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Posts Tagged ‘New York’
Sunday, June 12th, 2011
The New York Senate is currently considering legislation that would make it illegal to videotape or record on farms or ranches without permission from the owner. The bill is aimed at groups like PETA, which have gone undercover on New York farms in order to document alleged animal rights abuses. Similar bills have been passes in both Florida and Iowa.
At the recent Dairy Day, a celebration in Albany praising the state’s diary industry, PETA activists set up protest booths where they showed video evidence of animal rights abuses documented on New York hog farms. The Ag Gag law, as it is known by some detractors, introduced by Republican State Senator Patty Ritchie will prohibit all videotaping, even by whistleblowers, without permission by the owner of the farm.
Agricultural organizations compared the bill to current laws governing the private sector. Julie Suarez, a spokesperson for New York’s Farm Bureau, stated that private companies like J.P. Morgan and Chase are well within their rights to block individuals with video cameras. Farms and ranches, she argued, should enjoy the same protections.
Ritchie’s bill recently passed the Senate Agricultural Committee, with the only opposition coming from Democrats Tony Avella and Shirley Huntley, and has not yet come up for debate in the Senate. It is unlikely that it will pass, however, given that there are currently no sponsors for the bill in the Assembly.
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 bureau, New York, PETA
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011
New York Congressman Richard Hanna recently unveiled a bill in the House of Representatives to create jobs in upstate New York. The bill, known as the HARVEST Bill, focuses on seven areas: High-tech manufacturing, Agriculture, Reforming taxes, Veterans in the workforce, Education, Strengthening small businesses, and Transportation and infrastructure. The agricultural portion of the bill would expand farmer’s access to Farm Service Agency loans and supports the Agricultural Credit Expansion Act.
While Hanna’s bill represents a national attempt to grow jobs in New York State, local leaders are also banking on agricultural production to help the state out of its recent economic problems. The last few months have proven unexpectedly positive for New York agriculture. Favorable weather has boosted maple syrup production, up 81 percent from last year. Currently, only Vermont produces more maple syrup nationwide than New York.
In addition, New York’s struggling dairy industry is experiencing a statewide boom, with growth in the sector at a fifty year high. Part of the cause of this boom has been recent efforts at local agricultural production and consumption, particularly milk consumption, which has benefited New York dairy farmers. Also, the recent popularity of Greek yogurt, with two major brands headquartered in New York, has helped propel the dairy market forward.
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 service agency, New York, Richard Hanna
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Friday, May 20th, 2011
Members of the New York Senate have recently proposed a series of bills that seek to protect and expand agriculture in New York State. This legislation is coming on the heels of several farm closures in New York (particularly hard hit is the state’s dairy industry, which has experienced constant decline over the last several months). Federal legislators, like Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, have made it their mission to protect the agricultural sector in New York, and this recent bill represents a bold and innovate attempt at reviving the state’s farm industry.
One of the more important bills proposed would offer tax credits to local restaurateurs who use local produce. Agricultural leaders, from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack down, have promoted local farming and community connections as a crucial way to promote and protect the agricultural industry. The proposed New York bill would offer tax credits equal to 10% of costs for produce purchased from New York farmers, branded with the “Pride of New York” label which was suggested by the state’s Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Another bill aimed at helping local farmers would relax state restrictions on alcohol production. The proposed legislation would allow farmers to brew their own beer, after acquiring a farm brewery license from the state, provided that they use an as yet undetermined percentage of hops from their own farms.
A vote has not yet been scheduled for any of the proposed farm legislation, but state Democrats seem hopeful that it will quickly pass both houses.
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: Kirsten Gillibrand, local farming, New York
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Friday, April 22nd, 2011
A New York farmer is facing several counts of animal abuse stemming from a police investigation recently completed at his New York farm. Gregory Casalaina, the owner of a Schoharie County, New York farm, is facing charges of animal neglect and animal cruelty after several sick, malnourished, and dead animals were found on his property earlier this week.
According to police reports, Casalaina first attracted the attention of authorities due to the presence of malnourished animal on his property. A few days before his arrest, Casalaina apparently shot a horse in an altercation with a neighbor. After being arraigned on charges of animal abuse, a misdemeanor, Casalaina was returned to his farm. Police gave him instructions to feed and water his animals, but at the present time they remain in his custody.
The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has blasted the police response. SPCA officials claim that they had places the animals could have been rescued to, but were ignored by the police who refused to seize the animals. The SPCA has recently received a court order empowering them to investigate Casalaina’s farm and investigate the treatment of his animals.
With several states working to limit the ability of undercover activists to monitor farms, this case could possibly influence such bans in New York. Groups in New York have considered advocating such laws, and the shocking nature of this latest case could possible undermine the argument that undercover videos are only done to hurt the agricultural industry.
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: animal abuse, New York, SPCA
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Thursday, April 14th, 2011
New York State’s Energy Research and Development Authority is seeking $25 million to promote solar energy use throughout the state. The principal goal of the NYSERDA is to encourage hot water production through solar energy. Many small farms and agricultural business currently use electrically generated hot water, a process that is both inefficient and fairly expensive.
The incentive program offers up to $4,000 for residential applicants, and up to $25,000 for commercial and non-profit applicants to replace electric hot water generators with solar installations. Applicants who install solar generators by the end of 2012 will be eligible for state tax credits and federal tax grants.
Francis J. Murray, the head of NYSERDA stated that the program is seeking to reduce the financial burden of struggling businesses, which currently face high energy bills, and will help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and encourage green energy throughout New York.
The inclusion of agricultural business in the solar program is a critical boon for New York farmers, particularly dairy farmers. New York dairy farms, which are facing increased costs, use roughly two gallons of hot water per day for every cow. Given the precarious state of New York dairy farms, this program should lift some of the operational costs driving many farmers out of business, a decline that has severe repercussions through the rest of the state.
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: New York, solar energy
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Friday, February 4th, 2011
New York Farm Worker Advocates have suffered a legislative defeat in the New York Senate earlier this week. A proposed farm bill would have extended farm labor benefits. Among these benefits, the bill would have given farm workers time-and-a-half pay, and would have mandated 24 hours of consecutive rest each week. In addition, the bill would have extended collective bargaining rights and expanded union powers.
Farm advocates say they are disappointed by the legislative defeat. “At this point, we’re assessing where things stand and figuring out a new course of action,” said the Rev. Richard Witt, the executive director of Rural and Migrant Ministry. In addition, State Senator Pedro Espada pledged to renew his support for these reforms and promised to go bring the bill back to committee to try to figure out what provisions state legislators opposed.
Opposing this bill is the Farm Bureau, New York’s preeminent lobbyists for agricultural issues, who argued that it would add $200 million in addition costs to an already struggling industry. Many New York farmers are also hailing the defeat of this bill. “I think the farmers that I know and certainly Farm Bureau members are really delighted at the result of this debate,” said Mark Doyle, the business manager at Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction. In addition to the business aspect of the debate, the Farm Bureau claimed that the debate was particularly acrimonious. “He’s [Espada] been out there saying some pretty slanderous things about our industry and our farmers,” said Peter Gregg, spokesperson for the Farm Bureau.
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
http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20100810/NEWS01/8100362/New+York+farm+worker+advocates+regroup+after+legislative+loss
Tags: Farm legislature, New York, usda
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Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has begun a statewide tour to seek farmers’ input for a new Farm Bill. In particular, Gillibrand wants to ensure that the bill strengthens New York agricultural production. “I want to make sure that the next Farm Bill is tailor-made for New York,†she said.
Gillibrand’s biggest concerns in the new Farm Bill will be providing farmers with adequate access to financing, overhauling milk pricing programs, expanding agricultural markets, and investing in clean, renewable energy sources. Gillibrand plans to spend the next few months crisscrossing New York and holding listening sessions to determine which aspects of the 2008 Farm Bill have been successful and which need to be overhauled.
One of the many changes Gillibrand has supported is overhauling milk pricing, a system that currently sees farmers paying more to produce their products than they make by selling them. Gillibrand has introduced legislation that would increase MILC, Milk Income Loss Contract, payments from 45 percent to 90 percent. She has also introduced legislation that would tie MILC payments to inflation.
Gillibrand has repeatedly insisted that New York agriculture is an economic boon for both the state and federal economy. New York agriculture contributes $4 billion to the state’s economy and could significantly benefit from a new Farm Bill.
New York is home to the hardest working farm families and the finest locally-grown produce in the world,” Gillibrand has said, “but outdated regulations and a bad economy are hurting our farmers and farming communities across the state. We need to make sure the next Farm bill is a good deal for New York.”
In the market for a farm loan? Rates are at historic lows! Contact a representative at Farm Plus for more information on agriculture loans starting at 3.03%! Call 866-929-5585 or visit our website for more information.
Tags: farm bill, New York, senator kirsten gillibrand
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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
After approaching record highs in 2008, farm expenditures have significantly declined, the first major drop since the 1980s. Nationwide, expenditures decreased $20 billion, or 6.2% per farm. The biggest cause of this decline was the drop in petroleum costs in 2009, which led to a decreased cost for fuel, fertilizers, and agricultural chemical production.
Farmers and ranchers spent $12 billion on fuel costs in 2009. This number is down over 20% from 2008 highs. Average farm fuel expenditures have dropped from $7,300 in 2008, to $5,658 in 2009. In addition to fuel costs, feed costs have decreased 4%, farm service costs have decreased 4.2%, and fertilizer costs have decreased 10%.
Despite these overall savings, some farmers are still feeling a major pinch and many claim that news costs are outweighing fuel savings. Taxes in particular are blamed for many farm declines. “Taxes and energy are the one-two punch that are putting them out of business,” said Patrick Manning, a New York farmer. “My feed prices — I’ve seen them stabilize and certainly gas prices have gone down somewhat but that has been offset by all the taxes New York state has placed on us.” Ron Khosla, a New Paltz farmer said, “Prices aren’t down. I think net profits are the same. … I don’t feel like we are doing better or worse.”
In the market for a farm loan? Rates are at historic lows! Contact a representative at Farm Plus for more information on agriculture loans starting at 3.03%! Call 866-929-5585 or visit our website for more information.
Tags: farm exenditures, New York
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Monday, February 8th, 2010
CH Energy Group Inc. out of New York has plans to invest $50 million in a 20-watt wind farm in Glenmore. The farm will be located just southeast of Green Bay.
CH Shirley Wind LLC will have 90 percent control over the project including a 20-year power purchase agreement contract with Wisconsin Public Service Corp. for electric output.
Construction on Shirley Wind will begin in Spring 2010 and is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter. The farm will have eight wind turbines from Nordex USA that will generate 64 million kilowatt hours annually. This is enough power for 8,000 homes.
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: New York, renewable energy, wind, wind farm, wisconsin
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Thursday, May 7th, 2009
The University of Vermont is looking to invest in a large-scale dairy research farm. The Vermont Feed Dealers are working hard to find the perfect location for the 300 to 400 cow operation. The research projects will be aimed to help farmers across the Northeast.
Ideally the site will be within 30 minutes of the UVM campus and will have “expandable†area. It would also need to be close enough to a sewer system so cheese research can be conducted. A 20-member committee has been sculpting the idea since last fall.
Tom Vogelmann, UVM’s interim dean of agriculture, believes the “Dairy Center of Excellence†as a bold and creative proposal. He feels that it will greatly increase the level of UVM’s agriculture research.
Despite excitement, the plan could take up to two years to complete. Currently, UVM conducts much smaller research projects on a 200-acre farm in South Burlington. The nearest dairy research facility is in Chazy, New York with 272 cow stalls.
Last fall, UVM’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences announced it had a long-term plan for $13.9 million to upgrade the farm complex. This includes a $3.3 million modern large animal facility.
The project will take time and the committee is okay with that. Vogelmann said: “We have one chance to get this right, and we’ll take whatever time is needed to work through the details.”
Looking to purchase land for your own farm? Contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans are available call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.
Tags: New York, UVM, Vermont
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