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Posts Tagged ‘kentucky’
Sunday, December 4th, 2011
The outgoing Kentucky Agricultural Commissioner is facing some tough questions regarding his hiring practices. Current Agricultural Commissioner Ritchie Farmer is set to leave office next year following an unsuccessful bid for the Lieutenant Governorship.
Farmer, who has remained a popular commissioner, has been accused of nepotism in his recent hiring decisions. Shortly before the November election, Farmer hired his current girlfriend for a $5,000 a month job in the state agricultural department. Shortly after the election, Farmer hired one of his girlfriend’s friends, Patti Apperson, for a $24,000 a year job at a Louisville commodity distribution center.
Farmer claims that both women are more than qualified for their respective jobs. Regarding Apperson, Farmer stated, “I appointed her after the team that picked her off of the register interviewed her and recommended her.”
In addition, Farmers claims that his legal advisors told him the hiring decisions did not violate Kentucky law.
Critics, however, are upset, particularly about the hiring of Apperson. While Stephanie Sandmann, Farmers’ girlfriend, was hired as a political appointee (meaning she can be let go without cause and very well might be replaced at the start of James Comer’s term), Apperson was hired as a merit appointment, meaning she can only be fired for cause.
Both hirings, critics claim, demonstrate nepotism and favoritism within the commissioner’s office.
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: agricultural commissioner, farm jobs, kentucky
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Sunday, November 13th, 2011
On Tuesday night, Republican James Comer Jr. bucked statewide trends when he won the race for Kentucky Agricultural Commissioner. Tuesday was a bad night for Kentucky Republicans. Democrats won almost every statewide office up for election, sweeping to victory in the governor and lieutenant governor races, the attorney general race, the secretary of state race, and the auditor and treasure races.
The race for agricultural commissioner, on the other hand, was a bright spot for the GOP. In an unusually heated race, Comer crushed Democratic candidate Bob Farmer, even winning Farmer’s home county of Jefferson.
The election hinged on both men’s respective experience in the agricultural industry. Comer, a lifelong Kentucky resident, was the president of his local FFA, majored in agriculture at Western Kentucky University, and managed several successful farm operations.
Comer juxtaposed this experience with Bob Farmer’s background in marketing, public speaking, and a previous career as a comedian and humorist.
Portraying himself as a supporter of Kentucky bio-fuels, pledging to support state programs for young farmers, and championing urban farming in Kentucky, Comer garnered the support of both Democrats and Republicans. In a post-election interview, Comer stated, “We just had a great organization, a bipartisan organization… and just overwhelming support in the agriculture community, which really played a big role in my campaign.”
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: agricultural commissioner, James Comer Jr., kentucky
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Sunday, May 8th, 2011
Heavy rainfall over the past few weeks has hammered the Midwest, leading to record floods across the region. Dozens of towns surrounding the Mississippi River and its tributaries have been evacuated. The devastating flooding, combined with the overall wet weather in general, has paralyzed agricultural production in the region.
Kentucky has recently joined the list of state seeking federal aid, as Governor Steve Beshear asked the USDA to declare a state of emergency in 17 Kentucky counties hit by the spring flooding. “The severe storms and flooding have significantly impacted Kentucky’s farms and assistance from the USDA is critical and necessary to offset resulting income loss,” Beshear said. He also stated that he has not ruled out expanding the state of emergency to include future counties if the extreme weather keeps up.
Kentucky is just one of a long list of states reeling under the flood’s onslaught. Missouri has already lost significant amounts of farmland, much of it sacrificed in order to protect populated parts of Illinois. In addition, farmers across the region have expressed unwillingness to plant spring crops, citing overly saturated soil.
The flooding in the Midwest, combined with severe droughts in the southwest, could cause food prices to rise. The loss of major crops and the loss of precious growing time could lower U.S. yields which, when combined with increased demand from overseas and increased ethanol production, could drive up the prices of agricultural goods.
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: flooding, kentucky, Steve Beshear
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Friday, February 4th, 2011
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer worries that proposed international rule regulating the sale and production of tobacco could cripple Kentucky farmers and hurt the Kentucky economy. World Health Organizations recently proposed a ban on ingredients other than tobacco in cigarettes.
Burley-tobacco, a significant part of Kentucky’s agricultural production, is made harsh tasting during its curing process. As a result, burley-tobacco cigarettes frequently contain flavored additives to give it a more palatable taste. The WHO’s proposed ban would limit the market for burley-tobacco and could potentially damage the Kentucky economy.
“We’ve made great strides to diversify Kentucky agriculture in recent years. Yet still today, thousands of Kentucky farmers rely upon burley to provide the income that feeds their children and pays their bills,” Farmer said. “If the current proposal is adopted as is, many Kentuckians could lose their farms, and many more could lose their jobs.”
Farmer believes that additive bans would not limit the cigarette market, but would simply force consumers to switch to different brand and would hurt Kentucky farmers. “I do not believe that damaging Kentucky’s economy in exchange for a negligible health benefit makes sense,” he said.
The 2009 burley crop in Kentucky was valued at more than $274 million and recent census information indicated that 8,113 Kentucky farms grew burley tobacco in 2007.
Farm loan rates are at historic lows starting at only 3.03%. Call 866-929-5585 to speak with a Farm Plus representative today or visit us online for more information.
http://southeastfarmpress.com/vegetables-tobacco/proposal-would-cripple-kentucky-burley-0805/
Tags: kentucky, richie farmer, world health organizations
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
In January it was reported that farm values have dropped 3.2 percent, the most since 1987. However, in Kentucky, farmers are in luck.
Acreage in Kentucky is $750 higher than the rest of the country according to the report published by the USDA. This means producers are averaging $2,850 per acre.
After looking at the overall value of acreage in Kentucky, land is further broken down in to cropland and pastureland. Both types of land fell, but pastureland took the biggest hit faling 5.8 percent. Cropland on the other hand rose 1.6 percent.
The report also said that cash rents for cropland in Kentucky rose $10 an acre to $88, but this number is $2 less than the rest of the country.
Although land value is dwindling, now is the perfect time to invest. The market may no look promising, but land is cheap and loan rates are low as well. Looking for a farm or ranch loan? Look no further! Contact Farm Plus today at 866-929-5585 or visit our website for more information.
Tags: kentucky, land sales
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2009
Authorities are currently investigating a suspected avian influenza outbreak on a poultry farm in western Kentucky.
Although there is a possible outbreak, authorities assure there is very little risk for humans. State Veterinarian Robert Stout quarantined Perdue Farms Inc., after signs of the disease appeared. This includes the sudden drop in the number of eggs produced.
Tests were conducted and antibodies for the avian flu were found and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa confirmed the H7 virus. 20,000 birds were affected. The disease spreads to healthy birds from diseased birds through feces of infected animals.
Currently there is no evidence that contaminated poultry is part of the human food supply.
If you are interested in purchasing farm land now is the time. Low rate farm loans are available through Farm Plus. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online today for more information.
Tags: disease, kentucky, poultry
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