Land Added to Conservation Program

Last modified on 2010-06-10 19:34:22 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The United States Department of Agriculture announced that 38,000 acres of farm land in Washington and 7,000 acres in Colorado have been added to the Conservation Reserve Program.

The 38,000 acres of land in Douglas County, Washington, will be used to protect sage grouse and sharp-tailed grouse. While the 7,000 acres in southeast Colorado will protect and preserve lesser prairie chicke3ns.

The Conservation Reserve Program is open to all producers whose land doubles as farm land and home to certain animal species. The program pays farmers to not grow crops on land that is home to endangered or rare species.

Farmers can receive a hundred dollars per eligible acre and the United States Department of Agriculture covers up to 40 percent of recommended conservation costs.

Interested farmers and producers should contact their county United States Department of Agriculture office. Applications and information can also be found online and turned in at the local United States Department of Agriculture office.

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.

____________________________________________________________

Washington Agricultural Industry is Growing

Last modified on 2010-06-10 19:17:18 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

From January 2009 through January 2010 the agriculture industry in Washington grew, adding 12,300 new seasonal and permanent jobs according to a state report.

Not only did jobs increase in number, but wages grew from $8.79 per hour in January 2009 to 49.42 in 2010. This information follows a survey conducted with 1,800 farmers across Washington.

Many producers say the mild weather in January contributed to the growth of seasonal employment across the state. Workers were needed in north-central, southeast and south-central regions to prune fruit trees, especially apple trees.

“There’s no such thing as a recession in the agriculture industry,” said Bruce Grim, executive director at the Washington State Horticultural Association. “People have to eat.”

Over the year season jobs grew from 15,010 to 22,120 in 2010. “I don’t think people realize how huge an industry agriculture is in our state,” Dean Schau a regional labor economist said. “We measure our foreign exports in billions of dollars and it’s going all over the world.”

In 2009 Washington was able to have enough workers to complete their large, annual harvest. The recession is attributed to the employment growth with many people jumping from construction or building trades to agriculture.

Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. Farm loan rates starting at 2.99% with 25 year terms. Visit our website or call, toll free, 866-929-5585.

____________________________________________________________

Vilsack Announces Electricity Guaranteed Loans

Last modified on 2010-05-21 17:31:07 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

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.

____________________________________________________________

Rain Delays Wheat

Last modified on 2009-08-28 22:23:46 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Although rain has pushed back the planting of wheat, and now harvest, Washington farmers expect good wheat crops this time around.

Due to torrential rain, the harvest was pushed back a little over a week.

Tom Mick, chief executive of the Washington Grain Alliance said farmers are ready to get out and harvest, but it is too early to definitely say if the yields will be high or not.

Some farmers reported a dark red crop this winter which means the wheat will have protein content between 11.5 and 13.4 percent.

As of June the Washington Field Office of National Agricultural Statistics figured crops would be 102 bushels, up from 93 in 2008.

Prices are slightly lower this year, but farmers should find a successful crop and yield.

Are you in the market for a farm loan? Look no further. Farm Plus has low-rate loans available today. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information.

____________________________________________________________

Grain Growers Strongly Disagree with Obama’s Plan

Last modified on 2009-04-07 02:36:54 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Grain industry leaders in Oregon, Washington and Idaho wrote a letter to President Obama opposing his proposal to cut payments to farms with revenue over $500,000.

“The purpose of the five-year Farm Bill is to provide stability for producers, agricultural operations and our nation’s food system,” the letter stated. “We believe it’s unwise and unacceptable to dismantle this critical piece of legislation before it has even had a chance to be fully implemented.”

This change would effect over 1,200 Oregon farmers. “The premise is that USDA farm dollars would be going to those who are most in need of money,” Jane Harden, the executive director of the Umatilla County Farm Service Agency told The East Oregonian. “But $500,000 is not much money- it’s actually a very small dollar amount.”

Many expect the proposal to not pass because 50 Congress members already signed a letter opposing it. “Direct payments are necessary to shore up the operating loans needed to make a farm work,” Tammy Dennee of the Oregon Wheat Growers League added.

Denee said the purpose of the letter wasn’t to stop the proposal, but better inform the president of the impact this decision will have. “It’s our opportunity and challenge to help Congress and the new administration understand the interdependence of these programs and how they are viewed in the countryside by growers and their bankers.”

If you are interested in purchasing farm land contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans are available for a variety of needs. Call 866-929-5585d or visit online for more information about farm loans.

____________________________________________________________ 

Washington State Farmers and Ranchers Find Relief

Last modified on 2009-04-07 01:51:05 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The Farm Service Agency is offering disaster relief to farmers and ranchers in 25 Washington state counties who suffered losses from extreme temperatures and drought.

The relief is available in low-interest emergency loans to help farmers recoup losses according to a release from the FSA. Loan applications will be accepted until Oct. 13 for those farmers and ranchers in Adams, Assotin, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Klickitat, Lincoln and Yakima counties. The counties surrounding these will also be considered for aid.

Melissa Cummins, acting state director of the FSA said, “Weather-related disasters can extend beyond county lines.”

The rates have an interest rate of 3.75 percent and repayment terms up to 40 years with real estate security. Each loan will be considered based on its own merits.

“Because the federal government does not intend to compete with private business, applicants must be unable to obtain credit elsewhere to finance their needs at reasonable rates and terms,” Cummins said.

If you are interested or in need of a farm loan, contact Farm Plus today. Farm Plus works alongside agencies like the FSA  and Farmer Mac to obtain farm loans. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.

____________________________________________________________

 

Washington Farm Loans - Purchase, Refinance, Purchase

Washington is a very unique state when it comes to agriculture.  It’s very diverse offering a large variance in agriculture products such as seafood, apples, potatoes, hops, mushrooms and cherries, to name a few.  Washington is the United State’s #1 producer in apples which creates 57% of the nation’s overall production.  The second largest agricultural product for Washington is milk with over $1 billion dollars in revenue, in 2007.  Much of Washington’s economy is derived from agriculture which is why it’s important that Washington farmers and ranchers have access to a lender who provides quality, competitive farm loans and ranch loans.  Searching for a farm loan or can be a grueling task which is why we’ve created a streamlined loan process to ensure you a pleasant loan transaction.  We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, low rates and fixed terms.  If you have questions about a farm loan, we welcome your call.  Our toll free number is 866-929-5585.  Thank you for visiting.