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Posts Tagged ‘wisconsin’
Sunday, October 16th, 2011
According to recent reports by Wisconsin agricultural officials, Anaplasmosis, an infection disease spread by insects like ticks and mosquitoes, could pose a serious threat to Wisconsin cattle in the near future.
Spread by common pests like ticks and mosquitoes, Anaplasmosis can be difficult to treat effectively. Parasites spread by insect hosts attach to red blood cells. When attacked by the body’s immune system, the red blood cells are destroyed, which causes anemia, weakness, and sometimes death. Since the parasites hide in the blood stream, it can be difficult to fully eradicate the illness, which can become a chronic condition in some animals.
Typically found in tropical and subtropical climates, Anaplasmosis is relatively rare in Wisconsin. Some farmers and agricultural officials believe that the disease may have initially spread from cattle imported from Southern states.
The discovery of several native Wisconsin cows afflicted with Anaplasmosis has worried some farmers. An outbreak of the disease could be devastating to Wisconsin cattle farmers. As such, Wisconsin veterinarians are advising farmers to be vigilant regarding the health of their animals.
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: Anaplasmosis, farm illnesses, wisconsin
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Thursday, September 8th, 2011
According to studies done on Wisconsin dairies, milk from large-scale dairy farms may be safer than milk from local producers. The study was performed by Stave Ingham, a professor of food science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For the purposes of the study, large farms were defined as farms having 118 to 713 cows. Those with more were defined as extra-large, while those with 117 or fewer were defined as small.
The study itself looked at the presence of bacteria and other cells in the finished product that could reveal a link between quality and farm size. Contrary to many popular beliefs, milk from large and extra-large Wisconsin farms contained lower levels of bacteria than milk made on smaller, locally run farms.
The study, Ingham claimed, seemed to cast doubt on the commonly held idea that there is a link between food quality and farm size.
Small farmers were quick to point out serious flaws in the study. The presence of bacteria was not the only measure of food quality. Taste and environmental stewardship are major factors in judging agricultural products, local dairy farmers claim, two areas in which they perform better than larger farms. In addition, milk from small and large farms both met all the standards for grade A certification.
In addition, this study misses the importance of the link between local consumption and the local economy. Consuming food from local growers helps stimulate small farms which in turn stimulate the local economy, often providing much needed jobs.
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, e. coli, wisconsin
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Friday, August 5th, 2011
Earlier this week, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack praised Wisconsin farmers and Wisconsin agriculture, noting that the state was a model for the United States as a whole. Wisconsin’s success, Vilsack noted, was a sign of the overall strength of the American farm sector and the potential that agriculture has in strengthening the nation’s economy.
In a statement to Wisconsin farmers, Vilsack claimed, “As demonstrated by Wisconsin’s agricultural success in 2010, the nation’s farm economy is stronger than ever. However, when you consider that just one percent of U.S. businesses export, you realize there much more capacity to grow our economy and create jobs. Today’s event is about seizing those opportunities.”
Overall, Wisconsin agriculture made remarkable gains in the last year. The state’s farm exports grew 39 percent since 2009, making Wisconsin one of the most productive agricultural states in the U.S. Only Tennessee and Texas grew more in 2010. As a portion of the state’s overall economy, roughly 1 in 10 Wisconsinites are employed by the state’s agricultural industry.
The success of Wisconsin farmers is a much needed piece of good news in a season of severe weather and record crop losses. Wisconsin’s growth demonstrates that despite weather concerns and labor shortages, American agriculture is still strong and vibrant.
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: tom vilsack, wisconsin
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Sunday, June 19th, 2011
An outbreak of diarrheal illness in Raymond, Wisconsin was traced back to raw milk consumption. Bacteria from the tainted milk sickened sixteen people, both students and school officials, at a school event earlier this month.
The bacteria found, Campylobacter jejuni, is one of the more common causes of diarrhea. In addition, it can cause fever, cramping, vomiting, and bloody stool. In rare instances, Campylobacter jejuni can cause paralysis after the initial symptoms have passed. The bacteria was discovered in the raw milk provided at the event and traced back to a local farm, whose name has not yet been released to the public. The farm in question is still in the good graces of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. According to Wisconsin law, raw milk cannot be sold in the state, but it can be legally consumed and given away for free.
The recent outbreak has reignited debate over the role of raw milk. Bills to legalize the sale of raw milk have been passed by the Wisconsin legislature (the most recent one was vetoed by former Governor Jim Doyle). Raw milk has been debated in other state as well. Earlier this year, the Vermont government debated legalizing raw milk sales, and earlier in the year the USDA shut down a Midwestern farm that was illegally selling raw milk across state lines.
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: raw milk, wisconsin
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Sunday, May 22nd, 2011
Across the country farmers are making serious efforts to reconnect with local consumers and with their neighbors as a whole. One of the major vehicles for this community outreach is the Future Farmers of America, an organization designed to groom young people for agricultural leadership and educate young Americans about the role of agriculture in everyday life.
In Wisconsin, for example, the FFA puts on annual farm trips for local schoolchildren, with the goal being to give them positive agricultural experiences. Earlier this month, the Wisconsin FFA hosted the 13th annual Day on the Farm, taking hundreds of K-4th graders to a local dairy farm. Members of the FFA were excited at the chance to show their fellow classmates how farms operate and to let them know how important agriculture is in their everyday life. In Missouri, a local FFA chapter won over $8,000 in scholarships and grants from food giant Monsanto for their work in connecting local farmers to their communities.
The FFA also serves an important role in replenishing the retiring farming population. Recent studies in several states show an increasingly aging agricultural community. With fewer young farmers entering the industry, the average age for farmers has increasingly risen. Maintaining a sustainable farm population is vital to the long-term health of American agriculture, so much so that some states offer tax breaks and subsidies for young farmers. In Iowa, however, recent surveys show that nearly 80% of FFA members plan to live and farm in Iowa. Many other state FFA’s serve a similar purpose, preparing younger farmers to enter 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: Future Farmers of America, Monsanto, wisconsin
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Monday, April 4th, 2011
Betty Krcma of Washington Middle School in Green Bay (Wisconsin) was recognized by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for her part in promoting agriculture literacy.
She has earned a $1,500 scholarship to attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Floriday.
Krcma believes it’s important to teach students about food that doesn’t come from fast-food or the supermarket and its her job as a teacher to educate. With this knowledge she feels students can understand the hard work and investments made by American farmers.
The national conference is held every year to show teachers the latest advancements in the industry as well as new ways they can encourage agriculture in the classroom. This is done through real-life agriculture applications in language arts, math, nutrition, science and social studies lessons.
Teaching children the importance of agriculture is key to the vitality of the industry. Children exposed to agriculture at a young age are more likely to continue with a career in the industry.
This article courtesy of Farm Plus Financial. For information regarding agricultural finance opportunities contact our offices at 866-929-5585.
Written by: Melissa Warner / Farm Plus Financial staff writer
Tags: agriculture, wisconsin
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Friday, February 4th, 2011
The best way to educate people about agriculture is by starting early.
One way the Wisconsin Farm Bureau is encouraging education is through classroom funding. Teachers can apply for the 2011 White-Reinhart funds for $500 to fund current or existing agricultural programs. This money can be used for a variety of activities related to agriculture from grades K through 12. The ideal programs will encourage and interest students in the agriculture industry.
Scholarships are also available for teachers seeking funding to attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference. These scholarships cover travel expenses for teachers from grades K through 12 interested in learning innovated ways to bring agriculture into the classroom. Teachers must use the information on fuel, agriculture and nutrition to educate students and excite them about agriculture.
Those interested in applying for school or personal scholarships should contact the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation at 608-828-5719 with any questions.
Call Farm Plus today at 866-929-5585 for more information on this and other agriculture funding.
Tags: agricultural programs, farm bureau, wisconsin
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Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Although the nation has seen a decline in wool production, Wisconsin farmers have seen a seven percent increase.
The USDA reported that Wisconsin farmers were responsible for 470,000 pounds of wool. This is one to two percent of the nation’s overall output.
This is more than 2008, but not quite as much as the 510,000 pounds produced in 2007.
Officials say the increase is most likely due to the 5,000 more sheep reported by farmers. As of January 1 producers across Wisconsin have 90,000 sheep.
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: wisconsin, wool
Posted in Wisconsin Farm Loans | No Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Wisconsin producers interested in applying for assistance through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program and/or Farm-Raised Fish and Livestock Indemnity must apply by January 30, 2010.
The Livestock Forage Disaster Program covers any livestock grazing losses due to drought or fire. Crops must be insured or part of the Non-insured Assistant Program. Only losses documented after January 1, 2008 are eligible.
Producers in Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, Dunn, Florence, Iron, Marinette, Oneida, Pierce, Polk, Price, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Taylor, Vilas and Washburn counties are eligible. Monthly payments will be equivalent to 60 percent of the cost of feeding costs.
Those who lost livestock, honeybees or fish due to weather conditions may be eligible for assistance through the Farm-Raised Fish and Livestock Indemnity. Only losses between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009 are eligible.
Contact your local Farm Service Agency office for more information.
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: LFDP, Livestock Forage Disaster Program, wisconsin
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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
Posted in Wisconsin Farm Loans | No Comments »
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