Farm & Ag Guide - 02/18/2018

Sunday, February 18, 2018

Farm&Ag GUIDE AGRICULTURE NEWS & TRENDS

Featured Stories • Agriculture Gets Mobile • Climate Change • Food Storage • New Farming Technology • FSA Guaranteed Loans

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BUY VS LEASE:

Member

FDIC

AREYOU MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE?

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Food Storage

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n-site storage is essential for farms to keep food safe and fresh after it’s harvested but before it’s taken away to be processed or sold. Unfortunately, these facilities and materials can be quite expensive.

The Farm Service Agency, through the United States Department of Agriculture, offers Farm Storage Facility Loans to help farmers finance building, upgrading or purchasing materials for onfarm or mobile storage. Eligible resources include: • Packing sheds; • Walk-in coolers; • Food safety equipment; • Graders, sorters, conveyers; • Washers and drying tunnels; and • Storage and handling trucks.

In the past few years, the food storage loan has been expanded by the FSA to include meats, dairy, eggs, honey and maple syrup and even aquaculture.

To see a complete list of eligible products, visit http://bit.ly/NSACFSFL. The expansion of this FSA loan serves a more complete range of farming operations. Any farmer with adequate credit and proof of crop insurance, who can demonstrate his ability to pay back the loan is encouraged to apply.

related to food storage and the atmosphere around all food storage areas.

Humidity can wreak havoc on food storage areas. Air that is too dry or too damp for fresh foods can lead to mold growth. Mold can wreck havoc on food and storage materials, so it is imperative to eradicate it if any appears in your facilities.

Air that is too damp can cause machinery to rust, which will weaken the metal and could cause it to malfunction. Because of this, airflow is an important factor to keep in mind.

Air flow is affected by the types of containers food is packed in, as well as how these containers are packed MAINTAINING QUALITY together. Speak with a local farming It is extremely important to maintain consultant or check in with the quality standards with on-farm food FSA for tips on how to avoid these storage. This requires constant and potentially damaging issues. consistent checks of equipment

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MYERS POLARIS, INC. 304 MAIN ST E. FAIRBANK, IA 50629 319-635-2311 • www.myerspolaris.com WARNING: The Polaris RANGER® can be hazardous to operate and is not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Passengers must be at least 12 years old. Drivers and passengers should always wear helmets, eye protection, and seat belt. Always use cab nets or doors (as equipped).

Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.

All drivers should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. Polaris® is a registered trademark of Polaris Industries Inc. ©2017 Polaris Industries Inc.

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Agriculture Gets Mobile F

arming with digital applications can both elevate success and alleviate stress for farmers. Just like any other industry, farming is complex and technology is forever evolving to help those in the field do their jobs better.

With the number of farming applications currently available, it can be hard to tell them apart, or get familiar with each app’s unique features. The good news is, with a little basic information, you’ll be downloading your new favorite farming app in no time. This is where we have you covered.

Here are just a few of the many farming apps available, and a brief overview of what makes each one great.

Remember to find out if there are versions available from your phone’s app store. Also take into consideration whether each is paid or free. This may help you make your decision about which apps to integrate into your work flow.

EFARMER APP EFarmer is a free record-keeping system in your phone. It will allow you to easily capture and document all field activities through electronic maps.

You can record the history of cropping, field investigation, crop planning, field tasks and so much more. The best part is that you can make notes directly on the map.

AGRISYNC APP When a problem strikes, time is always of the essence. AgriSync — a mobile-based program that connects you to service advisors — is there to help. Whether the issue is machine related or agricultural, farmers can communicate in real time with an expert advisor; because advisors can see what farmers are seeing through live video, issues can be resolved quickly.

AGVAULT APP AgVault is a photo application designed to

keep track of the “where,” “when” and “why” behind every photo.

A new addition to the app offers autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) route planning.

The UAV launches from the app, flies the predetermined route and comes home once the flight plan is complete — all the while taking high-quality imagery that can be useful to farmers’ decisionmaking processes.

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What makes us

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Y R I A D N E LEG Hansen’s Dairy products come only from purebred Holsteins born and raised on our farm in Hudson, Iowa, and not treated with growth hormones.

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New, At-Risk Farmers ccording to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, there are nearly six times as many farmers over 65 than under 35. It is more important than ever to invest and support the next generation of farmers.

While any farmer has many challenges to face — including the rising cost of farm land, availability of training or technical assistance, and financing — farmers just starting out and socially disadvantaged farmers face these same challenges, but most often experience them to a greater extent.

Socially disadvantaged farmers include farmers of color, military veterans and women.

These groups historically have not participated in many federal programs due to inadequate outreach, lack of help and even discrimination, according to the FSA. Below is a brief overview of key federal programs focused on serving the underserved.

MICROLOANS

The FSA’s microloan program is specifically designed for young, small or socially disadvantaged farmers by offering a simplified loan process for their (typically) smaller credit needs. Since the program’s introduction in 2013, the FSA has funded more than 20,000 farmers across

the nation with more than $470 million.

WHOLE FARM REVENUE PROTECTION

Whole Farm Revenue Protection is an insurance policy designed to protect a farmer’s entire farm (including livestock) — not just one crop. It is specifically designed for diversified farms that might not have access to crop insurance for each crop they grow.

are eligible for this program.

LAND CONTRACT GUARANTEE PROGRAM

This program helps retiring farmers sell their farms to farmers who are just starting out by providing a federal guarantee in case buyers run into trouble making payments.

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS

This program is RISK MANAGEMENT EDUCATION PROGRAM designed to help

This program provides funding through four regional centers and one digital center to help farmers learn how to minimize risk on their farms. By minimizing risk, farmers can increase both the financial stability and future sustainability of their farms.

DOWN PAYMENT LOAN PROGRAM

This is a jointfinancing loan program between the FSA and a commercial lender to enable the purchase of farm land. Only beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers

beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers finance their needs through agribusiness training, as well as matched savings accounts. In the matched savings account, the federal government (through local partners) will match any amount deposited by the farmer by 100 percent.

For full details on any of these programs, visit www.fsa.usda.gov.

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Gifting Farmland

haritable farmland program keeps land local and allows farmers to support causes that matter most

As a farmer, you are a big part of fueling our communities. From year to year, your livelihood has a direct impact on the places you live and the neighbors who rely on agriculture as an economic engine providing jobs and community resources. With this in mind, many farmers are looking at how they can continue to make a difference in the hometowns they love – even after retirement or death.

What many farmers and landowners may not be aware of is that there are options to keep the land they love in production, while receiving tax benefits and supporting their community for generations to come. Assets of farmland can be gifted as a whole or in part, for a charitable purpose through gifts of real estate through programs like the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s (CFNEIA) Farmland for Good program.

Today in Iowa, an unprecedented transfer of wealth is occurring, and this wealth includes farmland.

In 50 years, $531 billion is expected to pass through probate estates from one generation to the next in Iowa. Much of this wealth may be heavily taxed if given to heirs.

Each farmer or landowner’s situation is different, but there are several land gifting options that exist. The end result is that landowners can make a significant impact

on their community and the causes that matter to them for generations to come and receive tax benefits.

The donor, for example, could make an outright gift of farmland and instruct the Community Foundation to rent the land for a set number of years with earnings going to a permanent endowment fund established with CFNEIA that benefits the nonprofit or community entity of their choice. This results in a charitable fund that provides support to the selected cause or causes forever.

When a person gives the Community Foundation or other qualified charities all or a portion of his or her estate, the value of the land acts as a charitable gift deduction on his/her tax return. With a plan, you can reduce the estate tax burden and possibly eliminate it. More importantly, landowners can leave a charitable legacy for their community.

To summarize, benefits of gifting farmland include: • Land stays local with CFNEIA and is tended to by local hands.

• Land remains functional as farmland.

• Land provides a lasting legacy for you and your community.

• The donor receives a tax deduction for the fair market value of the property.

• Donor bypasses capital gains taxes.

• Possibly reduce or eliminate

estate taxes for your family.

It’s important to know that options are available that include ways to preserve part of a family’s assets while generating charitable funding forever.

Every landowner’s situation is unique, and the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa recommends you discuss options with a tax or financial advisor.

More on CFNEIA’s Farmland for Good program can be found at www.cfneia.org/ farmland4good or by calling the Foundation at 319-2879106.

Column author, Kaye Englin, is President and CEO at the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. The Foundation manages over $107 million in assets and has granted over $85 million to organizations since 1956.

Contact: kenglin@cfneia.org or 319-243-1350.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa is a nonprofit committed to creating long-term impacts in 20 counties in Iowa. CFNEIA helps people establish funds for the causes they care about and makes grants to organizations creating a stronger and more vibrant quality of life for everyone.

For more information, contact 319-287-9106 or visit www.cfneia.org. CFNEIA is confirmed in compliance with national standards for U.S. community foundations.

FARMLAND FOR GOOD Preserve the land you love and your legacy while creating a source of charitable good for your community and the causes you care about.

Sharing your greatest asset shows a deep-seeded love for the land and your community. The Farmland for Good program provides generous landowners a way to: • Keep your land locally owned.

• Keep the land functional as farmland.

• Provide a lasting charitable legacy to the causes you care about.

Gifts of land provide significant benefits for you while providing vital support to your community.

Your gift is unique and CFNEIA is here to assist you in accomplishing your charitable goals.

cfneia.org/farmland4good 319-287-9106 Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.

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Agricultural Science

T

hose thinking about a college education would do well to consider agriculture as a major. According to a joint report by Purdue University and the United States Department of Agriculture, more than 57,000 jobs will be available annually over the next five years for graduates with expertise in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources or the environment.

Graduates also are more likely to be hired if they have had internships or job-related work experience. University farms can be a great way to build hands-on work experience while completing a degree.

Best College Reviews surveyed more than 50 higher-ed institutions to gauge which schools offered the best college farm — ranging from the small, student-run organic farm to agribusiness farm models.

Their criteria included farm size and sustainability, the farm’s integration with the main campus and the community, if courses were taught at the farm, as well as students’ utilization of the farm.

Here are their top four (they may surprise you):

orchard and a medicinal herb garden from which medicines are prepared.

WARREN WILSON COLLEGE

THE WHAT: Deep Springs College is a two-year, allmale liberal arts school located on an alfalfa farm and cattle ranch in the California desert. Students are taught through the guiding notions of academics, labor and selfgovernance.

THE WHY: The farm-based locations for the notion of labor include the organic Deep Springs Garden — with fruit orchard, greenhouse, chicken coop and vegetable beds — a 300-head cattle ranch and 152 acres of alfalfa fields.

THE WHAT: Warren Wilson is one of seven federally recognized work colleges in the nation, where daily operations are partially completed by students.

Students must work through “the triad” of work, service and academics.

THE WHY: The farm is located on 275 acres divided into 25 fields in the Swannanoa Valley.

THE WOW: In addition to traditional crops and livestock, the farm boasts a bee crew, an heirloom apple

COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS

THE WOW: The school has only 26 students but provides each with a full scholarship valued at more than $50,000 per year.

DEEP SPRINGS COLLEGE

THE WHAT: Hampshire College is a prestigious experimental school established in 1965. Students focus on building portfolios, and narrative evaluations take the place of letter grades.

THE WHY: The farm is more than 100 acres, offers work study programs, independent study opportunities, as well as internships.

THE WOW: Largely due to the campus farm, Hampshire College is nearing its goal of sourcing 100 percent of its food locally. The farm also serves as a Community Suported Agriculture (CSA) to the local community.

THE WHAT: College of the Ozarks provides a Christian education, tuition free, to accepted students who work on campus.

THE WHY: The farm operates through numerous agricultural work stations, including a beef farm, dairy farm, hog farm, horticulture lab, a feed mill, a farmer’s market, an orchard, processing plant and the agronomy station.

THE WOW: The college’s largest project is a yearly educational workshop hosted by the Future Farmers of America, with nearly 2,000 attending members.

HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE

www.VisitJohnDeere.com

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Climate Change

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griculture in the United States is critical to supplying food, not only domestically, but around the world.

According to a 2014 report published by the United States Global Change Research Program, the crops, livestock and seafood produced in the United States supply more than $300 billion to the economy every year.

The United States Climate Change Science Program (CCSP), along with other organizations, have made significant efforts to assess the potential impacts climate change will have on agriculture both nationally and globally.

Below is a brief overview of their assessments and predictions.

THE CHANGES • The United States has become

wetter over the 20th century.

While most of the North has warmed significantly, parts of the South have cooled.

• While the country as a whole receives significantly more precipitation than it did 100 years ago, the Southwest receives much less.

• NASA stresses that the level of CO2 in our atmosphere has surpassed 400 parts per million for the first time in recorded history. For perspective, we

breached 300 parts per million in the late 1940s, and before that, the CO2 level stayed below the 300 ppm threshold for hundreds of thousands of years.

• No place on Earth grows more corn than the midwestern United States. According to the Food Policy Research Institute and National Geographic, by 2050 the region will experience a 20 percent drop in production.

IMPACT ON CROPS • The rise in temperature is expected to lead toward the IMPACT ON LIVESTOCK northern migration of weeds.

• Changes in climate also • Rising CO2 levels can will increase the range and stimulate plant growth; it also survivability of livestock pests, decreases the nutritional value of parasites and pathogens. many food crops.

• More attention will need to

be paid to livestock shelter, as rising temperatures cause stress on animals and can contribute to livestock deaths through increased vulnerability to disease and reduced fertility.

• Increased temperatures also impact livestock indirectly through reduced quality of their food supply.

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By the Numbers

arming is one of the most numbersbased professions on the planet.

Without accurate tracking of statistics and key data, farmers will be ill equipped to efficiently order new inventory, plan their planting season and buy equipment.

• According to the Purdue/ CME Group Agriculture Economy Barometer (based on a monthly survey of 400 agricultural producers from across the country), American farmers are the most optimistic about the future of farming since the barometer was introduced in October 2015.

• There are 71.5 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms currently, up 4 percent from last year, according to a report by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Of those 71.5 million, 22.4 million are from Iowa — making it the largest producer among the states.

Cultivating Relationships for Generations

BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW

• Soy beans are one of the main ingredients of crayons.

According to Farm Flavor, one acre of soybeans can produce more than $82,000 in crayons.

• The National Cattlemen’s Here are a few statistics Environmental Protection Beef Association reports that showcasing the importance Agency. This marks a trend more than 97 percent of beef of farming to the country and toward a concentration in ag cattle farms and ranches are world as a whole: production. classified as family farms.

• In 2006, the average • According to the American LOOKING BACK American farmer grew Egg Board, approximately 60 • In 2010, soybeans enough food to feed 144 percent of eggs produced in represented 56 percent of the people, according to the the United States are used by world’s oilseed production.

Center for Food Integrity. In consumers, whereas only 9 According to the Agriculture 1940, the average farmer grew percent are used by the food Council of America, 33 enough food to feed half that. service industry. percent of those soybeans • No other animal provides were produced by American LOOKING FORWARD society with more products farmers.

• The United States than the pig, according the • In 2012, U.S. farms spent Department of Agriculture National Pork Board. Besides $329 billion to produce $388 projects that farmers will food products, parts of the billion in goods, according to plant more than 84 million pig are used in diabetic Farm Policy Facts. acres of soybeans in 2017 — a treatments, their heart valves • In 2007, just over record number. can be used as replacements 187,000 of the 2.2 million • Alternatively, USDA in humans, and their skin can farms in the U.S. accounted economists project only 1.9 be used to treat severe burn for 63 percent of sales billion bushels of wheat in victims. in agricultural products, 2017, making it the smallest according to the United States wheat crop since 2006.

Hertz utilizes decades of experience to yield the best results for your family and your farmland.

Our clients recognize that communication and mutually agreed upon objectives are the basis for success.

When the time’s right to discuss professional farm management, appraisal, land valuation or real estate services, Hertz is ready to work with you to achieve your goals.

340 Tower Park Drive, P.O. Box 2396, Waterloo, IA 50701-2396

319.234.1949

www.Hertz.ag

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Work Safe From the Sun

W

orking on a farm is a career that requires a significant amount of time in the sun. It is important to keep in mind that with its cheery rays, the sun brings with it certain dangers that farmers should protect themselves against: namely, skin cancer.

In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of their life. The Skin Cancer Foundation asserts that approximately 90 percent of skin cancers and premature aging are a result of ultraviolet exposure.

Taking protective measures, however, is easy.

SUNSCREEN Not only can sunscreen decrease a person’s likelihood of developing skin cancer, but it can prevent brown spots and discoloration of the skin and slow the development of wrinkles and premature aging skin.

Using a spray sunscreen as opposed to a lotion can provide better coverage and is great for re-application (which you should do every

two hours), because it’s quick and leaves your hands without a greasy feeling. This is crucial to continuing to get your work done on the farm while remaining protected from the sun’s rays.

Just make sure any sunscreen used is not expired. Even if it looks fine and smells fine, expired sunscreen is broken down chemically and cannot effectively do its job.

SUN-PROTECTANT CLOTHING The Skin Cancer Foundation asserts that clothing can be the most effective and safe defense against the sun. Blue jeans are excellent at blocking ultraviolet rays. A white T-shirt, however, is not.

The good news is that the fashion industry is

taking measures to make purchasing sun-protectant clothing easier by clearly labeling the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF).

Dickies and Duluth Trading Company are just two of many companies that offer garments with high UFP ratings and moisture wicking technology. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat to protect your nose and ears, where the skin is thinner and more fragile.

SUNGLASSES The sun’s rays can also have serious adverse effects on your eyes. Extended sun exposure can lead to vision loss, cataracts and macular degeneration. Sunglasses can block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB light.

You also can purchase thin rubber or nylon strapping that secures the sunglasses to your head with little to no restriction, so there is no chance of them falling off while you work.

fcsamerica.com

serving agriculture. supporting rural communities.

Life in the country or a rural community offers a unique and rewarding experience – a lifestyle we’ve been proud to be a part of for over a century.

Along with ag loans, we specialize in country homes and homes in rural communities – with low fees, long-term options, local service and money-saving features.

Call us if you’re thinking about buying, building, remodeling or refinancing.

Scott Schiefelbein Cedar Falls, IA NLMS #1434245 319-266-3551

Sue Weber Cedar Falls, IA NLMS #1551515 319-266-3551

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THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. THERE’S NO COVERAGE LIKE OURS.

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