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Archive for the ‘Issues’ Category
By Richard Sandberg
Several low interest loan programs are provided for farmers, ranchers and other agribusinesses. The loans have aided the agriculture community by providing funds when conventional loans are unavailable by:
- Providing funds for projects to assist operators in conserving resources and improving efficiency of operations.
- Assisting beginning farmers to purchase farm and ranch properties.
- Aiding financially distressed operators with long term funding.
The portfolios are comprised of approximately 800 loans, and the combined assets of the programs as of June 30, 2011 totaled nearly $51 million. Loans are funded from revolving funds that grow each year from the earnings of the programs. These programs benefit Utah’s economy in numerous ways. Loss history has been minimal.
Agriculture Resource Development Loan Program (ARDL)
The largest program in the loan section with 55 percent of its assets and more than 600 loans, ARDL is administered by the division for the Utah Conservation Commission. Technical service and marketing of the program are provided by local conservation districts and the Utah Association of Conservation Districts as well as other conservation partners, both federal and state. Examples of eligible projects include animal waste management, water usage management (irrigation systems), rangeland improvement, on farm energy projects, wind erosion control and disaster mitigation and cleanup. Borrowers are charged 3 percent interest and a 4 percent administration fee, which covers marketing and project planning costs, and loans have a maximum term of 12 years.
Producers are encouraged to use these loans to help fund projects jointly with federal and state grants. They can also fund stand alone projects.
Rural Rehabilitation Loan Programs
These programs, funded by both state and federal monies comprise the rest of the loan programs. They have been funded by both state and federal monies. The various purposes of the loans are to:
- Provide assistance to producers with financial problems with various causes (including Emergency Loan Programs totaling of $10.5 million initiated during the past two years).
- Assist beginning farmers to obtain farms and ranches. This includes providing financing to facilitate the transfer of ownership of family farms and ranches from one generation to another.
These are essentially loans of last resort requiring that applicants be declined by conventional commercial lenders. They are often granted in cooperation with other lenders such as the USDA Farm Service Agency. Terms range up to a maximum of ten years with amortization of greater terms. Interest rates charged are four percent or less. These long term real estate loans have helped numerous Utah agricultural operations to remain in business. Maximum loan size is limited to $250,000.
Success Story
A good example of a recent Rural Rehab Loan which illustrates how the program can help people, help the state’s economy and help the industry is reflected in the case of Brent Bowles in the South Jordan who has operated a meat cutting business successfully for several decades. The business was originally based on the availability of locally produced cattle. Since that activity has largely disappeared from the urban area, but is common in a more rural area of central Utah, and since Mr. Bowles was considering retirement and transferring the business to his son Richard and daughter-in-law Stephanie who had been working with him for years, they arrived at a plan.
They found an ideal location where there was a demand for their services and purchased a site in Fairview for relocation. Since they already owned all of the equipment needed to operate the business, all they needed was financial assistance to construct a new facility and move the business to the new location. Richard was able to qualify for the loan and secure it with the acquired property, which also included a residence for him and Stephanie. The banks and credit unions contacted were not interested in the loan, but UDAF had the funding and the desire to help with the relocation and intergenerational transfer of the business while helping the local rural economy and providing a needed service to the community. In addition to processing beef and lamb, they also process smoked meats and game. The low cost and long term of the loan makes it affordable and helps to ensure the success of the move.
By Larry Lewis
Agriculture may soon get some serious attention and support from Utah’s legislative officials and key agricultural producers as the newly formed Agriculture Sustainability Task Force will meet for the first time this month.
The task force…as its name implies…will work to make or change laws that will help agriculture remain sustainable well into the future. Its goals are to make farming more profitable, help farmers and ranchers continue caring for the land and animals, protect farmland, increase food security, and most importantly educate Utahns about the important link between the farm and our food system.
This is an excellent time for the task force to come together, since the current lull in development activities is giving us the time to consider our future policies with respect to growth and farmland protection.
Who’s on the task force? The Governor’s Office, in the form of co-chair, Lt. Governor Greg Bell. The other co-chair is Utah’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Leonard Blackham. There is also a long list of agriculture supporters such as: Senators Lyle Hillyard, Ralph Okerlunk and David Hinkins; Representative Jack Draxler, Mel Brown, and John Mathis; Utah Board of Realtors, David Mansell; Utah Quality Growth Commission, Flint Richards; State Grazing Board, Jay Tanner; Davis County Conservation District member, Tyson Roberts; and Randy Parker, President of Utah Farm Bureau Federation as well as representatives from various state conservation districts, farmers, ranchers and others.
The group of agricultural leaders will be examining each sector of agriculture along with the urban interface of farming entities on the urban fringe. Issues including profitability, transferability, critical mass, at-risk farming sectors, conflicts associated with the growth of Utah populations, and farming incentives will be considered.
The task force will meet each month excluding August to deliberate. A report will then be presented during the November Interim hearings at the state capitol.
In honor of National Agriculture Day, Larry Lewis, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food Public Information Officer, ventured out into the public to film people who had questions for farmers.
Some of the questions asked were: What is the future of agriculture? Why are pesticides used? How do you remain sustainable and continue making a profit from your crops? What would you like to tell Wasatch Front residents about agriculture? Do some EPA regulations make it difficult to operate?
To see the farmers response click here
Before my husband and I moved to Cache Valley, we lived in Murray Utah and neither of us had had much experience with serious gardening. Since our new house already had a garden plot, and our neighbor was a garden enthusiast, we decided to give our green thumbs a try. Honestly, I don’t think we knew how serious gardening would be for us until we actually saw and tasted the produce from our efforts.
As a couple, we start our plants indoors in early spring. We buy our seeds from a local seed store that weighs the tiny morsels out on a scale. As a non-traditional agriculturist, I have the tendency to over purchase, never thinking I have enough seeds; but my over purchasing comes in handy the next season when I can’t seem to find enough time to run to the seed store. Still, I find a great satisfaction in nurturing and watching the tiny seeds grow with anticipation of transplanting them to the garden.
My husband and I usually grow enough garlic, onions, peppers, tomatoes and corn to last us the year, in addition to sharing with friends and family. Last year we tried broccoli and were surprised again when it not only grew well but tasted better than any we had ever bought from store. We also plant zinnias and herbs for our deck. The cost to purchase would be out of our reach but with planting our own we have the most amazing flowers around us.
Although there is effort in weeding and watering, there is satisfaction in looking at the rows of plants and saying, “we did this.”
I look back when we lived in the city and wonder why we never designated a true garden space. How we missed out on the enjoyment of starting, nurturing, cultivating and enjoying the physical, financial, emotional and spiritual benefits of gardening, not to mention the amazing flavors of fresh from the garden.
Some people that moved to the city forgot through time that their vegetable garden is part of their gorgeous yard. The vegetable garden is truly the most beautiful and satisfying part of the yard. In these times of uncertainty I think it’s good for parents to re teach their children this wonderful family project and the time well enjoyed together in the garden. Don’t wait a minute longer—make it a goal this year to start a family garden. You won’t regret it!
Take a look at some of our great produce.
By Debbie Huddleston
Buying local food products is a hot topic for a lot of people these days. As fuel prices increase this summer you’ll no doubt hear more about buying locally grown food. But where do you go for local produce and other agricultural products and how do you know when it is local? Let’s take a look at a few options.
Grocery stores:
Grocery stores, large and small seem to be doing a better job of featuring local products. Most farms and companies will proudly display the Utah’s Own logo or otherwise announce that their product comes from Utah. In the produce aisle, grocers will usually prominently display local produce, most of which is only available in the summer and early autumn.
Local Restaurants:
Many locally owned restaurants are starting to feature more local meats, dairy and produce. Local non-profit groups interested in local food have facilitated several mixer events between farmers and chefs recently to increase the local choices on the menu. You’re more likely to find entrees using local ingredients if the restaurant is not part of a national chain.
Farmers Markets & CSAs: Community Supported Agriculture
More and more people are taking advantage of opportunities to buy directly from farmers and ranchers. Farmer’s markets, roadside stands and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) are all becoming more popular. While most people understand the concepts behind farmer’s markets and roadside stands, CSAs are still a mystery to many. In a CSA, farmers sell weekly shares of their expected harvest. Oftentimes when you buy a full share you will get about a half bushel (in volume) of whatever the farmer harvests that week. A typical vegetable farmer may grow 30-40 varieties of vegetables and herbs over the course of a season. To increase their offerings, farmers will often get products from other local farms to include in their CSA such as eggs, dairy products, tree fruit and meats. Utah’s Own and CSA Utah have websites offering listings of active local CSAs.
Grow Your Own Food: Backyard and Community Gardens
Finally, many folks are looking to supplement their local purchases by growing some of their own food. Backyard gardens are as popular as ever and community gardens are springing up in communities throughout the state. In a community garden, individuals or groups rent a row or a plot and grow their own food. It’s a perfect alternative for apartment or condo dwellers or those who want more space to grow food. Wasatch Community Gardens is one good source for a list of gardens, though most of their gardens have waiting lists. You may also want to check with your local city or county government. Many cities and counties are starting or donating land for community gardens.
No matter where you shop, if you’re looking to buy locally grown or produced products, ask the vendor if you don’t see a sign.
The bottom line is there are a lot of choices to buy locally grown or produced products. You may have to look around, ask someone, or check the internet, but the opportunities do exist. Spring into action this season and buy, grow and eat locally.
By Jack Wilbur
The grunts and grumbles heard at the local gas station will soon transfer to lines in the grocery store. Mr. Fuel’s recent pay raise and Mother Nature’s seasonal rearrangements have the U.S. Department of Agriculture projecting a 3 to 4 percent rise in food prices. Such estimates worry parents and college students on tight budgets.
In order to remain economical this spring and summer, consider these three tips:
Be Conscious of Where You Shop:
“As consumers make their decision in the local grocery store or at a restaurant they’re voting with their dollar if a local company stays in business or goes out of business.” Steve DeJohn, Lehi Roller Mills
Everyone enjoys a deal, especially when budgets and economies are tight. Yet, it is important to understand the “why” behind the bargains. Cheap food prices are formed as companies buy in large quantities or import from foreign growers. Yet, such products are significantly affected when the price of fuel rises or a natural disaster strikes (both of which will happen this summer). On the other hand, a local grocer, such as Harmon’s or Associated Retail Stores, seeks to invest in a local grower may market his good slightly higher; but such a price is less vulnerable to a significant price increase. Be proactive in buying local and seek to inquire grocery store managers about the price increases at your store.
Be Smart in Your Purchasing:
“Education is the most important step when supporting local products” ~Ashley Simmons, Apple Beer
A simple economic lesson teaches the consumer that when supply goes up, the price goes down. The economically conscious customer will seek to buy things in season. In Utah, the average growing season ranges from July to December. Still, many Utah companies are great at storing their products such as apples, potatoes, onions and carrots. If you cannot find your product grown locally, invest regionally or nationally. Most likely you’ll find that your local products have a longer fridge or shelf life. In addition the produce will taste better because it had more time to ripen prior to shipment. Seek to educate others on the importance of buying local, including your local grocery store manager.
Buying smart also involves planning ahead of time. Kathy Stephenson, writer at the Salt Lake Tribune, wrote the average family throws away 25 to 30 percent of all their food purchases. Schedule your family meals in order to save your produce from spoiling too fast.
Be Innovative
As an agriadvocate, get involved in the organizations seeking to create and preserve local food sources. If you live in an urban area, seek out a community garden, farmers market or community supported agriculture program and volunteer. If you live in a rural area, think about starting a garden in your own backyard, helping a neighbor with his/her garden or talking to a local grower about his/her farm.
With less than two percent of the American population growing our food, it is important that we join the initiative to preserve local food, land and community. If you have an innovative idea or success story you’d like to share, please take some time to email us.
Mr. Fuel and Mother Nature will continue to take their course, but of course we won’t be grumbling…we’ll be springing into action to be more conscious, smart and innovative.
Utah has long been recognized as a leader in the US for domestic turkey populations and dedicated farmers that fill the need for Thanksgiving Dinners across the nation. However, just as unique but less commonly known, is Utah’s dedication to aiding wild turkey populations. Last month, 96 turkeys were released on Elk Ridge in San Juan County.
To understand the signifance of this release, one can look to another area in which wild birds were introduced. About ten years ago, 46 wild turkeys were released on a private pasture area, owned by a agricultural family in Woodland, Utah. The combination of farmland and native plants created an ideal habitat for the reintroduction of these beautiful birds. Since the release there has been an expansion in the area of flocks of turkeys. Today, enthusiasts report seeing groups of wild turkeys, as big as 4 to 25 birds per group, at various locations in Summit County.
During the winter months, wild turkey flocks spend their time feeding and roosting on the private lands of the river bottoms of the Upper Provo River. Chokecherry and hawthorn trees with abundant berries provide food source and tall cottonwoods and scrub oak provide a cover and shelter for the birds. Families enjoy watching the morning and evening migrations of these beautiful birds as they move from the feeding areas to roosting areas. What a great success story for those that enjoys wildlife, and the efforts of sportsmen and land owners to provide resources for this cause.
The relocation of wild turkeys to Summit County, Utah is one of many wildlife success stories told in this great state. With the help of sportsmen and agriculturists, local wild turkeys are now being re-distributed to areas of the state for further population growth.
Most Utahans spend the month of February hoping for as little snow as possible. However, combine snow with the word goose and the idea becomes spectacular.
Every year thousands of snow geese stop at the Gunnison Bend Reservoir near Delta, Utah. The environment provides an ideal place for them to feed and rest after their long journey from southern California. In the early mornings and late evenings you will find them in the agricultural fields nibbling on young chutes of grain and weeds. Such land provides the necessary substance these geese need to survive, in order to make their journey north to the artic lands to nest.
Some have said agriculture destorys the natural habitats of wildlife; but in many instances, like this one, agriculture helps sustain the wildlife during the winter season. Therefore, it is necessary we preserve the land in order to protect these spectacular birds.
If you’d like to see the snow geese this year, plan to attend the Utah Annual Snow Goose Festival, Feb. 25-26 in Delta, Utah.
Until then, check out the birds’ beauty here.
Photo courtsey of http://deltagoosefestival.info/festival/
Each year a Utah Rancher is recognized for being great land stewards and awarded the Leopold Conservation Award. This award is given by the Sand County Foundation in partnership with several organizations. The winner receives $10,000 and the Aldo Leopold crystal.
“The health of Utah’s landscape is dependent on hard-working farmers and ranchers across the state who dedicate themselves to ensuring that Utah’s natural resources are in better shape than when they found them,” said Dr. Brent Haglund, Sand County Foundation President. “Year after year, the quality of award nominations for the Leopold Conservation Award proves that Utah’s land, water and wildlife are in great hands.”
Below is the 2009 Leopold Conservation Award Winner (UT) — Tavaputs Ranch. Stay tuned for the upcoming 2010 winner, who will be announced later this year.
The Senate Agriculture Committee summoned Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator a few weeks ago. Her agency received backlash for not understanding farming and food production. Read Steve Kopperlud from Brownfield’s take on the meeting here.