|
|
Posts Tagged ‘vilsack’
Sunday, March 6th, 2011
Speaking at the 16th Annual Commodity Classic in Tampa, Florida, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack revealed his overall optimism for American agricultural prospects in the future. Vilsack praised American farmers and ranchers for their contributions to the U.S. economy and their role in job creation in the economy.
“We are all fortunate to be living through one of the most productive eras in history for U.S. agriculture,” said Vilsack. “American farmers and ranchers are seeing record sales of farm goods abroad and looking forward to some of the best net incomes in decades. U.S. agricultural exports for fiscal 2011 are on course to shatter previous records and enjoy a record $47.5 billion trade surplus.”
The Commodity Classic is a convention and trade show for the U.S. corn, wheat, soybean, and other agricultural industries. During his address, Vilsack noted the importance of agricultural production and export in the overall U.S. economy and thanked farmers for meeting President Obama’s pledge to double U.S. exports, noting that every $1 billion in farm exports roughly translates into 8,000 U.S. jobs.
In addition to noting the vitality of American agriculture, VIlsack seemed optimistic about increasing current exports and enlarging agricultural markets. Noting that only about 1% of U.S. companies export, Vilsack pledged that American agrictulre can do more to meet the demands of world consumption.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
Follow us on: Twitter
Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: agriculture exports, Commodity Classic, vilsack
Posted in General | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 8th, 2011
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reached an agreement to create aviation biofuels from forest and crops residue. The agreement is a five-year contract on terms of both departments.
ATA President and CEO James May said, “After formally launching the ‘Farm to Fly’ initiative just three months ago, [Agriculture] Secretary Vilsack has taken a leadership role in this significant endeavor for aviation and for rural America.” The program “will provide investors, farmers, bankers and US energy companies with the confidence to invest in these proven, green technologies.”
The Farm-to-Fly initiative not only encourages an eco-friendly fuel option, but builds a relationship between the FAA and agriculture industry.
The main goal of the agreement is not only to bring biofuels to the industry, but to build a bond between farmers, investors, bankers and U.S. energy companies. This will be done through the creation and consumption of green energy.
For more information contact Farm Plus today at 866-929-5585.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus staff writer
Tags: ata, james may, usda, vilsack
Posted in General | No Comments »
Monday, October 4th, 2010
United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with northeastern Ohio farmers to discuss the major issues in the industry, concluding though conditions are improving, the industry is still in rough shape.
Vilsack began the meeting noting the concern in the dwindling number of dairy farmers. “The last 10 years we’ve gone from 110,000 dairy operators (nationwide) to 65,000. I wasn’t real good in math, but I was good enough to know that’s not a trend line you want to continue if you want an operation that gives young people an opportunity.”
According to the USDA secretary, a dairy council has formed to address the biggest problems in the industry. The council will consider such items as risk management and supply management to help sustain the dairy industry.
The Agriculture Secretary also feels a major problem is the lack of connection between farmers and consumers. He hopes that the Know Your Farmers, Know Your Food program will solve this problem.
Finally, Vilsack addressed the concern farmers have over the difficulty to utilize USDA programs. They feel these programs are too time-consuming to be beneficial. He listened to proposed solutions such as looking at applicants on a county-based level rather than state-wide.
Contact a representative at Farm Plus today for information on low-rate agriculture loans. Rates are available online or call us at 866-929-5585.
Tags: farm bill, usda, vilsack
Posted in General | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
The House and Senate Agriculture committees are traveling the country speaking with producers and agricultural groups to help share the 2012 Farm Bill. The committees are asking Idahoans for their input on what they would to see included in the legislation.
One piece of the 2012 Farm Bill already in the works is the payment limitations for the biggest farms in the country. Charles Hassebrook, executive director of the Center for Rural Affairs said this would not be best for Idaho agriculture. He said, “We need to set up some sort of a system, where we boost the coverage and boost support for farms in the mid-range sizes, that are the ones trying to make a living from farming, but aren’t the big farms.â€
Hasselbrook feels the Farm Bill will be under tight economic pressure and it is important for small and mid-sized farms to be heard. Every five years the House and Senate Agriculture committees work on a new Farm Bill to assist agriculture producers across the country.
Are you in the market for a farm loan? Contact Farm Plus today for more information on our low-rate farm loans. Call 866-929-5585 or visit our website for more information.
Tags: farm bill, house and senate agriculture committee, usda, vilsack
Posted in General | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the final draft of the new crop insurance plan. The plan that has been drafted three times will save the government $6 billion over the next ten years.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced at a press conference that the new plan will put $4 billion toward the deficit reduction and $2 billion for farm risk management programs and the Conservation Reserve Program.
“There is a growing consensus in the country and certainly in rural areas that we need to be paying attention to the deficit, and this is our effort at agriculture and USDA to do our part in deficit reduction,†Vilsack said.
The plan will eliminate government payments that cause commodity programs to spike. This will be done by capping the amount of administrative and overhead expenses that crop insurance companies can collect from the government. Vilsack said agents can expect a $1,140 profit per policy.
Vilsack added that crop insurance companies were making too much profit off each claim. In 2009 the return equity was 26.4 percent. The industry claims this is necessary to have large reserves in case of emergencies in the agriculture industry.
Companies will still make profit off of policies, but the plan expects that the industry will report return equity around 14.5 percent.
According to Vilsack farmers will not pay higher premiums, some may see lower rates as a result of the new plan.
Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. Farm loan rates starting at 2.95% with 25 year terms. Visit our website or call, toll free, 866-929-5585.
Tags: crop insurance plan draft, usda, vilsack
Posted in General | No Comments »
Friday, May 21st, 2010
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working with crop insurance companies to negotiate a new deal after a year of big profits in 2009.
The government wants to spend less of taxpayers money on crop insurance. Crop insurance helps farmers pay for failed crops and crop losses. It also provides credit to producers for spring planting. Farmers pay premiums and government subsidies pay for the rest. Last year crop insurance agencies paid out $3.8 million to producers across America.
“The federal crop insurance program is an important part of the farm safety net, but costs have escalated to an unsustainable level and we need to take steps to protect tax payers,” USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack explained.
The USDA proposed cutting $8.4 billion over the next 10 years from crop insurance subsidies. However, the proposal was revised to $6.9 billion. The third draft is expected in early May according to the USDA’s Risk Management Agency.
A survey conducted by the USDA Risk Management Agency found that last year’s profits were the second highest in crop insurance’s 21 year history. According to the survey, many companies are earning double for most claims and the USDA wants to protect taxpayers from paying more than necessary for crop losses while keeping farmers’ income afloat.
Looking to refinance before rates rise? Farm Plus has low-rate loans starting at only 2.95%! Lock in today before the national rates rise. Call 866-929-5585 or visit our website for more information.
Tags: crops, usda, vilsack
Posted in General | 1 Comment »
Friday, May 21st, 2010
Rural communities in 21 states will be awarded guaranteed loans from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve electricity according to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Funding for these products come from the Rural Utilities Service Electric Program from the USDA Rural Development. The money will build 2,405 miles fo new distribution lines and upgrade over 1,822 miles of existing lines. The goal of the guaranteed rural loans is to improve living conditions for residents of rural communities.
Public Utility District No. 1 in Mason County, Washington is one of the many public works receiving guaranteed loans from the USDA. The 48,555,000 loan will provide service to 420 new customers, adding 14 miles of new distribution lines. It will also add two miles of transmission lines and improve four miles of existing distribution lines.
Improved electricity lines provide additional jobs for locals and better living and business conditions for farmers. Farmers will have additional resources for such things as storage and equipment.
Farm loan rates starting at 2.95%. Lock in before farm loan rates rise. Contact Farm Plus by clicking here or calling toll free 866-929-5585.
Tags: usda, vilsack, washington
Posted in Washinton Farm Loans | No Comments »
Monday, February 8th, 2010
The USDA is looking to work with state departments of agriculture, state agricultural experiment stations and other agencies to help promote American-produced food and agriculture products.
Those with innovative ideas should send proposals for the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program. Kathleen Merrigan, Deputy Ag Secretary said the program is a great way for agencies to help tackle the market and distribution issues many farmers face.
The funds available for the program are to be used to distribute American-produced products not only across the United States, but to export products around the world as well.
The USDA is particularly interested in proposals that require states to work together.
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: usda, vilsack
Posted in General | No Comments »
Monday, February 8th, 2010
Tom Vilsack announced the requirements and steps to apply for The Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Payment and Idaho economists are skeptic to weather the plan will truly help farmers in the end.
Mike Brown, dairy economist for Glanbia Foods in Twin Falls, said the program is a one time payment to farmers that limits payments to no more than six million pounds annually. This covers only 40 percent of Idaho’s milk production.
He feels that the smaller farms in the northeast and Midwest states are the only ones who will really benefit from the new program. Idaho dairy will only receive 13 cents for every 100 pounds of milk produced.
Although the money will help, it is not nearly enough to help Idaho farmers in crisis.
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: dairy, idaho, mike brown, vilsack
Posted in Idaho Farm Loans | No Comments »
Thursday, May 21st, 2009
The USDA is conducting its first ever wide-scale survey of organic farming in America. Tom Vilsack said it is important to find out the growth of organic farming and how it is changing American agriculture. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture 20,000 U.S. farms were organic producers.
“The Organic Production Survey is a direct response to the growing interest in organics among consumers, farmers, and businesses,” said Vilsack. “This is an opportunity for organic producers to share their voices and help ensure the continued growth and sustainability of organic farming in the United States.”
The survey will look at 2008 from production and marketing practices to income and expenses. It will look at those in the organic market as well as those making the transition. The results of the survey will be used in the future to shape policies, set funding allocations, availability of services, community development and any other issues. It will also help other farmers plan their businesses.
The survey will be mailed out by mid-May and must be returned by June 17.
If you are looking to purchase farmland or need a loan for expenses contact Farm Plus today. Low-rate farm loans are available now. Call 866-929-5585 for more information or visit online for information about farm loans.
Tags: organic, usda, vilsack
Posted in General | No Comments »
|
|
|
|
