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Posts Tagged ‘colorado’
Friday, September 16th, 2011
Federal and state agriculture officials have recalled cantaloupe from a Colorado farm following the discovery of the listeria bacterium. Jensen Farms, located in Holly, Colorado, issued a recall following an outbreak of listeria that sickened over 22 people, killing at least three so far. Other Colorado cantaloupe farms are testing their produce in order to make sure it is not similarly tainted.
Listeria is a bacteria commonly found in soil, stream water, sewage, plants, and sometimes food. While rare, ingestion of listeria can lead to an illness known as listeriosis. Commonly found in newborns, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, listeriosis can be fatal. The most common symptoms are fever, muscle ache, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea. The infection can also spread to the nervous system, causing meningitis, a deadly swelling of the brain and spinal cord.
Colorado hospitals discovered the listeria outbreak after treating several patients and determining that the common factor between them was cantaloupe, later narrowed to cantaloupe from the Rocky Ford area. Federal officials discovered listeria contamination in Jensen Farm melons, and are still testing to determine if their produce was the original source of the initial outbreak.
At least one couple sickened is suing Jensen Farms. Tammy and Charles Palmer consumed tainted melons from Jensen Farms. Charles Palmer was sickened and rushed to the hospital where he remains in critical condition.
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: colorado, listeria
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Sunday, July 17th, 2011
Colorado breweries are looking to expand in the wake of changing agricultural markets in the state. Colorado brewers have long been subjected to a fluctuating hops market, often dependent on importing hops from across the country, Canada, and even as far as Germany. Many brewers are frustrated at the lack of local hops and hope to reduce their carbon footprint while simultaneously creating an all-Colorado beer.
In addition to these environmental concerns, many brewers are frustrated by unpredictable prices. The lack of locally grown hops and the reliance on imports means that hops prices, and by extension beer prices, can fluctuate wildly throughout the year.
These desires, however, have been thwarted by the lack of hops farms in the state. Over the past several years, however, many brewers have opened small hops farms across the state, hoping that the growth of the local crop could help lower prices. In addition, they hope that these small farms could help lower carbon footprints and help encourage more sustainable agriculture.
The transformation of Colorado beer making helps reinforce the connection between local businesses and local agriculture. While it may be easy to forget the important role that farming plays on nearly every aspect of American life, Colorado brewers are proof positive of the significance of agriculture and the need to support local, sustainable growing.
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: beer, colorado, hops
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Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
With election season over, many changes are occurring throughout the agriculture government infrastructure. Governor-elect John Hickenlooper announced John Salazar is the new Commissioner of Agriculture for Colorado.
Salazar is a sixth-generation farmer and rancher whose resume includes three terms as Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District’s representative, two years on the Colorado General Assembly and a member of the Agriculture Committee.
“A thriving agriculture sector is critical to Colorado’s economic recovery,” Hickenlooper said. “Farmers and ranchers are also leading the way as business innovators. Their prosperity helps build a foundation for all of Colorado. And no one has been a more passionate champion for agriculture and rural communities than John Salazar. We are fortunate to have his leadership at the helm of the Department of Agriculture.”
As an active member in Congress, Salazar is recognized by the American Farm Bureau and National Farmers Union for his agricultural advocacy. Salazar was a key player in the 2008 Farm Bill. He also worked on issues related to natural resources, job creation and the economy.
Before participating in politics, Salazar served on the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, Colorado Agricultural Leadership Forum and the Colorado Agricultural Commission. He was elected as a state Representative in 2002.
This article courtesy of Farm Plus Financial. For information regarding agricultural finance opportunities contact our offices at 866-929-5585.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Financial staff writer
Tags: colorado, commissioner of agriculture, farm burea, National Farmers Union, salazar
Posted in Colorado farm loans, General | No Comments »
Monday, April 4th, 2011
In Colorado, farmer Chris Jessen is the proud owner of a newly-born rare miniature cow that resembles a panda.
The “panda cow’ was born in Larimer County and is only one of 24 “panda cows” in the entire world. The Loveland Reporter-Herald said the male calf is named Ben and his mother is a lowline Angus cow. He was born Friday (December 31).
Jessen raises miniature cattle on his hobby farm that is also home to miniature kangaroos. A miniature panda cow is not common because it is a genetic manipulated species. Some specific traits include a white belt that encircles the midsection and a white face with black oval eyes that make the cow appear just like the Chinese panda bear.
These cows are so rare they sell for up to $30,000 at fairs and auctions. The panda cow made its first appearance on the television over the weekend on LIVE Report.
This article brought to you compliments of Farm Plus Financial. For information regarding agricultural finance opportunities contact our offices at 866-929-5585.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Financial staff writer
Tags: colorado, panda cow
Posted in Colorado farm loans, General | No Comments »
Sunday, March 6th, 2011
Across the Colorado Front Range, real estate developers are using tax breaks, which were designed to help struggling farmers, to amass development tracks and build housing. Recent investigations into tax records show that in eight Front Range counties, developers and realtors with no real connection to farming own roughly 40% of agricultural land parcels. These agricultural parcels, which are taxed as farming land, currently enjoy tax breaks put into effect in the 1980s to help farmers and agricultural developers. The current controversy, however, stems from developer’s purchase and occupation of this land, an ownership which nets them significant tax breaks, without using the land for agricultural purposes. The agricultural property tax allows them to avoid millions of dollars in conventional property taxes, while simultaneously allowing them to wait out the current real estate crisis.
Colorado Democrats argue that increased tax money could be better spent investing in local schools and state infrastructure. Others argue that the tax loopholes add to suburban sprawl and are unfair, not only to farmers and ranchers, but to ordinary tax payers.
Real estate developers argue that their use of agricultural tax breaks lower costs for Colorado homeowners. They also claim that their exploitation of agricultural property taxes is a temporary measure until the national economy turns around.
Local farmers are also worried that any changes to existing tax structures will hurt agricultural production. They argue that removing agricultural property taxes altogether will put many of them out of business.
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: colorado, Front Range, property tax
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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
BP Wind Energy announced it has entered a long-term power contract with the Public Service Company of Colorado to purchase 250 megawatts of renewable energy from Cedar Creek II, LLC.
Cedar Creek II is a wind farm that will be located about 20 miles north of New Raymer in Weld County. It will be due east of the current 300.5 MW Cedar Creek I wind farm. “Today’s announcement is an important milestone for the landowners, county officials and many others in Weld County who have continued to support this project throughout its development,†said John Graham, president, BP Wind Energy. “A power purchase agreement with PSCo enables BP to help the State of Colorado achieve its aggressive renewable energy portfolio target of 30% by 2020.â€
The Cedar Creek II project is the second purchase agreement made from Xcel Energy’s 2007 Colorado Resource Plan. According to Xcel Energy vice president, this project will be the second largest of its kind in the state.
Interested in adding renewable energy resources to your land? Contact Farm Plus today for information on low-rate agriculture loans. Call us at 866-929-5585 or visit us online for more information.
Tags: colorado, renewable energy, Weld County, wind farm
Posted in Colorado farm loans | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
A Colorado dairy herd tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB) after a lesion was found on a cow in a slaughterhouse.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Agriculture started an ongoing investigation in March following the discovery in Southern Colorado. The two departments traced the meat back to a farm and continued testing all cows on the farm and in the area.
Infected animals can have internal lesions from bovine tuberculosis. The disease is spread by respiratory aerosols that are exhaled by the infected animals. The airborne illness can be caught by other animals or humans and cause breathing problems on top of other health issues.
Although the meat was discovered at a slaughterhouse, no infected meat made it to circulation or into the food chain. Milk from these animals is also not an issue because milk is pasteurized and all harmful bacteria is killed during the process.
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.
Tags: bovine tuberculosis, colorado
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Wheat is a major crop across the United States although farmers planted less acreage in the winter months.
Stripe Rust, a seeded wheat disease, is causing problems across major wheat growing states. The cool conditions thus far have caused a major problem spreading this disease across such states as southeast Colorado and Kansas.
Director of the Colorado Associations of Wheat Growers, Darrell Hanavan, said Stripe Rust is a huge threat to crops. It can cause as much as 50 percent yield loss in crops that are not treated with fungicide to prevent the disease.
Warm weather is the best way to cure the disease and farmers believe a three-day stretch of 90 degree weather would stop the problem. Farmers can also turn to fungicide, but this is a problem since harvesting time is near. Fungicide must be applied 30 to 45 days pre-harvest. Colorado farmers are expecting to harvest after July 4 which is sooner than 30 days.
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.
Tags: colorado, kansas, wheat
Posted in Colorado farm loans, General, Kansas Farm Loans | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Government officials and producers met at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley to discuss the water problems in the Front Range. U.S. Representatives Betsy Markey and John Salazar held the meeting with the House subcommittee and local producers to brain storm ways to solve the water problem in the northeastern part of the state.
One highly discussed option is conserving water in the South Platte River Basin. Although this is one solution, farmers believe it is not going to solve all the water problems in the area. According to producers in the area, water is used and recycled seven times before reaching the eastern side of Colorado.
Producers want an irrigation system to support the $1.5 billion agriculture industry of the Front Range. The problem is that Front Range cities are growing from rural to urban, so many areas do not fall under rural categories or funding.
Producers and officials also discussed alternatives to “buy and dry,” the options farmers have to sell their water rights to cities. Farmers can earn anywhere between $2,000 and $7,000 per acre sold. The most popular option discussed was building a dam on the Cache la Poudre River, but no decisions have been made.
Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. Farm loan rates starting at 2.99% with 25 year terms. Visit our site or call, toll free, 866-929-5585.
Tags: colorado, usda
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Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Colorado is looking to tighten it’s inspections of certified organic product.
The Colorado House passed a bill (61-0 vote) that adds additional inspectors to the state’s Organic Certification Program. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Randy Fischer (D-Fort Collins) and Sen. Mary Hodge (D-Brighton).
Fischer said in a press release, “Farming and eating organic foods is a lifestyle that’s here to stay. In fact, it’s an industry that continues to grow.†He adds that Colorado must take responsibility for its booming industry to assure consumers are getting the best organic products possible.
Under the bill commissioners can now contract independent inspectors to conduct inspections or organic product handlers.
The bill also added three members to the Organic Certification Advisory Board increasing from nine to twelve members.
Colorado is not the only state making changes. Across the country more and more farmers are seeking organic certification with the ever-growing demand. Interested in becoming certified? Contact your local Farm Service Agency.
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.
Tags: certification program, colorado, organic
Posted in Colorado farm loans, General | No Comments »
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