FarmSTAND’s Post

We’ve partnered with several other agricultural finance organizations - including 10 Texas Farm Credit District lending cooperatives, Farm Credit Bank of Texas, and CoBank - pledging a combined $380,000 to support the agricultural producers and communities stricken by the devastating wildfires in the Texas panhandle and Oklahoma, with the hope that they will soon be able to rebuild and recover. https://bit.ly/3T8gMh2

Amidst Tennessee's rapid growth, preserving our agricultural roots is paramount. With concerns mounting over the loss of two million acres of farmland by 2027, it's evident that action is needed. The proposed Farmland Preservation Fund, championed by Governor Bill Lee, aims to incentivize farmers to keep their land agricultural. Under this initiative, farmers would receive state support to continue farming their land, provided they refrain from selling to developers for at least 15 years. While the bill faces hurdles in the Senate, recent indications suggest a potential reconsideration. Old Drake, dedicated to farmland acquisition and development, stands in solidarity with efforts to safeguard Tennessee's farming legacy. Let's ensure our country lanes and fertile fields endure against the tide of development. 🌾 Learn more with Old Drake. 📱(713) 208-9683 #FarmlandPreservation #TennesseeAgriculture

Where will we get our food? The conservation of agricultural land in Tennessee is a top priority for us for many reasons, and the time to protect our farms and ranches is NOW. "Tennessee has lost 1.5 million acres of farmland to development, according to new data from the University of Tennessee. That figure equates to the loss of six counties' worth of pasture and forest land completely gone. By 2027, the amount of land loss is expected to rise to 2 million acres." Learn more HERE: https://bit.ly/4a22d5R

It is time for action. After letting the 2018 Farm Bill expire at the end of September 2023, US Congress passed an extension of benefits listed in the bill in November 2023 to continue until September 30th, 2024. We have only 9 months to push for the passage of this bill that protects farmers, every American who consumes U.S.-cultivated foods, and those facing hunger in our country and abroad. The Farm Bill is a critical piece of legislation needed to fight hunger and is responsible for directly funding Federal nutritional assistance programs. As this bill directly impacts the food resources of every American and our ongoing struggle with food insecurity locally and around the world, I encourage all Iowans to familiarize themselves with the contents of the federal Farm Bill over the next few months. Some sources for learning more: https://lnkd.in/gcrSGzYX https://lnkd.in/gNtGpQmK https://lnkd.in/gRUJawbN https://lnkd.in/gCG-_eaK Chuck Grassley, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Joni Ernst, Ashley Hinson, Randy Feenstra, Zach Nunn, Governor Kim Reynolds, Food Bank of Iowa, USDA, USDA Farm Production and Conservation, Iowa Legislature, Iowa Legislative News Service, Taylor Foy, Jennifer Heins Davis, Clarke Scanlon, Dustin VandeHoef #fighthunger #hungerfornone #hungerrelief

Water is running low. There are substantial risks looming on the horizon for farming and even drinking needs. At the same time big food seems to continue running business as usual in transactional mode. Commodity shortages driven by draughts are becoming new normal. However the industry is still more busy with fines and allocations than actually facing a major problem - water is running low. Lidl in Germany bought few years ago largest water bottling company with their own wells. Mississippi River is at lowest levels in last 10 years and continues to fall. Colorado River has declined 20% last few decades. Purchasing and destroying farmland just to secure water rights is becoming lucrative business. Way more profitable than growing tomatoes. There is completely new approach needed of increased vertical integration and strategic partnerships between large food operators with vision and similar set of values. Independent farmers or cooperatives don’t stand a chance left on their own… #retaildemocratization

Why farmers and ranchers come to me for their farm/ranch transition help: 1. They know my agriculture background, and want to work with someone that understands and supports what they’re navigating. 2. They’ve been procrastinating, and finally a health scare caused them to pony up and start actually doing some planning. 3. Taxes. Always taxes. 4. They had a bad estate planning experience, either from parents or grandparents. They don’t want their kids to whether the same storm they had. 5. They know that farming and ranching has changed, and they want to give the next generation the best chance to succeed. The thing is, procrastination and needing to focus on the day to day are the biggest reasons why farmers and ranchers do NOT start planning. You may be procrastinating your farm straight into bankruptcy. It’s not an easy process, but I hope that agricultural attorneys and I can provide the guidance you need to navigate how to create a successful plan that Keeps the farm AND the family together. #agriculture #agestateplanning #farmtransitions #ranchtransitions #familybusiness

Folks, it's time for a reality check about our local food. The bottom line is that it is really hard for small KC farmers to start and/or continue operating their farms. People, operating expenses, weather, infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and buying land keep getting more expensive. These all combine to make for a very tough environment for farmers to make even a basic living. Did you know the number of small farms in the 14-county Kansas City metro area has significantly declined over the last years (about 5%), echoing a concerning national trend? This decline makes us increasingly reliant on food shipped from far away, impacting freshness, quality, and our local economy. But it's not all bad! 🙌 Cities are fighting back with innovative solutions. For example, Detroit and Philadelphia have seen a resurgence in urban farming through strong local support and policy initiatives. Vermont is baking small farm ownership into its legislative agenda. We can do the same here in KC! So, what can we do? 1. Support Existing Local Farmers: Buy from farmers' markets, join a CSA, or look for locally grown produce at the store. 2. Grow Your Own Food: Even a small garden can make a difference. 3. Get Involved: Support community gardens or advocate for policies that help urban farmers. 4. Offer Support: Know a small farmer? Have an expertise? Help them out so they become more efficient. Let's not let Kansas City lose its roots. By supporting local farmers, growing some of our own food, and offering our knowledge, we can build a more resilient and sustainable food system for our city. 🌿✨ #localfood #knowyourfarmer #kansascity #sustainableliving #growyourownfood

🌱500,000 ACRES AT RISK OF GOING DRY! ☠ "The curtailment order, issued May 30th, 2024, came without sufficient notice, leaving many farmers scrambling to decide between losing their already-planted crops or paying significant fines when they found out only on June 10th. The broader impact will affect potato warehouses, grain operations, and the entire supply chain, potentially lowering property values and affecting local businesses and schools that rely on property tax revenue". I would argue that people locally, nationally, and globally don't understand the negative impact this decision will have on food production, personal health, and economies for years to come if a stop isn't put to this movement. For example, Famous Idaho Potato plants will be unable to produce the delicious roots that complete meals world wide without the proper watering. Say goodbye to your beloved fresh cut fries! Idaho is having one of the best water years that its had in over a decade. The surface water levels are astounding with lakes and rivers to the point of almost overflowing. Additionally, Idaho has the Snake River Aquifer that is the life line of the state for people, animals, and plants alike. It is up to you to make a difference. **VOICE YOUR OPINION** https://lnkd.in/gQPKccCZ Governor Little's Office: 208-334-2100 https://lnkd.in/gCwMYkhr

Major issue that generally gets addressed too late in too many preventable cases Farms, business and estates in general benefit greatly when organized correctly. When I say benefit I mean more $ to your beneficiaries and less to tax If you have any doubt about your plans and who they will benefit the most, send me a message. I can help

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