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Posts Tagged ‘utah’
Sunday, November 20th, 2011
A state commission in Utah has outlined a plan to protect Utah’s threatened agricultural sector. The report, prepared by the Utah Agricultural Sustainability Task Force, lays out specific threats to the state’s agricultural sector and outlines potential solutions that can keep the farm industry vibrant.
One of the biggest threats the state is facing is rural development and population growth. Utah is one of the fastest growing states in the country. This growth, however, is a double-edged sword, offering significant opportunities for economic development, but coming at the cost to agriculture. As Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell said, “We welcome the growth, but we must prepare for its impact on agriculture.”
According to the task force, by 2030, population growth will demand development of nearly 200,000 acres of agricultural land, the loss of which could be devastating to the agricultural sector.
In addition to development, the state is facing a significant labor shortage. Earlier this year, Utah agricultural officials attempted to create their own state work visas, offering immigrants the chance to reside and work in the state without having to apply for citizenship.
In addition to immigration woes, state ag officials need to raise $1 million to fight invasive pests and provide funding for conservation easements.
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: immigration, rural development, utah
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Friday, September 16th, 2011
Earlier this week, farmers and agricultural representatives from 46 states met in Utah to discuss the future of American farming and agricultural sustainability. In addition to issues of sustainability, the farmers discussed other problems facing farmers and ranchers today.
One of the major issues that came up was urban sprawl. Development has long been a major issue to farmers in the United States. Over the last several decades, the percentage of the American populace living in rural areas has diminished as more and more Americans move into cities and urban centers. This urban growth and the growth of the suburbs has led to the poaching of agricultural lands as more and more farms are bought out and developed. Many states have responded by offering farmers tax breaks and subsidies if they pledge to maintain their land as agricultural space for a series of several years.
In addition to suburban development, many farmers are facing pressure from expanding infrastructure development. In Utah, for example, the development of the Wade Davis Corridor near Salt Lake City has threatened to break up valuable agricultural plots and could bankrupt several Utah farmers. Utah farmers have been fighting with the Department of Transportation for months in an effort to divert the corridor.
The decline of small farming in America has also presented many farmers and ranchers with stark choices about their future. Many farmers discussed agricultural tourism as a potential avenue for profitability. Taking advantage of the disconnect between urban and rural life, many farmers are offering farm tours, orchard picking trips, corn mazes, and other agricultural activities to appeal to vacationing suburbanites.
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: agritourism, urban sprawl, utah
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Friday, May 20th, 2011
A series of outbreaks of equine herpes, a dangerous, a easily transmitted disease affecting horses, has alarmed agricultural officials in several western states, including Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and Washington. The original outbreak of the virus is thought to have occurred at the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championship, which was held in Ogden Utah. Since that festival, which was held from April 30-May 8, horses across the country, but particularly in the West, have been diagnosed with the virus.
EHV-1 is a difficult disease to contain. It has the ability to spread rapidly between animals and has a high mortality rate. The primary strain of the disease can cause spontaneous abortions in pregnant horses and can lead to pneumonia, paralysis, and death in young horses. The neurological strain of the disease can impact older horses as well. Symptoms can be difficult to diagnose, since early symptoms share similarities with a host of other diseases.
Voluntary quarantines and veterinary monitoring are the typical responses to the disease. State officials across the country have not taken any official action, but are advising horse owners to be cautious and aware of the symptoms of equine herpes. Colorado, Washington, and Oregon Departments of Agriculture have not restricted movement across state lines, but all are considering it if the infections spread.
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: Equine Herpes, utah, washington
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Sunday, April 24th, 2011
A proposed highway connecting Farmington’s Legacy Parkway to I-15, could potentially devastate several farms in the area. Utah’s Department of Transportation has been surveying residents who would be impacted by the West Davis Corridor. Currently, Utah’s DOT has several potential locations for the highway, all of which have a major impact on local farmland. DOT officials have assured residents that the final plans are still years away and that they are seeking to negative impact the local economy as much as possible.
Farms in the area have acknowledged that the highway is both vital and necessary to the state’s economic growth. However, many take issue with the damage that would be done to their farms in the process. Brad Dahl, owner of Utah Onions Inc., says that his farm, which is already surrounded by homes and schools, could face ruin if the highway is built. Several proposed plans negatively impact field drains, Dahl says, and others cut through his farm directly. The Hamblin Dairy Farm, which has been in business for 107 years, states that several plans cut through prime farmland, which would make it difficult for the farm to remain open. Black Island Farms co-owner Charlie Black also states that several plans for the road dissect his farmland.
Local farmers have organized to persuade DOT officials to relocate the corridor. Many farmers have taken officials on tours of their farmland, pointing out the economic impact that the highway would have on their businesses. Others have petitioned both state and federal DOT officials.
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 development, utah, West Davis Corridor
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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
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