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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Environmental Quality Incentives Deadline

Last modified on 2009-12-08 18:36:54 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The deadline has come for participation in the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

The program started as part of the 1996 Farm Bill and reinstated in the 2008 Farm Bill. The program provides technical and financial assistance to landowners to address soil, water and related natural resource concerns on farm land. In the new provisions Congress set aside five percent of financial assistance dollars for new farmers and five percent for socially disadvantaged farmers.

Some states have seen a large growth in the program’s participation. Nevada participants jumped from 50 to 75 percent.

Applications had to be received by Nov. 27, 2009. For more information click here.

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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Oklahoma Farmers Eligible for Loans

Last modified on 2009-12-08 18:35:48 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

74 Oklahoma counties are eligible for emergency loans.

USDA Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack announced the majority of Oklahoma is a primary disaster areas. This declaration was made following severe weather from Sept. 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. Drought, floods, hail, freezing, fire and high winds put a large delay on planting as well as destruction to crops, livestock and equipment.

Eligible farmers can apply for emergency assistance through Farm Service Agency offices in Craig, Delaware, Mayes and Ottawa counties.

Money from the loans can be used to purchase seed, fuel, repairs and fertilizer.

Loans are only available to those who suffered losses directly related to weather and cannot get loans from other sources.

Applications can be submitted until April 13, 2010.

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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The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project

Last modified on 2009-12-08 18:30:38 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Disabled farmers,ranchers and family members who have disabilities are eligible for funding from The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project.

“Agriculture is an important industry in Oklahoma,” said Randy Taylor, co-director of the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project. “The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project strives to keep farmers with disabilities on the job and a productive piece of this important industry. Though Oklahoma AgrAbility cannot directly purchase assistive technology, it is designed to help determine a course of action and link clients with appropriate funding sources.”

Any farmer or producer who is disabled is eligible. AgrAbility staff members are available to visit farms to make an assessment for anyone who is uncertain if they qualify or not.

The money can is to be used for assistive technology including motorized lifts, mobility aids and modifications to farm tools and buildings.

Each case is looked at individually. Those who do not qualify may qualify for the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation. For more information call the Oklahoma AgrAbility (888) 885-5588 or visit their website.

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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Cotton Crops Disappointing

Last modified on 2009-12-08 18:06:22 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Oklahoma’s dry summer put a damper on this year’s cotton crops.

According to reports, if weather would have faired it would have been a bumper crop.

“This year, what started out to be an exceptional cotton year, was slowed by the dry spell in July and August. When it did start raining, the moisture was about three weeks too late.” said David Lingle, manager of the Tillman Producers Cooperative cotton gin.

Last year Lingle told an Oklahoma newspaper, “By Oct. 5, 2008, we had ginned 600 bales. We may gin anywhere from 25,000 to 28,000 bales this year,” he said. “Our members farm around 30,000 acres of cotton.”

Cotton crops were doing well until July when the weather dried out adding extra stress to the plants. When rain finally fell in early September, cool weather caused the plants to fail in maturing.

“When the temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, cotton begins to shut down its growth,” Lingle said. “If we had received more moisture in the summer, we would be looking at a bumper crop now.”

Although crops are taking longer to mature, the numbers are one percent higher for Oct. 4 compared to last year.

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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Oklahoma Director Retires

Last modified on 2009-08-28 22:47:14 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Oklahoma’s Farm Bureau Executive Direcor, Matt Wilson, announced on July 15 he is retiring after 32 years of service in Oklahoma’s Farm Bureau Agency.

“On behalf of Oklahoma Farm Bureau and affiliated companies, the board of directors wishes to thank Mr. Wilson for his more than 30 years of dedicated work,” said Mike Spradling, president of OFB and affiliated companies.
The board appointed Monica Wilke as the acting executive director.

Are you in the market for a farm loan or ranch loan? Farm Plus has low-rate loans available today! Call 8660929-5585 to speak with a representative today or visit our website for more information on low-rate farm loans and ranch loans.

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Shopping For Land

Last modified on 2009-08-28 21:54:43 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

T. Boone Pickens, a Texas oil billionaire, had plans to build one of the largest wind farms in Texas. However, now he has put a halt on those plans and is looking for the perfect location for a smaller, trial wind farm.

Mesa Power, owned by Pickens, canceled the order of 667 wind turbines from General Electric Co. and the 120 land leases. The plan was to generate 4,000 megawatts on 400,000 acres of land.

Pickens assured that the orders were not canceled forever, but rather delayed until the economy gets better.

The cost of the farm is slated at $8 billion, and instead Pickens is investing $2 billion in wind turbines that should be ready by 2011. Mesa’s plan is to find land to put the turbines on and Pickens suggested he is looking at land in Texas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Kansas.

Do you need a farm loan? Farm Plus has low-rate farm loans for all your farming needs! Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information.

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Oklahoma and Texas Wheat Crops Down

Last modified on 2009-06-16 22:17:35 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Drought, a late freeze and an abnormal amount of rain has put a huge damper on winter wheat crops in Oklahoma and Texas. The small crop has put a huge damper on sales and revenue for these farmers.

Dave Hermesch has been a wheat farmer for 22 years and although it is only June, he has already felt the negative impact of the small crops.

Hermesch told NewsOK.com that “We’re cutting 20 percent of what we normally would and less than five percent of the crop will see combines.”

He said that a normal year would see 10,000 acres of wheat, but this year there will be only 3,000 acres.

Despite problems, Hermesch feels he is lucky because he at least has enough acres he can cut to stay busy because many farmers have no acres of wheat left at all.

Although some areas were hit hard, agriculture is still on the rise and now is the time to join the industry. Farm Plus Financial has many low-rate loans to help you with your farming needs. For more information on farm loans visit online or call 866-929-5585 to speak directly with a representative.

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Cotton the replacement crop?

Last modified on 2009-05-21 20:55:55 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

For farmers in Oklahoma a new crop may take over those giving them problems. Due to harsh weather conditions and poor harvesting, many wheat crops have not grown properly. Some farmers are using the failure as opportunity to add a new crop to their land, cotton.

The replacement crop is not the easiest change to make, but it can add extra revenue or replace it.

The Oklahoma State University Extension office suggests checking rules and laws before making the change. If insurance claims were made on the failed crops, the land cannot be replanted until the next season. If it is done it is considered fraud.

There are also many tips to follow when using the appropriate herbicides and fertilizer. It is important to realize that cotton has a deep tap root that can utilize deep nitrogen in the soil that wheat cannot. Also, adequate moisture is needed produce a good crop.

For those looking to purchase land and join the agriculture business contact Farm Plus today. Dreams become a reality with low rate farm loans for all your needs. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information.

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Children’s Safety

Last modified on 2009-05-07 21:09:07 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The director of the National Farm Medicine Center at Marshall Clinic, Barbara Lee, expressed the center’s commitment to farm safety after the recent death of a four-year-old Oklahoma boy.

Experts are concerned that adults need to be reminded that children should not be allowed to ride on moving tractors. The center has teamed up with farm safety organizations to refresh everyone on the campaign launched two years ago, ‘It’s Easier to Bury a Tradition than a Child,’ a national campaign to keep children younger than 12 away from tractors.

“Now we’re appealing to others outside the network to help us spread the message to keep kids away from tractors,” Lee said.
Information on the campaign is available from The Childhood Agricultural Safety Network at www.childagsafety.org. Free public service announcements by Michael Peterson are just part of the information. One thirty second video shows the Oklahoma boy’s stepfather describing the horrific sight that morning. “He turned around, and saw the upper part of the boy’s body already wrapped in the brush hog.”

Public Service Announcement

100-plus farm-related accidents happen involving children each year, but most accidents occur on tractors and other big machinery.

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

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Sign-up for the Grassland Reserve Program Today!

Last modified on 2009-04-29 17:58:22 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced the availability of funding for the Grassland Reserve Program. This program falls under the 2008 Farm Bill and authorizes almost $16 million to Oklahoma in 10, 15 and 20 year contracts.

“GRP is a voluntary program that helps protect valuable grasslands from conversion to other land uses, thus helping to ensure this national resource is available to future generations,” said Kenneth Hitch. “Enrollment of land in GRP will have a positive economic impact on the country and improve environmental quality by preventing the conversion of grassland to other uses, including crop production and urban development.”

The Grassland Reserve Program helps landowners restore, protect and rehabilitate grassland, rangeland, pastureland, shrubland and other specific lands. The preservation of these lands are necessary for forage of domestic livestock and habitat for natural wildlife.

The criteria taken into consideration will include: grazing operations, protection of eligible acres under the highest threat of conversion to uses other than grazing lands, expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres, plant and animal biodiversity, and offers from eligible entities (who wish to partner in the acquisition of GRP easements). Those interested should check that they are eligible at their local NRCS or FSA office.

The first cut-off date for 2009 is May 15.

Farm Plus works alongside government agencies like the FSA to get the low rate farm loans you need. Call (866) 929-8555 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.

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Oklahoma Awaiting Verdict on Wheat Crops

Last modified on 2009-04-15 01:32:01 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

In one week Oklahoma farmers will see how much damage spring freezing has done to this year’s winter wheat crop.

All but three counties in the Oklahoma Panhandle were issued a freeze warning, and temperatures hit below 32 degrees until 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

Despite the fact the crop is a couple weeks ahead in its development, Mike Schulte, executive director of Oklahoma Wheat Commission, told Tulsa World that the crops have experienced great stress from the freezing.

“The cold temperatures are probably going to have some effect,” Schulte said Monday. “It’s probably going to have a large impact.”

Jeff Bedwell, an agriculture educator for the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service in Garfield County, said only time will tell what effect the freeze will have in the Enid area.

“It’s really going to be field-to-field-to-field specific,” Jeff Bedwell, an agriculture educator for the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, said.

The moisture will help plants recover from the freezing compared to if they were in dry ground.

Over the past few years Oklahoma has seen production go up and down in the winter wheat production. IN 2008 166.5 million bushels were harvested according to USDA National Agricultural Statistics. That number is almost twice as much as the 98 million collected in 2007 or 81.6 million in 2006.

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

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No-till Advice

Last modified on 2009-03-20 01:21:34 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

No-till farming uses a tillage system to conserve the land from year to year, leaving the soil nutritious and ready for farming.

At this year’s No-till Oklahoma Conference in Oklahoma City experienced farmer David Eyster gave farmers plenty of advice to find success with no-till farming.

The first step he said is to remove all weeds from the land you wish you use. He recommends terminating a crop “early enough to allow time for a rain before planting. Give it at least 30 days.”

Eyster advices all farmers have their own sprayers to use the herbicide timely, but also be in contact with neighbors in case there a problem occurs. He stressed the importance of nutrients in the soil as well because “proper fertility means a healthy crop.”

To have the most success Eyster said newcomers must know how to manage residue. Residue conserves water so it keeps weeds down and soils cooler. Depending on the season, crops respond differently to the amount of residue in the soil. “Summer crops do better with residue,” he said. The crops that work best with it are cotton, corn however, does not.

It is hard to choose the best crop because there are so many options. “But whatever crop, make a marketing plan first,” he said. “Also, pick crops that you can alternate Roundup Ready and non-Roundup Ready varieties to prevent control problems with volunteers.”

Another key to no-till farming is using rows that configure with harvest equipment. This way the soil is not disturbed more than necessary. Overall he suggests using crops like cotton or sunflowers.

Farmers who have adopted no-till farming have found their soil full of nutrients. It also conserves the soil at its natural state.

If you are interested in purchasing land for farming contact Farm Plus today. Farm loans are available with low rates. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.

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Oklahoma not Affected by Drop in Dairy Prices

Last modified on 2009-02-25 21:43:40 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The decline in milk prices has yet to affect Oklahoma farms.  Many dairy farms have found themselves selling cows for slaughter because they cannot afford to feed the herds.

“Around here it is really not a big issue,” said Bill Barnhart at OKC West Stockyards in El Reno, Oklahoma. In a past there were plenty of dairy farms in operation Barnhart said, “but now they are mostly all gone.”

“Dairy cows rarely come through the Oklahoma City stockyards,” said Jerry Alexander, officer in charge of the Oklahoma City U.S. Department of Agriculture Market News office. “And we’re not seeing any change.”

Large dairy farms in the western part of the U.S. have a different outlook. Due to the rising feed prices, global drop in dairy product demand and frugal customers eating out less have greatly affected operations. It does not help that milk prices are half of what it costs farmers to produce it.

“It is true that times are very hard for dairy farmers right now,” said Susan Allen, the central and western Oklahoma program coordinator for Dairy Max, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the National Dairy Council and funded by dairy-farming families in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and southwest Kansas. “The price they are getting for milk is not matching the cost of production right now.”

“Dairy farmers are tying to do what they can to weather the storm,” she said.

Ron Kensinger, head of the animal science department at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, said “Yet that doesn’t dispel the fact that times are truly tough for the dairy industry and for all small farmers.”

“The economic climate for the dairy industry is brutal; it’s the toughest in about 50 years,” Kensinger said, with farmers being paid the same amount for milk as they were five decades ago.

Farm Loans for refinance, purchase and expansion are available for your Dairy.  Rates are still at historic lows.  To learn more contact a representative at Farm Plus Financial, one can be reached by calling 866-929-5585 or by clicking here.

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Oklahoma State Legislature to Control Oklahoma Livestock Laws

Last modified on 2009-02-12 00:45:54 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The Oklahoma Senate has voted to leave all power to adopt laws regarding livestock to the state senate instead of allowing individual cities to make laws. The legislation passed unanimously on Monday. There were many concerns that it could cause health problems in cities and rural areas.

The Oklahoma Farm Bureau played a big part in the decision and asked Sen. Mike Schulz, R-Altus, to sponsor the legislation. According to Schulz the bill will overturn any current local ordinances and prevent any laws from being enacted from here out.

Cynthia Armstrong, director of Oklahoma’s Humane Society of the United States, was against the legislation.

“This legislation is not about representing your constituents’ interests, but rather about keeping the decision-making authority for every issue related to the raising of livestock in the hands of special interest groups who do not represent the majority of public opinion,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong said the proposal by Schulz would bar citizen effort to halt “the cruel confinement of animals raised on factory farms” and could potentially thwart efforts by health advocates to “address food safety concerns such as the overuse of antibiotics fed to animals on factory farms.”

Livestock is defined in state law as such things as cattle, horses, sheep, swine, domesticated rabbits, chickens, turkeys, domesticated fowl and “any animal or bird in captivity.”

Schulz said it would stop laws that interfere with livestock operations when cities annex large areas.

Armstrong pointed out this legislation is an attempt to “pre-empt what happened in California.” Meaning the Proposition No. 4 California voters adopted last November. This required that farmers allowed egg-laying hens enough room in their cages to move freely.

Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield, D-Ardmore is a rancher and does not think the Legislature would want to keep cities from regulating how many cattle can be on one lot. He felt it was putting communities in a hard position “who are trying to deal with the health of their communities, and that’s not good.”

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Farm Plus Financial is proud to offer government secured Oklahoma farm loans and Oklahoma ranch loans.  Oklahoma has more man-made lakes than any other United States, over one million surface acres of water and 2000 more miles of shoreline than the Atlantic and Gulf coasts combined. Oklahoma is a largely diversified Agricultural state.  Oklahoma ranks in the top 5 of the United States in wheat, cattle and sorghum.  Seeking a lender for your Oklahoma farm loan or ranch loan can be a grueling task. At Farm Plus Financial we take the uncertainty out of your search by offering very competitive interest rates, friendly and knowledgeable staff and a streamlined loan process to insure a pleasant loan transaction.  Whether you are seeking a farm loan or ranch loan for a refinance, purchase or expansion of your Oklahoma farm operation Farm Plus Financial is here to answer your questions.  Please feel welcome to call us toll-free or complete the form above to have a Loan Specialist contact you today.  Thank you for visiting.

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