Goat Fencing

Producers have numerous fencing options for the confinement and protection of livestock. Many traditional materials such as barbed and woven wire fences are suitable for fencing. However, newer materials including high tensile wire should also be considered prior to selecting a fencing type. The fencing type should be selected for maximum effectiveness of individual fencing needs. Fencing materials should provide the longest life and lowest maintenance to optimize the fencing system for livestock confinement and protection. Routine inspection and maintenance is helpful in giving long and troublefree service.
 
Several options are currently available for goat operations that include barbed wire, cable, woven wire, net wire, and electric fencing.  Factors for selecting a fencing type include affordability, maintenance, durability, and effectiveness of containing livestock. Fencing types vary from physical barriers such as woven wire and board fences to psychological barriers such as electrified
poly wire or tape. High tensile electric fences are a combination of both barrier types.

To read more about fencing for goats be sure to read the rest of Chapter 3 - Fencing from the Oklahoma Basic Meat Goat Manual from which this today's blog is taken.

Home Processing of Rabbits

Until just recently I wasn't aware that farmers could process rabbits on their farm and sell them to directly to consumers, restaurants, hotels, and boarding houses.   After reading through the regulations below, if you still have questions, contact the Missouri Meat and Poultry Inspection Program at the Missouri Dept of Agriculture.

The following has been copied from Chapter 3 of the Code of Regulations Rules of Department of Agriculture Division 30—Animal Health,  Chapter 10—Food Safety and Meat Inspection concerning the home processing of rabbits.

(D) The slaughtering of sound and healthy rabbits or the processing of rabbit products by any rabbit producer or other person for distribution by him or her solely and directly to household consumers, restaurants, hotels, and boarding houses for use in their own dining rooms, or in the preparation of meals for sales direct to consumers. In lieu of other labeling requirements, such rabbit products must be identified with the name and address of the processor; must not be otherwise misbranded; and must be sound, clean, and fit for human food when distributed by such processor.  Persons operating under this exemption must retain records reflecting the date of each sale, the name of the buyer for each sale and the number of rabbits sold at each sale.  Records required by this part must be maintained and available for inspection for two (2) years from the date of sale.

(E) The exemptions provided for in subsections (6)(C) and (6)(D) hereof shall not apply if the rabbit producer or other person:
1. Slaughters or processes the products of more than one thousand (1,000) rabbits in a calendar year;
2. Slaughters rabbit products at a facility used by any other rabbit producers or persons for slaughtering rabbits or processing rabbit product; or
3. Engages in the business of buying or selling any rabbit or rabbit products other than as specified.

(F) Any person not qualifying for exemption of rabbits and rabbit products are subject to inspection and must follow state meat inspection requirements.

Thinning Fruit Trees

For those of you who are contemplating a peach or apple orchard here is a short news release about thinning the fruit and why.  As new farmers we have the tendancy to believe that the more fruit there is on a tree the more money I'll be able to make.  Read what the article has to say about this.

Now is the time that peach and apple growers in Missouri should thin fruit from their trees, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.

Thin your trees before peaches and apples reach the size of a dime, said Michele Warmund. Not thinning enough can lead to limbs breaking under the weight of too much fruit. It also can result in smaller fruit with lower sugar levels.

“Peach producers should thin off about 90 percent of the fruit in May to harvest a good crop this summer,” she said.

When thinning peaches, leave one fruit every 8 inches. Some growers thin by striking the peach tree limbs with rubber hoses, but this can result in a loss of leaves, she said.

Apples usually grow five fruits in a cluster. Thin clusters to a single fruit to increase the size and sugar content of the fruit.

“If a tree has 500 apples on it, they are 500 small apples. Sugars must be distributed among all these fruits,” Warmund said. When thinned down to 100 apples, you get a much bigger and sweeter fruit.

Thinning apple trees also improves pest and disease control. “When you have five fruits hanging together, moisture collects between the fruits, making an ideal environment for disease,” she said.

The earlier you thin your trees, the bigger the fruit at the end of the growing season, she said.

The University of Missouri has numerous publications on fruit production that can be helpful for farmers.

Share Your Farm Story: Media & Public Relations Tool Kit for Farmers

Farmers especially beginning farmers are looking for ways to promote and market their farm and farm products.  The cheapest way to market your farm is through the media, not paying for advertising but rather using them for free press.  Many newspapers, especially local weekly newspapers, are always looking for stories to print.  Many farmers may lack the skills on how to engage the media to write a story on them.  Below is a great resource from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAG).  The NSAG has created a FARM Media and Public Relations Tool Kit for Farmers.

Components of the kit are:

•Ways to Generate Media Coverage
•Write Your Own Press Release in 6 Easy Steps
•Ways to Engage Media
•Interview Tips & Pointers by Specific Media:
      ◦Television
      ◦Radio
      ◦Web-based Media
•Farm Photography Guide (generate high-quality photos of your farm)
•Additional resources/credits
•Worksheet: Create your Compelling Story
•How to Create a Press Kit
•Sample farm media kit with starter templates
      ◦Farm Fact Sheet
      ◦Farmer Bio
      ◦Press Release

Color Adds Appeal to Marketing

While at the Columbia Farmers' Market I was intrigued by the variety of radishes one of the vendors had displayed. What really caught my attention was the vast array of the many different varieties and how the vendor had them on display.  One of the varieties was yellowish-brown in color.  I had never seen this particular variety before.

The display had the radishes bundled together with a rubberband at the leaves. They were then placed on the table so the bulbs were face up so you could easily see each of the variety of colors.  Each variety was then placed in rows.  The placement of the colors is what caught my eye and drew me to this vendor's booth. 

When placing items for sale at a farmers' market always look at how you can create eye appeal with color.  This vendor not only had color but she also had multiple varieties of the same crop and a couple of varieties that were uncommon.

The five different varieties from right to left:  1. Longu Red - elongated red shape with white ends; 2. Cherry Belle - solid red globe (deeper red color); 3. Purple Plum - solid red globe (lighter red color); 4. Hailstone (also called White Globe) - solid white globe; 5. Helios - yellow globe.  To find these varieties and a few others including a black radish check out Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.

Work “on” your business, not just “in” it

As spring farm work commences, it is easy to get busy and entirely wrapped up in doing the necessary chores. With planting, calving, etc. all in process, there is never enough time in the day to get even the most important tasks finished. And while these necessary tasks are critical, don’t forget to step back on occasion and look at the bigger picture. This is the distinction of working “on” your business, and not just working ‘in’ it. Management of your farm requires that you spend time working to improve the overall business, and not just working on completing everyday chores.

One way that many farms and other businesses remember to work on their ventures is by developing a written business plan. The process of thinking through goals and values, business mission statements, production, marketing and financial plans, labor and management needs and assignments, etc. and then putting these down in writing, implementing the plan and later returning to evaluate the outcomes and make adjustments is extremely valuable in making sure you spend time working “on” and not just “in” your business.

Many resources exist to help you with business plan development. An excellent one is the workbook “Building a Sustainable Business: A Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses”, developed by University of Minnesota faculty.

The guide leads you through the steps of business plan development and includes worksheets to assist in the tasks. You can find additional resources at:  http://www.cffm.umn.edu/Publications/BusinessPlanning/index.aspx

Take some time to work on your farm, it’s just as important as working in it!  (Kevin Moore)

P.S. from debi kelly - The Building a Sustainable Business workbook is the one we use in the Grow Your Farm course!

Relationship Marketing

Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. Not only is nature blossoming back to life but the farmers' market season is upon us!

I love when the Columbia Farmers' Market finally opens. I know I'll be able to purchase loads of fresh and locally grown items; things I've missed during the seemingly unending winter. Besides being fresh and local, I like to buy directly from the farmer. Not only do I know most of the farmers at the market through work, but many of them I have developed a relationship with them outside of the working relationship. They know who I am; they know my kids and my purchasing likes and dislikes. This is called relationship marketing. Once a producer develops a personal relationship with a customer, it makes it awefully hard for that customer to stop buying from you.

So you might want to consider how you can develop relationship marketing within your marketing plan. Make it a point to learn your customers names, give attention to their children and always smile. For more information on marketing direct to the consumer go to the Missouri Alternatives Center's website and click on the letter "M".

Advertising

When most people think of the word advertising they usually want to know how much it will cost them; big bucks they think. Well, not all advertising needs to be expensive. There are lots of things you can do that are considered advertising that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Here are some of those ideas.

* business cards – always carry them with you so they are handy to hand out

* create a colorful logo so even without wording people will know instantly who it is

* wear baseball caps with your logo and/or the name of your farm

* write press releases about your farm or farm products and send to the local newspapers

* wear t-shirts with your logo and/or the name of your farm

* place posters or colorful notices about your farm and products around town

This is just a short list but there are simply lots of creative ideas you can come up with that won’t cost you tons of money.

Meeting to Explore Introductory Beekeeping Skills

(written by Tim Baker, Horticulture Specialist, Grundy County Extension Center)

In the fall of 2008, MU Extension held a series of meetings on beekeeping in Northwest Missouri. The workshops were taught by Raymond Heldenbrand, a Daviess County beekeeper. When we held the meetings in Jamesport, Stanberry, and Spickard, I was amazed at the response. In all, over 100 people attended the three meetings.

Ever since then, I’ve been getting calls asking when we were going to have the next meeting. These calls have come from all over.

In response to that demand, we are again going to have a meeting on beginning beekeeping, taught by Raymond Heldenbrand. The meeting will be held on May 6th, at the Daviess County Public Library, in Gallatin, MO. The meeting will begin at 6:30 PM.

Raymond has extensive knowledge of beekeeping. He has kept bees for over 15 years. He will discuss basic bee biology, what equipment you need to buy, how to take care of the bees, and even how to capture a swarm.

In addition to his discussion of basic beekeeping, Raymond will bring equipment to demonstrate. He will also have an observation beehive with live bees in it so you can see them up close. Since they are contained in the hive, and can’t get out, you don’t need to worry about getting stung.

While the meeting is geared toward beginning beekeepers, some of the people who attended the meetings in 2008 were already beekeepers, with extensive knowledge. They came to share and discuss their love of beekeeping. It was interesting to see the discussion of beekeeping methods among experienced beekeepers, and a lot of helpful knowledge was shared at all levels. So if you are already a beekeeper, you are welcome too.

If you would like further information on this meeting, please call the Daviess County Extension Center at 660-663-3232.

NOTE:  For additional information about beekeeping, there is a great publication called Beekeeping in the Midwest from the University of Illinois.  Plus there is the Missouri State Beekeepers Association which has annual meetings, newsletter and sets up a booth at the Missouri State Fair each year as well as lists all the local associations across the state so you can find a local monthly meeting close to you.

Loans for Socially Disadvantaged Persons (Minorities and Women)

Overview

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes and guarantees loans to eligible socially disadvantaged farmers (SDA) to buy and operate family-size farms and ranches. Each fiscal year, the Agency targets a portion of its direct and guaranteed farm ownership (FO) and operating loan (OL) funds to SDA farmers. Non-reserved funds can also be used by SDA persons.

An SDA group is a group whose members have been subject to racial, ethnic or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities. These groups consist of American Indians or Alaskan Natives, Asians, Blacks or African Americans, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders, Hispanics and women.

The Agency:

■ Helps remove barriers that prevent full participation of SDA farmers in FSA’s farm loan programs; and

■ Provides information and assistance to SDA farmers to help them develop sound farm management practices, analyze problems, and plan the best use of available resources essential for success.

Types of Loans and Uses of Loan Funds

Direct farm ownership loans (FO) and farm operating loans (OL) are made by FSA to eligible farmers. Guaranteed FO and OL loans are made by lending institutions subject to Federal or State supervision (banks, savings and loans, and units of the Farm Credit System) and guaranteed by FSA. Typically, FSA guarantees 90 percent of any loss the lender might incur if the loan fails. FO funds may be used to purchase or enlarge a farm or ranch, purchase easements or rights of way needed in the farm’s operation, erect or improve buildings, implement soil and water conservation measures, and pay closing costs. Guaranteed FO funds may also be used to refinance debt.

OL funds may be used to purchase livestock, poultry, farm equipment, feed, seed, fuel, fertilizer, chemicals, insurance, and other operating expenses. The funds also may be used for borrower training costs, closing costs, and to reorganize and refinance debt.

Terms and Interest Rates

Repayment terms for direct OL depend on the collateral securing the loan and usually run from 1 to 7 years. Repayment terms for direct FO vary but never exceed 40 years.

Interest rates for direct loans are set periodically according to the Government’s cost of borrowing.

Guaranteed loan terms are set by the lender. Interest rates for guaranteed loans are established by the lender.

Downpayment Program

FSA has a special loan program to assist socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers in purchasing a farm. Retiring farmers may use this program to transfer their land to future generations.

To qualify:

■ The applicant must make a cash down payment of at least 5 percent of the purchase price.

■ The maximum loan amount does not exceed 45 percent of the least of (a) the purchase price of the farm or ranch to be acquired; (b) the appraised value of the farm or ranch to be acquired; or (c) $500,000 (Note: This results in a maximum loan amount of $225,000).

■ The term of the loan is 20 years. The interest rate is 4 percent below the direct FO rate, but not lower than 1.5 percent.
 
■ The remaining balance may be obtained from a commercial lender or private party. FSA can provide up to a 95 percent guarantee if financing is obtained from a commercial lender. Participating lenders do not have to pay a guarantee fee.
■ Financing from participating lenders must have an amortization period of at least 30 years and cannot have a balloon payment due within the first 20 years of the loan.

Sale of Inventory Farmland

FSA advertises inventory property within 15 days of acquisition. Eligible SDA and beginning farmers are given first priority to purchase these properties at the appraised market value. If one or more eligible SDA or beginning farmer offers to purchase the same property in the first 135 days, the buyer is chosen randomly.

Where to Apply

Applications for direct loan assistance may be submitted to the local FSA office serving the area where the operation is located. Local FSA offices are listed in the telephone directory under U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture or Farm Service Agency. For guaranteed loans, applicants must apply to a commercial lender who participates in the Guaranteed Loan Program. Contact your local FSA office for a list of participating lenders.
 

Further information is available from local FSA offices or on the FSA Web site

Grow Your Farm Graduation

Last week I attended the final session of the Warrenton Grow Your Farm class. What an outstanding experience!! It was obvious that the leaders, Shelly Bush Rowe and Janet Hurst, had led the six families through fruitful learning exercises, interactions with key professionals and potential mentors, and serious planning and budgeting. The camaraderie and support that has developed within the group was abundantly evident.

Each of the participating families was at a different point in their planning, but all had made huge progress in their planning and actions since the first meeting. The Knolls of Seven Cedars Farm may have progressed the most, partly because they were already in business and pretty certain of the direction they wanted to go. During the Grow Your Farm course, the Knoll’s focused on their goals + strengths + resources + constraints and mapped out their future direction. They came to the last class session with a new sales brochure, new business cards, a price list for the plants they will be offering for sale and the beginnings of a website. If you need hostas, ornamental grasses, flowering perennials, knockout roses and/or flowering shrubs, the Knolls are ready for you; call (314) 541-0195. They’re located in the Jonesburg area.

As a contrast to the Knolls, Dave and Margita came to the first class with only the idea that they hope to one day own a small farm. And, even though they have not yet found that “right” farm it was evident the 8 sessions had been valuable to them in helping sort out feasible options that fit their goals, personalities and resources…and for helping them avoid making a potentially unwise decision.

After giving her testimonial on the value of the 8 sessions and 3 farm tours to her, one participant asked the question: “Why didn’t more people enroll in this course?” And, the conclusion was: It is NOT about the number of people who enroll; it IS about helping families and individuals who are truly interested and committed to assess their unique situation and develop a plan (or plans) that fit with their aspirations, resources, lifestyle choices and income needs.

A “tip of the hat” to all involved in Warrenton for a successful and inspiring, Grow Your Farm group journey.  (Ken Schneeberger)

Specialty Crops Workshop

May 13, 2010 all day

Missouri State University • Mountain Grove Campus • Faurot Hall Room 101/102

A workshop for fruit, vegetable and cut flower growers and for those who are considering such an endeavor is offered. The new high tunnel and Drangen work cart will be featured at the meeting.

Sponsored by the State Fruit Experiment Station - Missouri State University, Kansas State University, University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University.

Register by Tuesday, May 11
Admission Cost: $15.00 includes lunch and handouts
Contact: Pam Mayer at PMayer@MissouriState.edu or (417)547-7533

Specialty Crops Workshop Schedule

8:30 am – Registration begins

8:45 – 9:00 Welcome

9:00 – 9:45 Cut Flower Transplant and Bedding Plant Production in High Tunnels, Dr. Alan Stevens - Kansas State University

9:45 – 10:15 – Vegetable Production in High Tunnels, Mr. Andy Read - South Central Regional Horticulture Specialist

10:15 – 10:30 Break

10:30 – 11:00 Highbush Blueberry Basics, Dr. Martin Kaps - Research Pomologist

11:00 – 11:30 Elderberry Production, Mr. John Avery - Fruit Grower Advisor

11:30 – noon Bramble Production, Ms. Marilyn Odneal - Outreach Advisor

Noon – 1:00pm Lunch at the Station

1:00 – 2:00 Tomato Grafting Discussion and Demonstration, Dr. Sanjun Gu - State Vegetable Specialist

2:00 – 3:00 Progress report of the new high tunnel at Mountain Grove

3:00 – 3:30 Field demonstration of the Drängen motorized work cart.

Are you considering a CSA?

Community supported agriculture (CSAs) refers to farms where consumers interested in healthy, safe food join in an economic partnership with growers seeking stable markets. (Click here for history of CSA.) Consumers pay in advance for a whole season of produce which they receive on a weekly basis from roughly mid-May until October. For beginning farmers, the concept of CSAs is attractive because it helps to lock in customers (you don’t lose your members to someone else at the farmers’ market and consumers just don’t wimp out and quit coming to market). It’s also nice because theoretically you should share the harvest risk with your members. If cool, rainy springs lead to delays for full summer vegetables, members of your CSA will understand and eat what is available. Eaters like CSAs because they get to know one farmer, and – speaking from personal experience here – it provides an adventure in eating vegetables! As a farmer for a CSA you need to be prepared to offer lots of recipes – most consumers don’t have enough recipes on hand to figure out what to do with bok choy three or four weeks running!

But beginning farmers should think hard about jumping into the CSA model right off. CSAs require excellent management skills in addition to production skills. Growing such a wide variety of crops (usually 60 or more different vegetables, herbs, fruits or other crops) throughout the growing season requires knowledge of different growing techniques and carefully planned planting and harvesting, in addition to extra labor. Really – if you haven’t been producing vegetables for another farm or on your own for at least 5 years you should delay starting a CSA until you’ve been able to experiment with farmers’ market and restaurant sales. Another way to get involved in CSA without everything falling on your own shoulders is to partner with other farmers to create a cooperative CSA. Missouri has a number of CSAs -- you might check out Fair Share Farm to see one with core group members doing a lot of work or check out a cooperative CSA such as Fair Shares in St. Louis. You can also catch up on regular CSA articles written by farmers in “Growing for Market” a great little magazine for direct marketers.  (Mary Hendrickson)

Morel Mushrooms

When you start your search for different options that you can do on your farm, don't overlook the resources that might already exist on your land.  These natural resources will cost you very little to get started.  At this time of the year, it is not uncommon to see a couple of vendors at the farmers' market selling morel mushrooms that they hunted on their own property or other private land (always get permission).  I bought some last year for a hefty price.  If you do hunt morel mushrooms and plan on selling them, be sure you can identify the morel from the false morel.  Listed in the article below are two resources to assist you in identifying mushrooms and an opportunity to learn how to hunt them.  (debi kelly)

This year’s weather presents a promising prospect for morel hunters. Mild temperatures and plentiful moisture this spring is the perfect recipe for a mushroom crop.

“Morel mushrooms start fruiting in the spring as the soil warms to about 50 degrees if there’s enough moisture,” said Johann Bruhn, a University of Missouri mycologist. “Rain like we’ve been getting is important to make mushrooms fruit, but most important is a prolonged combination of moisture and appropriate temperature.”

Morel hunting is a popular pastime for many Missouri families. The best time to hunt morels is roughly mid-April to mid-May and typically coincides with the flowering of May apples.

Surrounded by lore and mystique, hunting mushrooms connects generations who pass down information on the mushroom’s fruiting grounds and use the experience to spend time together in the woods.

“The great enjoyment is not just about finding the mushrooms, but also about experiencing the great outdoors, identifying wild flowers, going out with your dog on an adventure in the woods and being with family and friends,” Bruhn said.

Bruhn, who has eaten more than 50 species of wild mushrooms, offers advice for those unsure how to hunt.

He recommends using an onion sack or similar mesh bag to collect mushrooms. Always bag each variety separately if there’s doubt about the safety of a collection. Carefully identify any new species of mushroom before eating and try only a small portion at a time until you know it’s safe.

“There are not many different kinds of mushrooms growing during morel season, but there are some ‘false morels’ that contain a chemical that’s akin to rocket fuel and can be lethal,” Bruhn said. “The only rule of thumb is that there is no rule of thumb and everyone who hunts should use field guides or an expert to identify any suspect varieties.”

Morel look-alikes – such as the Verpa, the saddle-shaped Helvella and the brain-shaped Gyromitra mushrooms – can entice some hunters, but can be distinguished by the squatty shape compared to the more cone-shaped true morels.

“If the cap of the mushroom drapes down from the very top of the stalk, it’s likely a false morel and I’d not recommend eating it,” Bruhn said.

Bruhn said all mushrooms – regardless of type – should be cooked thoroughly to make them more digestible. The enzymes mushrooms use to decay wood can be very hazardous to humans. “Cooking helps,” he said. “However, keep in mind that cooking still does not break down most deadly toxins present.”

For pictures and more information on mushroom species, see www.mdc.mo.gov/nathis/mushrooms/mushroom/edible.htm.

You can learn more about mushroom hunting through the Missouri Mycological Society, which will host Morel Madness at Cuivre River State Park April 23-25.
 
Written by Roger Meissen, Senior Information Specialist, MU Ag News and Information.

Grant Opportunities for Farmers

I ran across this description of grants from Cornell University and thought it said everything so nice that I would just copy it directly into the blog.  You are welcome to read the rest of the publication but it is geared more for New York farmers.  As I continue to come across grant opportunities, I'll continue to post them here.  (debi kelly)

An increasing number of grant programs are available to farmers from federal or state sources each with specific objectives. Grants fall into the three general types: 1) grants for business planning, adding value and increasing farm viability; 2) grants for on-farm research and demonstration projects that are mostly production oriented though some include marketing demonstration projects; and 3) grants for farm energy conservation, alternative energy, environmental protection/conservation and waste management.

Grants are never available to start a farm and are not a reliable strategy for growing your business. Grants may enable you to expand a particular aspect of your business to make your operation more viable or provide funding to try a new practice on your farm.

Grants are highly competitive so apply only if the project you are proposing clearly meets the grantor’s objectives. Always find out what kinds of projects were funded in the past to determine if your project is in line with what has been funded.

It takes significant time and effort to write a wining grant proposal. Instructions must be followed precisely. Grants often require a cash or in-kind match that must be documented in the budget you propose. Grants will not be considered if they arrive late after the deadline for application. Deadlines for application submission and instructions are generally announced once a year. Most grants are not available on an ongoing basis.

Once you submit a grant, it may take 3 to 6 months to find out if your application was selected for funding. If funded, it also takes time to finalize the contract. Generally you will not be reimbursed for money spent prior to receiving the signed contract. Grant contracts require that you write a report of the results and provide an accounting of how the money was spent; therefore, you must keep accurate records. Grants are also considered income for tax purposes.

Hoop House Workshop

Hands-on Hoop House Construction learn first hand how to build affordable hoop houses.

When:  Saturday, April 24th 2010 Registration 9:30-10:00 AM Workshop 10:00-4:00 PM

Where: Troy First Baptist Church, 1000 Elm Tree Road Troy, MO 63379

Cost: $10/person, Lunch & Drinks included, Plans for Hoop House included.

The guest speaker will be Joe Perkins. Growing up in a family of 10, producing and preserving food was a necessity! As an adult Joe, worked in the computer and data processing field and also served as a pastor. “After traveling to Haiti on a mission trip, I saw the need for the development of a sustainable food supply. I began spending time there, working in their rocky soil.” Joining with other missionaries, Joe began teaching the residents of Haiti how to increase their food production by installing raised beds. Soon after, he began hoop house construction. Besides our work in Haiti, we have also built a large shade house for an orphanage in Honduras and we have also done some work in Mexico.”

For more information or to register, call Kevin Krause,Lincoln University Farm Outreach Worker at 660-239-4768 or krausek@lincolnu.edu.  Preregistration is required to be guaranteed a lunch.

Loans for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

Overview

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes and guarantees loans to beginning farmers who are unable to obtain financing from commercial lenders. Each fiscal year, the Agency targets a portion of its direct and guaranteed farm ownership (FO) and operating loan (OL) funds to beginning farmers.

A beginning farmer is an individual or entity who (1) has not operated a farm for more than 10 years; (2) meets the loan eligibility requirements of the program to which he/she is applying; (3) substantially participates in the operation; and, (4) for FO purposes, does not own a farm greater than 30 percent of the median size farm in the county. (Note: all applicants for direct FO loans must have participated in the business operation of a farm for at least 3 years.) If the applicant is an entity, all members must be related by blood or marriage, and all members in a corporation must be eligible beginning farmers.

Maximum loan amounts are:

■ Direct FO or OL: $300,000; and

■ Guaranteed FO or OL: $1,094,000 (Amount varies annually based on inflation).

Downpayment Program

FSA has a special loan program to assist socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers in purchasing a farm. Retiring farmers may use this program to transfer their land to future generations.

To qualify:

■ The applicant must make a cash down payment of at least 5 percent of the purchase price.

■ The maximum loan amount does not exceed 45 percent of the least of (a) the purchase price of the farm or ranch to be acquired; (b) the appraised value of the farm or ranch to be acquired; or (c) $500,000 (Note: This results in a maximum loan amount of $225,000).

■ The term of the loan is 20 years. The interest rate is 4 percent below the direct FO rate, but not lower than 1.5 percent.

■ The remaining balance may be obtained from a commercial lender or private party. FSA can provide up to a 95 percent guarantee if financing is obtained from a commercial lender. Participating lenders do not have to pay a guarantee fee.

■ Financing from participating lenders must have an amortization period of at least 30 years and cannot have a balloon payment due within the first 20 years of the loan.
 
Sale of Inventory Farmland
 
FSA advertises inventory property within 15 days of acquisition. Eligible SDA and beginning farmers are given first priority to purchase these properties at the appraised market value. If one or more eligible SDA or beginning farmer offers to purchase the same property in the first 135 days, the buyer is chosen randomly.

Joint Financing Arrangement

Beginning farmers may choose to participate in a joint financing arrangement. With this arrangement, FSA lends up to 50 percent of the amount financed, and another lender provides 50 percent or more. The interest rates can be obtained from your local FSA office and the term of the loan will not exceed 40 years or the useful life of the security.
 
Where to Apply
Applications for direct loan assistance may be submitted to the local FSA office serving the area where the operation is located. Local FSA offices are listed in the telephone directory under U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture or Farm Service Agency. For guaranteed loans, applicants must apply to a commercial lender who participates in the Guaranteed Loan Program. Contact your local FSA office for a list of participating lenders.

For More Information

Further information about this and other FSA programs is available from your FSA office.

Did Somebody Say "Crop Mob"? The Latest Farming Fad Comes to Missouri

I have heard and read articles about crop mobs on the numerous lists and newsletters I receive and think this is a great idea.  You can learn about farming first hand by doing as little or as much as you like and you will have an opportunity to network with others who are like-minded in farming.  (debi kelly)


By Kristen Hinman, Monday, Apr. 5 2010 @ 11:21AM

Saturday, April 10th, 2010 at 10 a.m. Mob forms here.

crop (noun): something edible that grows in or of the ground.

mob (noun): a riotous crowd; a flock or herd.

crop mob: "young, landless, and wannabe farmers" who descend upon a small-scale farm on an appointed day and accomplish in five hours what it might take the farmer five days to do him- or herself.

The phenomenon began in North Carolina about a year ago and received some high-profile New York Times treatment in late February. Now Missouri's gettin' in on the action. The first mob goes down this Saturday.

Sam Wiseman, owner of the two-acre Sunflower Savannah Farm out in Beaufort, is hosting the first mobbing on April 10.

Wiseman grows cut flowers, tomatillos, heirloom tomatoes and an assortment of other vegetables for the Maplewood and Tower Grove farmers' markets in St. Louis. She normally works alone.

Saturday's mobbers will get to help clean out her barn, plant some cold-weather crops and weed the strawberry patch.

"It could be really cool for me!" she tells Gut Check. "Or, it could be a total fiasco! We'll wait and see. You just hope for the best. All these people have good intentions but they are unskilled. It's mostly people who want to support the local food movement and want to learn about sustainable farming, get in touch with the earth and are right now in a position where they can't do so."

Sign-up is appreciated, since Julie Ridlon of Chanterelle Catering will be preparing lunch for all who attend. For more info on sign-up, check out the new Jefferson County Crop Mob Facebook page or Wiseman's blog.

Directions

Grazing Schools

One of the best ways to cut costs in a livestock operation is through better grazing management.

The Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Natural Resources and Conservation Services and University of Missouri Extension Centers are sponsoring a grazing schools all across the state of Missouri.

The Missouri Regional Grazing Schools are educational programs that serve three purposes: 1) educate producers and agency personnel in the art and science of grazing management; 2) transfer new technology in grassland management to producers and agency personnel; 3) qualify producers for the state DSP3 cost-share program.   Schools are taught during the grazing season only. The grazing season runs from April 1 to October 31.

All schools address the following core subject matter:

Introduction to Management-intensive grazing
Resource evaluation
Plant growth
Forage quality
Livestock nutrition on pasture
Soil fertility and landscape ecology
Layout and design
Fence and water technology
Economics
Tying it all together


For a listing of the grazing schools across the state go to http://agebb.missouri.edu/mfgc/schools.htm

Organic Education and Outreach Grant

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is a non-profit organization that is recognized across the country for leadership in the area of organic agriculture.

OFRF's purpose... To foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems

OFRF's mission...  To sponsor research related to organic farming; To disseminate research results to organic farmers and to growers interested in adopting organic production systems; and To educate the public and decision-makers about organic farming issues.

OFRF’s integrated strategy of grantmaking, policy, education and networking initiatives supports organic farmers’ immediate information needs while moving the public and policymakers toward greater investment in organic farming systems.

Presently, OFRF will fund the development of educational opportunities and materials that are:

1. Pertinent to organic agricultural production or marketing; and
2. Aimed at organic producers and/or those considering making the transition to organic certification.

OFRF will also accept proposals to fund activities that promote information sharing among organic agricultural researchers and organic farmers and ranchers.

Proposals are due May 17, 2010.

Besides funding grants, OFRF has a wealth of organic resources that beginning farmers interested in organic farming may want to tap into.