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Posts Tagged ‘minnesota’
Thursday, October 20th, 2011
Earlier this week, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture began investigations of a local organic egg farm. The farm in question is believed to be connected to a string of illnesses that broke out over the last several months. The farm has issued a voluntary recall and is cooperating with state agricultural officials.
Between August 12 and September 24, at least six people fell ill with salmonella after consuming organic eggs that originated from Larry Schultz Organic Farm of Owatonna, Minnesota. So far no fatalities have been reported.
Infection with Salmonella can cause Salmonellosis, an illness characterized by diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. While not common, salmonellosis can lead to potentially fatal complications, particularly in individuals with weak immune systems.
Minnesota agricultural officials were quick to warn consumers that the organic nature of the eggs did not cause the salmonella contamination, which routinely affects both organic and non-organic eggs. In order to minimize potential salmonella contamination, they reminded consumers that they should thoroughly cook their eggs to destroy any potential bacterial infection.
Agricultural officials are working with local and regional grocers to recall al eggs from the farm in question. Larry Schultz Organic Farm has sent organic eggs across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
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: egg farms, minnesota, organic food, recall
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Friday, August 5th, 2011
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton recently revealed plans to travel overseas in an effort to promote Minnesota agriculture. In a speech at Farmfest, an annual gathering of agricultural companies and farmers, Dayton praised Minnesota agricultural production. Agriculture, Dayton claimed, is responsible for 1/5 of all jobs in the state, making it one of Minnesota’s most important industries.
In addition to pointing out the importance of agriculture to state employment, Dayton commented that recent legislative activity has proven the agricultural sector’s value. Over the last month, Governor Dayton has been battling a Republican-controlled congress over the state’s budget (with Dayton supporting tax increases on the wealthy and congressional Republicans supporting spending cuts).
The fight culminated in a government shutdown that lasted for several weeks. Dayton noted, however, that the one spending bill that passed the GOP controlled legislature was a budget bill for the state’s Department of Agriculture.
In addition to praising the state’s agricultural sector, Dayton laid out plans for several overseas trips in order to better market Minnesota’s agricultural products. In the fall, Dayton is planning trips to China and South Korea, both countries that have been increasingly demanding U.S. grain and meat.
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: Farmfest, Mark Dayton, minnesota
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Thursday, July 21st, 2011
A congressional push to reform dairy regulations seems unlikely in the wake of the National Farmers Union’s condemnation of a reform bill. The bill, which was proposed by Minnesota Congressman Collin Peterson, would reform current dairy subsidies. Peterson’s bill would strengthen farm safety nets by replacing dairy subsidies with new insurance programs and by limiting milk production when prices fall below a certain level (determined by balancing milk prices and production costs).
Reaction to Peterson’s plan has been mixed. The insurance program has been widely hailed as a positive step forward. Farm advocates claim that insurance is a more cost-effective way to support farmers. Insurance programs would allow farms better control of the support they accept from the federal government and would also be better for taxpayers who would no longer be the only support for farmers.
Many groups, however, take issue with the proposed production controls, claiming that it is an inappropriate government intrusion into the free market. Other groups like the Farmers Union argue that the proposed regulations only help large-scale producers and do little to benefit small dairy farmers.
In addition to criticism from the NFU, the bill seems dead in the water for now. House Agricultural Committee Chair has stated that he will not push the proposed legislation through unless the dairy industry is unified behind it.
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: dairy farms, minnesota, National Farmers Union
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Sunday, April 17th, 2011
Over the past year, political paralysis regarding federal and state budgets has been the political norm throughout the U.S. In Minnesota, Democratic Governor Mark Dayton and a Republican legislature have been battling over the state’s growing deficit, to little avail. However, earlier this week, Governor Dayton signed a bipartisan farm budget bill into law. The budget bill, overwhelmingly supported by both Republicans and Democrats, demonstrates the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy.
The budget bill reduces funding to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture by 5%, an effort, Democrats and Republicans say, to reduce the state’s growing deficit. However, the bill continues ethanol research and investment, continues funding food and agricultural inspections, and continues farming protection spending such as insurance programs.
Governor Dayton praised the bill for simultaneously reducing overall spending without hurting farmers and Minnesota citizens. “This first appropriations bill is another example of excellent bipartisan cooperation, for which I thank the Committee Chairs, Ranking Democrats, and Commissioner Frederickson. It is a model for how we can work together and compromise in order to reach a conclusion,” the Governor stated at the signing.
While the farm spending bill passed with bipartisan support, Minnesota politics remain bitterly divided regarding other spending amounts. Democrats in the statehouse support reducing deficits by raising taxes while Republicans maintain that lowering taxes will help stimulate the economy. Their agreement over farm spending, however, signifies the vital role of agriculture in Minnesota. Minnesota agricultural products currently rank sixth in the nation in terms of value of products sold.
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: farm subsidies, Mark Dayton, minnesota
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Thursday, February 25th, 2010
The United States Department of Agriculture released its annual survey of organic production. Minnesota graced the top ten with $69 million in sales.
Overall America had $3.16 billion in organic sales in 2008 and Minnesota was the seventh highest contributor.
The state was the top state for organic soybeans. It was also the third for barley, oats and corn.
In 2008 Minnesota had 550 organic farms, 84 which converted that year. The top state was California with 2,000 farms.
Interested in making the transition to organic but fear the costs? Need money for extra supplies or growth? Contact Farm Plus today for information on our low-rate farm loans. See our rate sheet here or call us at 866-929-5585 for more information.
Tags: minnesota, organic ranking
Posted in Minnesota Farm Loans | No Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s economist, Su Ye released an annual report recapping Minnesota’s numbers from 2008.
According to the report in 2008 agriculture was the second largest industry in the state supplying over 1.5 million jobs.
The industry made $3 billion from cash receipts, most importantly corn and soybeans crops. This accounts for 60 percent of the sales. Livestock is attributed to the other 40 percent of sales. Hog sales brought in $2 billion, dairy brought in $1.7 billion and calves were accountable for $1.1 billion.
In 2008 Minnesota was the sixth largest producer in the nation with 81,000 farms in the state.
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: Agriculture outlook, minnesota
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Friday, October 30th, 2009
Minnesota businesses and farmers have been granted $3 million worth of loans available from the USDA.
The loans are part of a $62.5 million national loan campaign from the USDA for renewable energy projects and energy efficient projects. The program is allotted for 705 projects nationwide. The money is available through the Rural Energy for America Program.
“President Obama and I are committed to helping rural businesses become more energy efficient - it’s good for the economy, good for the environment, and good for the workers and customers who depend on the goods and services these businesses provide,†said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Loans in Minnesota were generally around $50,000. The largest grants were $250,000 and $598,857 to South Central Grain and energy in Hector.
Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. We have farm loan rates starting at 2.99% with 25 year terms. See or rate sheets here or call, toll free, 866-929-5585.
Tags: minnesota, renewable energy, usda, wind farms
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Thursday, May 7th, 2009
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, only a small percentage of fatalities and injuries on Minnesota roads are due to farm vehicles.
In 2007, five people died and 84 were injured with farm vehicles. Compared to the 510 killed and 35,318 that were injured this is an incredibly small number.
According to Lt. Jeff Westrum of the state patrol, the most farm accidents occur in spring. This is due to the planting and plowing season. Less accidents happen in mid-summer during hay-cutting and harvesting in the fall.
“Because of their size, they take a big piece of roadway, which they are legally allowed to do,” he said. Farm vehicles move slowly so drivers sometimes hit them from behind. “People just aren’t giving them enough room,” Westrum said. He also added that people are impatient and try to pass when they do not have enough room.
Lisa Behnken, an Extension Office crop specialist in Rochester said that another problem is the size of implements. This causes farmers to avoid smaller gravel roads where bridges aren’t big enough, and like most vehicles tractors have blind spots, too.
In general people are warned to take time and be extremely cautious in these driving situations.
If you are interested in farm loans please contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans are available. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information.
Tags: farm equipment accidents, minnesota
Posted in General, Minnesota Farm Loans | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
Another state is lashing out against President Obama’s budget. Although there is no way to entirely make everyone happy, each state seems to have their own response to the problem.
Congressional farm leader, Collin Peterson, from Minnesota, is standing up against the announced plan. If the plan would go into play, thousands of Minnesota farms would see a huge portion of their income disappear.
However, at the same time many farmers like Fred Dauer see the importance of the cuts and think it will greatly benefit Minnesota agriculture.
“If you gross over $500,000 you don’t need to get any help from the federal government,” Dauer told Minnesota Public Radio.
Dauer himself does receive some payments from the federal government, but many of his crops including sweet corn, peas and alfalfa do not qualify for subsidy programs.
He pointed out that many of the larger farms use the money from the government to buy more land and slowly squeeze out small farms. This has a huge impact on Minnesota revenue because according to census, most agriculture sales come from small farms.
Others point out that farms, such as soybean farms, that have a revenue of $500,000 ultimately only make $36,000 a year in the long run. That is well below the average income of Americans.
Regardless of the debate to the “proper” solution, few point out that Obama is offering alternatives for farmers to make extra money. His plan includes subsidy payments for “environmental services” including wind turbines and sequestering carbon on the land.
If you are interested in purchasing, refinancing, or expanding a farm, contact Farm Plus. Farm loans are available at low rates. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.
Tags: minnesota, obama, subsidies
Posted in Minnesota Farm Loans | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
Minnesota officials are working with Congress to rework the Green Acres act.
The Green Acres act was enacted to help farmers resist development of farmlands. The program was generated four decades ago when Minnesotians noticed the effects of suburbanization.
As of late, farmers want changes because taxes are extremely high. For example, taxes on a 140-acre farm went from $2,300 to $11,000.
Green Acres was looked at last year and breezed past. Many lawmakers took little time to work in changes that met the needs of farmers. The state’s top property tax administrator said, “if we had it to do all over again, we’d certainly like to spend more time on those provisions—we didn’t.â€
The goal of the Green Acres program was to keep taxes low enough that farmers were not tempted to give into suburbanization. Government is currently listening to tax payer’s concerns and will be reworking or repealing the act.
If you are interested in purchasing a Minnesota farm please contact Farm Plus today. Farm loans are available for agriculture land and a representative will answer any questions you may have about farm loans, rates are at historic lows, now is a good time. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online.
Tags: green acres act, minnesota
Posted in General, Minnesota Farm Loans | No Comments »
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