many people double-cropped when prices were so high.
Farmers are now planting pulse crops that do not need fertilizer and naturally return nitrogen into the soil.

According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture last month said farmers intend to plant 125,000 acres of lentils, up from 83,000 last year.

Looking to purchase farm land in Montana? Need a loan for supplies? Contact Farm Plus today. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information about low-rate farm loans.

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 Montana Farm Loans - Refinance, Purchase, or Expansion

Agriculture is deeply imbedded in Montana history.  Montana is home to over 29,000 farms with an average farm size of 2061 acres.  Montana is in the top five of the United States for production in barley, peas, and grain.  It is no question Montana is a key player in the United States when it comes to agriculture, which is why we are proud to offer Montana farmers and ranchers with Farmer Mac loan products.  Our farm loans and ranch loans have very competitive interest rates, and fixed loan terms up to 30 years.  We offer a streamlined loan process, a courteous staff willing to go the extra mile, and superior farm loans.  Whether you are searching for a farm loan to refinance, purchase, or expand your current operation, we’re here to assist you in your goals.  Please feel welcome to contact us by calling toll free 866-929-5585 or view our website here.  Thank you for visiting.