Hello again!
In agriculture, we plant so that we may harvest. We have little choice but to work the fields as conditions permit.
A day is not measured by the light in the sky but rather the passage of time in a shrinking window of opportunity.
These periods of time must be taken advantage of when they present themselves. If you are going to have a crop in the fall, you better plant in the spring!
Broader reach
Earlier this year, FSA significantly expanded the list of commodities eligible for Farm Storage Facility Loans. Eligible commodities now include aquaculture; floriculture; fruits (including nuts) and vegetables; corn, grain sorghum, oilseeds, oats, wheat, triticale, spelt, buckwheat, lentils, chickpeas, dry peas, sugar, barley, rye, hay, honey, hops, maple sap, unprocessed meat and poultry, eggs, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt and renewable biomass.
Now, these loans can also be used to purchase new and used portable storage and handling equipment. A new “microloan” option allows applicants seeking less than $50,000 to qualify for a reduced down payment of five percent and no requirement to provide three years of production history.
All sizes
Farms of all sizes are eligible. The microloan option is expected to be of particular benefit to smaller farms and specialty crop producers who may not have access to commercial storage or on-farm storage after harvest.
Producers can invest in equipment like conveyers, scales, handling equipment or refrigeration units and trucks that can store commodities before delivering them to markets.
Both new and used equipment may be eligible. Give your local FSA office a call to find out more about these program changes.
In years past I have written of my thoughts regarding Memorial Day, a time to remember those who gave their lives while in the service of our country. What started as a day of remembrance in 1868, known as Decoration Day, to honor the fallen Union troops of that conflict, has evolved over the years to recognize the sacrifices of all Americans who have died while in the service of our nation.
Taking action
Whatever the reason for the conflicts that we asked our sons and daughters to serve in, these men and women set aside their personal fears and biases and went forth in support of our nation’s call.
No matter your activities this Memorial Day, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of so many before us for our nation. If you are able, a decoration placed on the grave of veteran is a fitting testament of your thanks and appreciation of their sacrifice.
“All we have of freedom, all we use or know — this our fathers bought for us long and long ago.” — Rudyard Kipling, The Old Issue, 1899.
That’s all for now,
FSA Andy
