Help for New Farmers at Tax Time

New tips sheet points out issues they need to know about 

 

Tax time can be daunting for any business, and farming operations bring their own set of challenges—particularly for beginning farmers. 

A new tip sheet from the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) can take away some of the mystery as April 15 approaches. 

New USDA Program Focuses on Improving Soil Health

BOISE, ID – February 7, 2013 – The Natural Resources Conservation Service is rolling out a new initiative that encourages improving soil health. In Idaho, the initiative focuses on reducing wind and water erosion issues by increasing soil health. Producers interested in implementing conservation practices emphasizing soil health may apply for technical and financial assistance by March 15, 2013 for fiscal year 2013 funding.

“The Soil Health Initiative promotes improving the soil through soil health management systems,” said Marlon Winger, State Agronomist. “A system combines several different types of tactics to improve soil health.”

Now Microloans Expand Farm Finance Options

(Boise, Idaho) Jan. 22, 2013— New and beginning farmers and ranchers in Idaho now have an agricultural Microloan credit option to consider. As of Jan. 15, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will offer its customers a Microloan designed to help farmers and ranchers with credit needs of $35,000 or less. The loan features a streamlined application and a simplified qualification process built to fit the needs of new and smaller producers.

Grain Marketing Webinars On-Demand

Grain Marketing Webinars are available on-line…

·         NEW…February 8, 2013 - Global Grain Market Outlook - presented by Kelly Olson, Idaho Barley Commission at http://connect.cals.uidaho.edu/p89861735/

Nation BQA Offeres Free Certification Opportunity

The checkoff‐funded National Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program is giving all beef producers and interested individuals the chance to become certified for free thanks to a partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. and the Beef Cattle Institute (BCI) housed at Kansas State University. The cost of BQA certification is normally $25‐$50; however, between Feb. 11, 2013 and March 15, 2013, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. will defray the cost of the certification, making it free for producers. Those interested in taking advantage of this BQA certification opportunity should start at www.BIVI‐BQA.com. 

Farmers Reminded of Upcoming Multi-Peril Crop Insurance Program Date

SPOKANE, Wash., February 19, 2013 ----- USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Pacific Northwest corn producers of the several options they have available through Multiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI).   

“During these winter months is the best time to plan for spring-time planting and we want to remind all Pacific Northwest farmers of the Friday, March 15 sales closing deadline for their 2013 seeded spring crops,” said RMA’s Spokane Regional Office Director Dave Paul.  

FoodCorps Recruiting Next ‘Class’ to Connect School Kids to Real Food and Help Them Grow Up Healthy

MISSOULA, MONT. — This week FoodCorps, a national organization that addresses childhood obesity and food insecurity in underserved communities, opens applications for its third annual class of service members.

The selected emerging leaders will dedicate one year of full-time public service in school food systems – expanding hands-on nutrition education programs, building and tending school gardens, and bringing high quality local foods into school cafeterias.

Farm Service Agency Announces Important Program Updates

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2013—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers that the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended the authorization of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill) for many Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) commodity, disaster, and conservation programs through 2013. FSA administers these programs.

New Backpackers Guide to Idaho Range Plants

Click on image to enlarge.

Grain Marketing Webinars On Line

The Idaho Barley Commission has the following grain marketing webinars archived on line--check them out whenever you want

 

Grain Marketing Webinars are available for viewing on-line…

·         Jan. 17, 2013 - How to Hedge Grain Prices Using Recurring Trends & Market Cycles - presented by Mr. Lan H. Turner, Gecko Software, Inc at  http://connect.cals.uidaho.edu/p71004116

·         Nov. 20, 2012 - Executing a 2012/13 Grain Marketing Plan – presented by Craig Corbett and Carley Garner, commodity broker, Las Vegas, NV  at http://connect.cals/uidaho.edu/p20437593/

·         Oct. 30, 2012 - 2012/13 Grain Market Outlook & Understanding Technical Trends – presented by Kelly Olson and Craig Corbett, Grace, ID at http://connect.cals/uidaho.
edu/p47995616/

Cow Camp Chatter: Gestation and Dystocia

Ron Torell, Long-Standing Educator and Advocate of Agriculture

Oftentimes when a first-calf heifer experiences calving difficulty we automatically cast all the blame on the immediate sire of the calf.  We may forget that the sire contributes only half of the genetic merit.  The pedigree of the dam determines the other half.  If the dam’s pedigree is stacked with growth and large birth weight sires and dams this is likely to influence calf delivery as a first-calf heifer.  Conversely, if the dam’s pedigree is stacked with calving-ease sires and dams, one would expect shorter gestations, lower birth weights and less dystocia.