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Posts Tagged ‘dairy’
Friday, August 28th, 2009
Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell is asking the federal government to assist dairy farmers with their current economic .
problems
The governor and seven colleagues wrote a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack asking for debt forgiveness and interest-free extension for at least six months for dairy farmers.
According to the governor, marketing assistance, federal housing administration, USDA guaranteed and direct or low interest loans is the majority of debt that the farmers have.
This change would help keep many farmers afloat in the harsh economic times.
Do you in the market for f arm loan? Contact Farm Plus today for information on low-rate farm loans. Call 866929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.
Tags: dairy, edward rendell, tim vilsack, usda
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Thursday, July 16th, 2009
A U.S. study shows dairy genetics, herd management, nutrition and animal welfare improvements have streamlined the milk production system.
Cornell University researchers found that the dairy industry has a much smaller carbon footprint than it did in the mid-20th century.
“A U.S. and global populations continue to increase, it is critical to adopt management practices and technologies to produce sufficient high-quality food from a finite resource supply, while minimizing effects up on the environment,†Jude Capper, the study’s author, said.
In 2007 the carbon footprint was only 37 percent than that of 1944. It also shows that the U.S. dairy industry produced 186 billion pounds of milk from 9.2 million cows in 2007 over the 117 billion pounds of milk from 25.6 million cows in 1944.
If you are interested in a farm loan contact Farm Plus today. Low-rate loans are available for your farming needs. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information on farm loans.
Tags: cornell university, dairy
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Friday, June 19th, 2009
A research project at Stonyfield Farms is looking at the food cows intake and methane emissions. The farm found that by changing the food a cow eats, emissions were reduced by 18 percent. Not only did it reduce emissions, but changing a diet to grasslike foods like alfalfa and flax over corn and soy, but it also improved the cows’ health and quality of their milk.
According to the New York Times…
[...]with worldwide production of milk and beef expected to double in the next 30 years, the United Nations has called livestock one of the most serious near-term threats to the global climate. In a 2006 report that looked at the environmental impact of cows worldwide, including forest-clearing activity to create pasture land, it estimated that cows might be more dangerous to Earth’s atmosphere than trucks and cars combined.
[...]
In the United States, where average milk production per cow has more than quadrupled since the 1950s, fewer cows are needed per gallon of milk, so the total emissions of heat-trapping gas for the American dairy industry are relatively low per gallon compared with those in less industrialized countries.
[...]
A reason farmers like corn and soy is that those crops are a plentiful, cheap source of energy and protein — which may lead some to resist replacing them. But Ms. Laurain said flax cost less than soy, although grain prices can fluctuate. The flax used in the new feed is grown in Canada, is often heated to release the oil in its seed and yield the maximum benefit for the cow. For now, however, that process is expensive because there is no plant for it in the United States, and the flax is shipped to Europe for heating.
Are you in need of a farm loan? Look no further, Farm Plus has low-rate loans for your farming needs. For more information call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information.
Tags: dairy, emissions
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Tuesday, June 16th, 2009
Connecticut lawmakers have approved a financial safety net for dairy farms who have seen many problems since dairy prices have dropped.
The General Assembly passed a grant program to help dairy farmers cover the gap between the cost of supplies and the lower amount the U.S. government allows them to charge.
The money will come from the additional $10 fee people must pay to record local land records. Governor M. Jodi Rell fully supports the program.
Connecticut’s 150 dairy farms are greatly struggling through the economic crisis.
If you are looking for a farm loan for your farming expenses, look no further! Farm Plus financial offers low rate farm loans and works alongside government agencies to get you the loans you need. For more information call 866-929-5585 to speak with a representative or visit online for more information.
Tags: connecticut, dairy
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Thursday, May 21st, 2009
Researchers are looking to engineer the “cow of the future†that releases less gas to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020.
The project wants to reduce intestinal methane, the largest component of the dairy industry’s carbon footprint, according to Thomas Gallagher, chief executive officer of the U.S. Dairy and Dairy Management Inc.’s Innovation Center in Rosemont, Ill. (Reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Rick Naczi, leader of the initiative, said one area they are looking at is modifying the cow’s feed so they produce less methane.
“Right now there is some work being done on fish-oil additives and some other things,†he said.
The researchers are also looking to target the microbes in the cow’s stomach. “You can change the mix of the bacteria in the cow’s rumen and change the methane production that way,†Naczi added.
Naczi believes the research will develop some solutions within the next year.
If you are looking to enter the dairy industry, contact Farm Plus today. Low-rate farm loans are available for many of your farming
needs. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding low-rate farm loans.
Tags: dairy, methane gas
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Monday, April 6th, 2009
In 2007 three Minnesota counties alone had 986 dairy farms. With the 50 percent decrease in dairy prices, farmers are struggling.
A statement released by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said the USDA is planning to step up and assist dairy farmers by purchasing dairy products from the market and make them available to food pantries, school food programs and Indian reservation programs.
The USDA plans to buy 200 million pounds of dry milk. The program is not expecting to fully solve the current economic problem, but the USDA wants to help farmers who are in need. “There’s more to bed one,” Klobuchar said. “I am completely sympathetic to our dairy farms.”
Farmers and agriculture figures are excited about the plan. Bob Lefebvre of the Minnesota Milk Producer Association told the St. Cloud Times he thinks “it certainly is a step in the right direction.”
Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) agrees. He said, “This is a win-win situation that will offer relief to our nation’s dairy farmers who are suffering from high input costs and declining milk prices and to low-income American families who are finding it harder to put healthy food on the table during these difficult economic times.”
If you are interested in purchasing farm land now is a great time to do it. Low rate farm loans are available through Farm Plus today. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.
Tags: dairy, dairy farms, milk, usda
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Monday, April 6th, 2009
According to the USA Today, dairy prices are down 50 percent from last year. It has dairy farmers in a panic to the point they are selling their herds to other farms or slaughter houses.
Some farmers like Pennsylvania farmer Walt Moore feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, “If these prices stay low through 2009, there’s going to be a lot of producers that don’t make it,” he told the USA Today.
Producers in Pennsylvania receive $11.50 per hundred pounds of milk despite production costs of $15.50 to $18.50.
However, the USDA is working with farmers to help them get through the price slump. Emergency aid is available to those in need and the USDA has been purchasing surplus milk, butter and other dairy products to clear the market and put a floor under prices. The products are being donated to food banks.
Prices started to fall because of the lack of exporting and oversupply.
Until the market clears up there are options to make additional money on farm lands. The government is pushing renewable energy and offers carbon credits and credits for ethanol crops and wind energy.
Despite what appears to be harsh conditions, agriculture is not in trouble and now is a great time to invest in the farm of your dreams. Farm Plus offers low rate farm loans to fit your needs. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.
Tags: dairy, milk prices
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Thursday, March 19th, 2009
Creating a business takes much thought and consideration. Farming is no different. In this week’s Coshocton Tribune, Marissa Mullett, of the Ohio State University Extension at Coschocton County, explained the importance of risk management in farming, most importantly diversification.
Farms start with a specialty, such as dairy or beef and gain respect and nobility for those quality products. It is important to recognize the need for specialty to gain this respect. Once the company is recognizable and successful, diversification is the next step.
In situations like the current dairy struggle, those who offer other crops or services will come out better than those strictly selling dairy. Some examples are adding wind turbines to your land or corn farms growing soybeans.
Mullett pointed out that having diverse products saves you in seasons where maybe profits or premiums drop. The backup services or crops may help the farm or vineyard to cover losses. The possibilities are endless.
Many see starting any business at this point a risk, but as Mullett explained with the right plans businesses can find success.
It’s no secret that the dairy industry is struggling and some see other areas of agriculture being hit as well. However, if you follow advice like this your business can find success during the economic recession.
Are you interested in purchasing farmland or a vineyard? Farm loans, ranch loans and vineyard loans are available today. Contact Farm Plus for information regarding low interest farm loans, ranch loans and vineyard loans. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online to start the process today!
Tags: business, dairy, risk management
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Thursday, March 19th, 2009
Efficiency is one way to survive the dairy crisis that currently exists. With milk prices as low as $10.78 for 100 pounds of milk, dairy farmers try to stay optimistic.
Some farmers had to slaughter cows or sell them, but others are getting every drop they can out of fewer cows. Linnea Kooistra is one of these farmers.
“As we take care of the animals, they take care of us,” she told the Chicago Tribune. Kooistra spoils her cows with fine cuisine, pedicures and sand beds.
“You try to get the most milk you can out of each cow to limit the negative effects, the losses,” Kooistra said. “We keep her happy so she gives us more milk.”
Kooistra’s dairy farm is located in northern Illinois, and although Illinois is not a top dairy producing state, it is ranked at 20 with 1,000 dairy farms.
Dairy prices have dropped due to less demand. With the current recession, people are not dining out as much (consuming dairy products) or purchasing expensive cheeses. Another reason is that there is less milk export because other countries are no longer dependent on us for milk.
Despite current economic conditions farm loans are available. If you are interested in purchasing a farm, contact Farm Plus today for more information on farm loans. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online.
Tags: cows, dairy, milk
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Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
In a time when milk prices seem to worry most farmers, organic farmers in Maine are more prepared for the challenge.
Farms like Spencer Aitel’s Two Loons Farm feel they are not immune to the effects of milk prices, but are part of an organic-farm cooperative that eases the pain. The cooperative puts a set price on milk that allows farmers to have a solid business plan to sketch out the future.
“The reward is that prices remain stable instead of fluctuating with the commodity market,†Aitel told the Kennebec Journal. “Without stable pricing, the business person can’t plan ahead effectively.â€
Milk prices are down this winter due to the falling exports of the U.S. dairy industry. Most farmers rely on government subsidies to bridge the gap between prices and production costs, but Maine is considering cutting some of these subsidies.
This is where the cooperative comes in handy. “If the industry as a whole crashes, that puts pressure on the entire dairy infrastructure, such as trucking veterinary services and supplies,†Russell Libby, executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association said. “So it’s important to maintain a base of dairy farming wherever we can in the state.â€
To save the dairy industry, both organic and conventional dairy farmers have become allies. “I think most organic farmers value their conventional neighbors,†Aitel said.
The biggest impact the farmers have is to continue to maintain a “critical mass†despite conditions.
“Critical mass is one of those numbers you really don’t know what it is until you’ve lost it. Once you’ve lost it, you see the other businesses that support dairy farms go out.â€
“You want to maintain enough people using milking machines so there’s a milking-machine repairman,†Aitel said. “What happens if the nearest repairman is Vermont?â€
If you’re interested in taking advantage of historically low interest rates now is a good time to do that. Farm Plus Financial can help with financing for purchases, refinances, and expansion loans. Representatives can answer any questions you have about farm loans and assist you in applying and receiving a farm loan of your own. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online.
Tags: dairies, dairy
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