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Posts Tagged ‘organic farms’
Sunday, March 20th, 2011
In early January, a fire devastated Pete’s Greens, an organic farm in Craftsbury, Vermont. Pete Johnson, the owner of the farm, reported significant losses, up to $800,000. Of these losses, only $300,000 was insured. Responding to the disaster, Vermont locals rallied to help the struggling farm. Craftsbury residents organized fundraisers, auctions, dances and dinners, all aiming to help Pete’s Greens.
In response to those outpouring of generosity, Johnson has pledged to match the $130,000 raised and to create a fund to help local farmers, distribute disaster loans, and help small farmers get needed capital to start or improve farms. Johnson hopes to start paying into the fund within the next two or three years, once his business is back on its feet.
Johnson’s experiences highlight the current state of local farming in the U.S. At a time when agricultural production is being increasingly concentrated in the hands of large agribusinesses, local farmers often find it hard to compete. Family owned farms have decreased over the last several years and the economic downturn has been particularly hard on small farmers.
However, local connections have allowed small farmers to thrive in the face of major national competition. Pete’s Greens, for example, has been heavily involved in community agriculture. Local consumers pay an upfront fee for a season of vegetables. Local consumers committed to purchasing local agricultural products have expressed their dismay at being forced to buy non-local food while Pete’s Greens is recovering. The outpouring of support and the steadfast consumer base is what allows local farms to thrive in difficult economic environments.
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: organic farms, Vermont farming
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Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Colorado organic producers contributed to $70.2 million of organic sales in 2008 according to a survey by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The USDA reported that Colorado had 220 organic farms in 2008. 34 percent of these farms have been in operation for less than ten years.
Farms counted in the survey were those with organic certification and those that follow certification production but do not make enough money to be certified (less than $5,000 annually).
A farm is organic if it does not use pesticides, petroleum, sewage sludge-based fertilizers, herbicides, genetic engineering, antibiotics, growth hormones or irradiation.
Animals on organic farms must be fed organic feed and have access to the outdoors.
Looking to refinance your farm loan before inflation hits? Farm Loan interest rates starting at 2.99% and terms up to 25 years. See our rate sheet or call 866-929-5585 to speak with a representative
Tags: colorado, organic farms, usda
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Thursday, March 19th, 2009
Organic farming is quickly gaining popularity as people are learning what is happening to the planet and their bodies. Few realize that it dates back decades.
Tom and Irene Frantzen, this year’s winner of the 2009 Farmers of the Year by the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Services, have been using organic farming methods since 1979.
Tom saw Pope John Paul II speaking in Des Moines, Iowa about preserving the land in 1979 and immediately started using fewer chemical inputs. His efforts were taught to him by the Practical Farmers of Iowa where he served as president in 1991 and 1992.
The Frantzens spent many hours learning innovated techniques from various farmers, classes and even visiting farms in Sweden. The couple used an experience in Sweden to change their entire farming process. The farms used deep straw bedding for hogs. This technique traps heat in the straw so barns do not have to be heated. When fresh straw is put down, the old straw goes on top the fields to add nutrients to the ground.
In 1998 the land owned by the Frantzens was certified organic. In 1999 their hogs were also certified, followed by their beef in 2003.
The Frantzens are very involved in the organic farming community in the Midwest and are an inspiration. They show that hard work and the willingness to learn pay off in the end.
Have you been tossing around the idea of purchasing land for organic farming or conventional farming? Contact Farm Plus today. Low rate agriculture loans are available. Contact a representative about farm loans by phone at 866-929-5585 or online.
Tags: iowa, midwest, organic farms
Posted in Iowa farm loans, Wisconsin Farm Loans | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
Everyone is looking for cheaper ways to get healthy food. Today, many are aware of the consequences our actions have on the environment and his or her body. People want to know where their food is coming from and how it is grown.
An easy way to assure your food is truly organic is to grow your own. Organic farming is becoming a popular trend because a small investment can save you a lot of money in the long run. The cost of production of your own produce or meat and poultry compared to supermarket costs is incredible. By growing your own food you do not have to pay for transport, taxes or any other costs figured into a grocer’s final price.
The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) sees the growing trend as well. Last Saturday the association held a conference at Worcester Technical High School featuring workshops on organic farming, gardening and more. This year’s workshops had almost 300 more participants than the last year.
Craig S. Semon from the Telegram and Gazette reported the director of NOFA, Julie Rawson said, “Organic can be for rich people and it can also be for you. You can learn how to take charge of your own life and raise your own food and raise your own really healthy food.â€
Jack Kittredge, NOFA public policy coordinator, said society’s biggest concern is safe food. He thinks no one feels safe and people feel like the government is not looking out for them.
“We’re in a really fragile place in the world and we really have to learn in order to survive global warming and no oil or weak oil or whatever is going to happen. People are going to have to really start gathering skills,†Ms. Rawson said. “We need to be able to keep our old people warm in their houses and we need to make sure that our children are eating decent food. I really feel that our culture has started to crumble in a lot of ways.â€
Many people consider starting an organic farm, but do not know where to start. There are many places to go for advice and guidance. Organizations like NOFA offer a lot of useful and easy to understand information. Agents can help you find the perfect agriculture real estate once you learn the basics.
Do not hesitate. Agriculture loans are available for you to start a farm or ranch of any size. Despite what people think, even when the economy seems to be going only down, farm loans are available. Visit Farm Plus Financial to inquire or set up an appointment.
Tags: grown organically, how to grow organic, organic, organic farms
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Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
Many people think the agriculture industry is in trouble, but there are many opportunities to secure a future in farming. A very popular farming method is organic farming. Today, society is greatly concerned with saving our planet and many people are turning to locally grown food. According to The Green Book (Rodgers and Kostigen, Three Rivers Press) 10-13 percent of our yearly energy is spent on food transport. Before food makes it to your home it generally travels 1500-2500 miles. Buying food locally from farms or farmer’s markets cuts this transport down by 95%.
Organic farms are a promising venture and in need. The more awareness brought to organic farming, the more people will want to buy locally. Not only do people look to buy locally, but they also want food free of preservatives. People want to have easy access to wholesome produce, meat and poultry.
The USDA has noticed the spike of interest and wants the public to know there are farm loans available for farms of all sizes.
It is important to keep in mind if you want to be considered an organic farm and sell 100% organic material, the farm and production must meet USDA Organic guidelines. In 1990 congress passed the Organic Food Production Act. This act generated a list of guidelines organic producers must follow to assure organic products met consistent standards.
To be qualified as organic, the USDA requires the following information:
* The type of operation to be certified;
* A history of substances applied to land for the previous 3 years
* The organic products being grown, raised, or processed;
* The organic system plan (OSP) – a plan describing practices and substances used in production. The OSP also must describe monitoring practices to be performed to
verify that the plan is effectively implemented, a record-keeping system, and practices to prevent commingling of organic and nonorganic products and to prevent contact of products with prohibited substances.
* Records must be kept for five years.
With the want and need for organic food, organic farming is a promising endeavor. Farm loans are available, regardless what people assume. Contact Farm Plus Financial for more information.
Tags: farm loans, how to grow organically, organic farm financing, organic farm loans, organic farming, organic farms, usda
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