|
|
Posts Tagged ‘idaho’
Friday, February 4th, 2011
The United States Department of Agriculture’s “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” program is being tested in five Idaho schools.
“Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food,” is a new program that provides schools with produce from local farms and ranches. The funding for the program comes from the USDA’s Team Nutrition.
“It’s vital that we provide our children with nutritious meals so they are able to learn and thrive,” said USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary Janey Thornton. “And incorporating local produce into school menus is a wonderful way to ensure that they have access to the fruits and vegetables that are such an important part of a healthy diet.”
The Obama Administration started the program to help combat childhood obesity in schools. The program also aims to boost local agriculture and economy.
The program is currently under observation as five schools including Boise’s Whitney Elementary School. Officials are examining the cost and effect the program has on the schools.
For more information on “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” or agriculture funding, contact Farm Plus at 866-929-5585.
Tags: "know your farmer, idaho, know your food"
Posted in General, Idaho Farm Loans | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
Idaho may be most well-known for its potatoes, but other industries are quickly flourishing in the state.
The United States Department of Agriculture reports Idaho’s milk production is on the rise. In August Idaho produced 1.15 billion pounds of milk. This is up from the 1.12 produced in July. Compared to 2009 the state has a 7.8 percent increase.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported the number of cows in the state increased as well. As of August an average of 573,000 was counted. This is 4,000 more cows than July and 25,000 more than in 2009.
Not only is milk production and the number of cows increasing, but Idaho farmers are seeing the price of milk increasing as well. In August milk was valued at $15.50 per hundredweight while it was only $14.60 in July. 2009 saw milk prices of only $11.60.
Though Idaho’s milk industry is booming, this trend is common among the top 23 dairy states.
Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. Low-rate loans available today with 25 year terms. Visit our website or call, toll free, 866-929-5585.
Tags: idaho, national agricultural statistics service, united states department of agriculture
Posted in General, Idaho Farm Loans | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
Image courtesy of Boise Weekly
Ranchers in Twin Falls who were impacted by the Long Butte fire are eligible for emergency funding through the United States Department of Agriculture.
The Emergency Conservation Program is designated to help producers in such a situation. Those who suffered loss and damage must submit a request for assistance by October 1.
Producers must submit an estimate of the cost for damage such as fences and pastures. The local Farm Service Agency office then submits the requests to the USDA for payments.
Lance Phillips, Twin Falls County executive director points out he cannot submit requests if he does not receive the figures. He estimates 36 producers will request for help for 24,000 acres of land.
To qualify ranchers must have suffered a minimum of $1,000 in damages. Each payment can be as high as $200,000.
Other programs are also available to help cover the loss of animals and feed. For more information, contact your local FSA office.
Are you in the market for a farm or ranch loan? Contact Farm Plus today for information on our agriculture loans. Call 866-929-5585 to speak with a representative or visit our website for more information.
Tags: energency conservation program, idaho, long butte, twin falls, usda
Posted in Idaho Farm Loans | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
Image courtesy of Cornell Cooperative Extension
The United States Department of Agriculture issued disaster relief loans to counties in northern Idaho following damaging weather.
In spring 2010 the state was hit with heavy rains and frost that cost substantial crop damage and loss across the northern part of the state.
United States Department of Agricultue Secretary Tom Vilsack named Lewis County a disaster area in August which also allows surrounding counties, Clearwater, Idaho and Nez Perce eligible for disaster relief as well. The loans are to assist farmers who suffered damage to dry bean, peas and bluegrass crops between April and June.
Those producers who experienced damage should document all damages clearly and submit an application to their local Farm Service Agency office. Low-rate loans will be issued based on each individual case.
Eligible farmers have eight months to apply for emergency disaster farm loans. If you have any questions call your local Farm Service Agency Office.
In need of emergency assistance? Contact Farm Plus today for information on your financing options. Low-rate farm and ranch loans area available today. We also work with local government agencies to assist you with your agriculture funding. Call us at 866-929-5585 to speak with a representative or visit our website for more information.
Tags: disaster relief, idaho, tom vilsack, usda
Posted in Idaho Farm Loans | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
The United States Department of Agriculture accepted a petition from Idaho, Utah and Wyoming producers asking for a review of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program.
The Trade Adjustment Program provides assistance to U.S. producers of raw agriculture commodities who are affected by imports or competitive commodities. The program is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act from 2009. The petition is to review the process the USDA uses to determine is a producer is eligible for the program.
The petitions asks that the USDA look at the national average price, value or production or cash receipts of their commodity and if they have declined more than 15 percent in the current year compared to the 3-year average. It also wants the USDA to compare these to the increase in imports during the same time.
The Montana Farm Service Agency encourages other producers to join the petition. If changes are made producers will have 90 days to contact the FSA to apply for the program.
In need of a farm or ranch loan? Rates are at historic lows starting at only 2.95%. Call 866-929-5585 to speak with a Farm Plus representative today or visit us online for more information.
Tags: idaho, trade adjustment assistance program, usda, utah, wyoming
Posted in General | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
The United States Department of Agriculture announced open enrollment for the federal Conservation Reserve Program. According to the Idaho Farm Service Agency, the federal government is offering to pay landowners higher payments to enroll land in the program.
Though the money would help many farmers during the current hard economic times, the higher payments may cause a problem or the agriculture industry in Idaho. More people will enroll land which means a large portion of Idaho’s farmland will be out of commission. Landowners have been offered three times as much for land this year than previous years.
Contracts with the Conservation Reserve program require that land lay fallow for 10 to 15 years. This is done voluntarily. The land is then seeded with grass or a ground cover to avoid erosion. The United States Department of Agriculture is looking to enroll 32 million acres across the United States.
Click here for more information on the program.
Low-rate farm loans available today. Lock in before farm loan rates rise. Contact Farm Plus by clicking here or calling toll free 866-929-5585.
Tags: conservation reserve program, CRP, farm service agency, idaho, usda
Posted in General, Idaho Farm Loans | No Comments »
Friday, April 2nd, 2010
The Idaho Farm Bureau is reminding farmers and producers that any potato seeds purchased for intended sales or distribution upon growth must be inspected and certified under the Idaho Seed Potato Law of 1996.
A number of agencies are eligible to certify these seeds and crops including the Idaho Crop Improvement Association. The certification assures that crops will be pure and healthy, leaving a good name for Idaho’s famous potatoes. Without inspection potato plants can be plagued with diseases which can be passed through potato tubers. Farmers should not use potatoes found in the super market for seeds because they are often infected and can prevent sprouting.
The certification goes beyond the seeds and crops, but to the cleanliness and efficiency of the farms as well. This helps assure that future crops will also be of the highest quality.
Anyone who violates this law can be fined as much of $10 per hundredweight of the potatoes in violation.
Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. Farm loan rates starting at 2.95% with 25 year terms. See our rate sheet here or call, toll free 866-929-5585.
Tags: idaho, Potatoes
Posted in General, Idaho Farm Loans | 1 Comment »
Friday, April 2nd, 2010
Idaho farmers are now planning their seasons based off the USDA’s annual estimates for the upcoming growing season.
Every year the USDA releases a report of what the USDA thinks farmers are planning for the up-and-coming season. Although farmers were expecting higher numbers for Idaho, it works as a guide of what to plant, how much and how to market the crops.
“In a market based economy it’s supply and demand that set price and so one of the first things you need is an estimate of what the supply is going to be,” explained Paul Patterson, an Agricultural Economist at University of Idaho told KDIK.
The study focuses mostly on grains and corn, but a number of other crops are predicted as well.
The numbers will change over the season, especially once farmers start reporting back to the USDA. However, it is the ideal guide for farmers across the country.
Click here to see the entire report.
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: idaho, usda
Posted in General, Idaho Farm Loans | No Comments »
Friday, April 2nd, 2010
Blackfoot, Idaho will soon be the home of a 33-wind turbine farm stretched across 2,971 acres of farm land.
The proposal was approved by the Planning and Zoning committee at a meeting last week. The project was proposed by Western Energy of Utah. Melody Halstead, Planning and Zoning Administration told Idaho State Journal that no one opposed the idea at the meeting, but if an appeal is filed within ten days of the approval the project will be halted.
Wind farms are popping up across the country because they are an innovated way for farmers to add a new income from their land and make extra money. There are a variety of low-rate loans available from the USDA to cover expenses through programs such as the Rural Development Program. The government offers a number of subsidies as well for those generating renewable energy. For more information visit the USDA’s website.
Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. Farm loan rates starting at 2.95% with 25 year terms. See our rate sheet here or call, toll free, 866-929-5585.
Tags: idaho, renewable energy
Posted in General, Idaho Farm Loans | No Comments »
Friday, April 2nd, 2010
After California residents voted to tighten the regulations on poultry farms to avoid animal cruelty, Idaho’s senate is preparing for a large expansion of the state’s own poultry industry.
The Senate has passed a bill that restricts the size of poultry farms on the grounds of what impact it will have on the environment. Idaho leaders feel that many poultry farms will relocate from California to avoid the new law.
Senator Tim Corder (R-Mountain Home) and the chairman of the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee proposed a 40-page bill on March 16. The bill asked that the poultry and swine regulations be moved from the Department of Environmental Quality and placed under the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.
As we go forward in these times, we find more and more groups that are critical of the state’s management of water quality and air quality, and we want to provide some assurances that we’re serious about that as a state and not only that, but the industry’s serious,†Corder said at Tuesday’s hearing
The bill puts a limit on the size of the farm, the permits allowed per poultry farm and groups the various operations across the state by size.
Looking to refinance while rates are at historic lows? Farm Plus has low-rate farm and ranch loans starting at only 2.95%. Call 866-929-5585 to speak with a representative or visit our website for more information.
Tags: idaho, poultry, senate
Posted in General, Idaho Farm Loans | No Comments »
|
|
|
|
