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Posts Tagged ‘arkansas’
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared the entire state of Arkansas a disaster area. The declaration follows months of extreme weather in the state and across the South. Since the summer, Arkansas has experienced a string of severe and devastating weather extremes. Crops in the state have been battered by everything from drought, rain, floods, and hail.
The extreme weather is particularly harmful in Arkansas, where the largest and most significant industry in the state is agriculture. Given the importance of farming in the state, Arkansas can ill afford these sorts of damaging weather patterns without prompt assistance from the federal government.
The disaster declaration will make federal disaster funds available to struggling Arkansas farmers. Money from the Farm Service Agency, largely in the form of emergency loans, and funds from the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program will help farmers endure this recent disaster.
According to Arkansas Senator John Boozman, “The devastation we experienced in Arkansas earlier this year is on par with some of the most destructive recent natural disasters in our nation… This designation ensures our farmers and ranchers who were adversely affected by the recent tornadoes and flooding are eligible for assistance. It is an important step forward for our agriculture community.”
In addition to relieving farmers, the USDA’s declaration highlights the precarious situation that many farmers and ranchers find themselves in. While agricultural profits and crop prices are higher than ever, the extreme weather of the spring and summer demonstrate that even good times can rapidly come to an end.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: arkansas, farm service agency, John Boozman, usda
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Sunday, July 10th, 2011
Over the past several years, small-scale farming has decreased in the United States. The accumulation of wealth in the hands of large-scale producers and major agribusinesses has led to fewer and fewer small, family farms.
As it becomes harder for smaller farms to stay in business, some farmers have turned to agritourism to make ends meet and to keep their farms open. Agritourism differs depending on region and climate, but can include activities from corn mazes, Christmas tree sales, horseback riding, and fruit picking.
As agritourism increases, Arkansas state officials have worked to expand the new industry. The State legislature recently passed a law limiting liability in case of injury, which would lower insurance costs for farm practicing agritourism. The State Department of Parks and Tourism recently added agritourism to its official website, and state officials have eased hunting regulations on farms.
In addition to official state action, other state officials are spearheading local initiatives. The Agriculture Division at the University of Arkansas, for example, is planning a conference within the next few months that would help farmers start their own agritourism ventures.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: agritourism, arkansas
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
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The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development office has stimulus money available for those opening a business in an area with a population of 50,000 or less.
$58 million in business and industry guaranteed loans are available and must be used by September 30, 2010. The program offers guaranteed loans to assist businesses in developing land, purchasing equipment and buildings as well as providing work capital.
“USDA Rural Development guarantees loans to new or existing business. We encourage businesses to contact us, or talk to their local bank to apply as early as possible,” said Lawrence McCullough Rural Development State Director in a press release.
These loans have no annual renewal fee and a lower guarantee fee of 1 percent instead of the average 2 percent in the past.
In need of a loan to enhance or start your agricultural business? Contact Farm Plus today. Low-rate loans are available starting at 2.95% and we work alongside government agencies such as the FSA to help you get the assistance you need. Call us at 866-929-5585 or visit us online for more information.
Tags: arkansas, loans, usda
Posted in Arkansas Farm Loans, General | No Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Arkansas has had its share of bad weather during the harvest. The USDA just announced Greene County is the primary disaster area in the state following cool late summer temperatures and excessive rainfall from Oct. 1-Dec. 8, 2009.
Producers in Clay, Craighead, Lawrence and Randolph counties are also eligible for crop damage assistance.
Those eligible have until Aug. 25, 2010 to apply for low-rate disaster loans. For more information visit your local Farm Service Agency.
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.
Tags: arkansas, disaster area, greene county
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Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Producers and organization representatives spoke in front of the Jefferson County Farm Bureau asking for USDA assistance sooner than later.
2009 was not an easy year for many farmers with abnormally cold weather and frequent heavy rains. Many fear that if USDA disaster and crop assistance is not handed out soon many farmers will have to call it quits.
The hardest part is that banks are working with farmers now to set up loans for the next year, but many farmers have an uncertain future.
Producers and officials are asking that the bureau support and push for the new legislation proposed to the House in mid-November that would disperse payments sooner than the normal May date.
Arkansas as a whole is expected to need $309 million in crop assistance.
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.
Tags: arkansas, farm bureau, jefferson county
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Thursday, February 25th, 2010
The Arkansas Farm Bureau has announced its support of Senator Blanche Lincoln’s bipartisan effort to regulate greenhouse gases.
The senator is working alongside Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski to stop the Clean Air Act as a tool to regulate gas.
“Arkansas Farm Bureau is pleased that Sen. Lincoln is joining Sen. Murkowski in this effort,†said Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach in a press release. “It speaks volumes that the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee is concerned enough to create a bipartisan effort to stop unneeded federal regulation that would make it more difficult and costly for farmers and ranchers to continue providing affordable food to Americans and the rest of the world.â€
Lincoln has proposed an alternate way to regulate the gases. In a statement she said, “We can make immediate gains to reduce carbon emissions by sending the President bipartisan clean energy legislation produced by the Senate Energy Committee,†Lincoln said. “This legislation, coupled with energy tax incentives, will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and incentivize renewable energy, all while improving the environment and creating much-needed jobs.â€
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.
Tags: arkansas, farm bureau, Senator
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Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
Many new policies and bills are going into affect with new administration. One current bump in the road includes a bill that prohibits any state agency from requiring farmers or ranchers to register farm animals. The bill opposing “The Freedom to Farm Act” passed on Feb. 11 did not gain enough support in the Senate committee.
The opposing bill was sponsored by Rep. Roy Ragland (R.). The bill is in response to the Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Identification System implemented after the mad-cow disease epidemic in 2003.
“It’s just going to be like a giant IRS keeping up with every animal,” Ragland said.
“The bill would prevent the state of Arkansa from implementing the national animal ID system in advance of any federal moves and also send a strong message to the USDA that the farmers in the state of Arkansas do not want this burden weighing on their shoulders,” he said.
The government’s intentions are not to put a burden on anyone. The idea behind the identification program is to have the ability to track illness back to its origin quickly and prevent further outbreaks.
If you are interested in purchasing a farm now is the perfect opportunity. Farm loans are available with low rates. Call Farm Plus today at 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.
Tags: arkansas, cattle, laws, ranch
Posted in Arkansas Farm Loans | No Comments »
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