|
|
|
|
|
|
| News from Around the Farm World - June 17, 2009 |
|
|
|
Farmer killed in tractor accident
BUTMAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A farmer has been killed in a tractor accident in Gladwin County.
Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. J. Cuddie said in a statement June 9 that 52-year-old Diane Strobel was fatally crushed on her farm in Butman Township. It’s about 50 miles north-northwest of Saginaw.
The Saginaw News reported Stanley Strobel called 911 after discovering his wife trapped under the tractor June 4.
USDA lends rural business help
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager announced the selection of 49 rural businesses, communities and rural public entities to receive $4.7 million to assist in disaster relief efforts. The funds will go to presidentially-declared disaster areas affected by floods and tornadoes.
In June 2008, Lawrence County, Ill., was hit hard by damaging storms and flooding. Lawrenceville has been selected to receive a $98,000 grant to extend water and sewer services to an industrial park. The project is expected to create or save 47 jobs and assist five businesses.
Other projects in the Farm World area receiving assistance include: Poweshiek Iowa Development, $99,000; Howard County, Iowa, Board of Supervisors, $99,900; Iowa Southwestern Community College, $49,910; Prophetstown, Ill., $99,500; John Wood Community College, Illinois, $40,000; Haywood County, Tenn., $85,000; Bethel Springs, Tenn., $16,000; Linden, Tenn., $20,000; and Columbia State Community College, Tennessee, $25,000.
FSA takes co. committee noms
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Farmers may nominate candidates for Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committees through Aug. 3. A producer is eligible if they reside in the local administrative area in which he or she is a candidate, participates or cooperates in a program administered by FSA and is of legal voting age.
A producer who is not of legal voting age but supervises and conducts the farming operations of an entire farm also may vote. Producers may nominate themselves or others, and organizations representing minorities and women may nominate candidates.
FSA county committee members make decisions on such issues as commodity price support loan programs, disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs and other agricultural issues. Committees consist of three to 11 members, and members serve three-year terms.
Nomination forms must be postmarked or received in a local USDA Service Center by Aug. 3. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters beginning Nov. 6. Voted ballots must be submitted to the county office by mail or in person by Dec. 7. Elected committee members and alternates will take office Jan. 1, 2010.
Nomination forms and other information are available at county FSA offices or on the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections
Federal grants available
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is always looking for opportunities to encourage and promote agriculture and feels the following federal grants are an additional resource for Hoosier farmers. The two grants available through the USDA are the Value Added Producers Grant and the Rural Energy for America Program Grants/Renewable Energy Systems/Energy Efficiency Improvement Program (REAP/RES/EEI).
The Value Added Producers Grant is intended for the independent producer, ag producer group, farmer/rancher cooperative or majority-controlled producer-based business venture. Funds may be used to create marketing opportunities and help develop business plans for viable marketing opportunities.
Applications are due to the USDA by July 6. For more information visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm
REAP/RES/EEI provides funds to ag producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Eligible projects include those that produce energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydropower and hydrogen-based sources. Grants may be up to 25 percent of total eligible project costs.
Grant requests can range from $2,500-$500,000 for renewable energy systems and $1,500-$250,000 for energy efficiency improvements. Additional information can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/9006grant.htm and applications are due July 31. |
| 6/17/2009 |
|
|
