Wednesday, January 16, 2008

$$$$$$

We took the kids out of school this morning for a few hours so they could close on their cow loans. There is a wonderful FSA (Farm Service Agency) program for youth (that are involved in FFA or 4-H) that want to get started owning livestock....including a pretty low interest rate. This is the second time they have done the loan...they both did it about 5 years ago to purchase their first 3 cows and paid that off just recently. They both wanted to increase their cow herd so we let them go through the process again. We may just have a couple of future farmers on our hands!

19 comments:

Unknown said...

Sounds like a fun experience!

Midlife Mom said...

What a great program for the kids to increase their herd! I had never heard of that before but it's a tremendous opportunity.

Norway eh? What a great trip that will be!! I'm green with envy!

kdwhorses said...

What a great thing for them to offer. I will have to keep that in mind when Savannah gets old enough. You are raising some very reasonable future farmers!

Anonymous said...

Wow, that's a wonderful opportunity. What a way to get youth involved in farming!!

April said...

What a great opportunity!!Glad they got a chance to do it:)

Jen said...

THat's great. I like it when local businesses are willing to help out the youth build their dreams by giving them a break. That is also teaching them great responsibility!

Rose said...

Great program! I'll have to do some research on it.

I read in the paper the other day that NE is trying to set up a new deal for land buying that is only for new farmers/ranchers. The seller gets to bypass capital gains taxes when they sell on up to the first $500,000 in income from the sale of land (that's a $75,000 savings). It would help tremendously to get young people involved in farming/ranching. Land costs are so steep now because of the cost involved for the seller that young people can't get a start unless they inherit their land. 'Bout time someone put on their thinking caps!

Susan said...

Yeah for your kids learning early and for the type of parents you are teaching them responsibility.
Susan

Nancy Chisum said...

Thats pretty darn cool! I am sure learning alot about farming from your blog and I am thoroughly enjoying it! Hooray for your kids!

Rising Rainbow said...

That's pretty cool. They get to learn about raising a herd and finances.

*~*Cece*~* said...

I'm going to send you my girls, ok. Teach them money skills b/c they seem to think mom & dad are made of money!

Unknown said...

Sounds like a wonderful learning experience! I'm sure they received more knowledge going through the process than they would have received sitting in a classroom! Good for you all Chris!

~ Amy ~ said...

I really want to get our kids on this program too someday. I think it really is a good idea. It's almost impossible for young farmers to get a good start financially now a days. Anything helps!!

Susan said...

Thanks for your comment on my God Speaking post Chris. It's God who keeps ALL of us in check!!! So thankful He does!!!
Susan

The Park Wife said...

I am looking forward to my Little Buckaroos being involved an 4H as they get bigger. The lessons you guys are teaching your kids are priceless. A great example for a mom of little ones, thanks!
The Park Wife

OneCowgirl said...

That is just too cool! I wonder if that program Rose is referring to is something the Nature Conservancy cooked up - in our parts the Nature Conservancy has snagged water rights all over the place and put some ranchers out of business - sometimes it looks rosy on paper...beware of anything involving the Nature Conservancy!
keep up the great work with those kids - it is always nice to have a working relationship with a bank!!

OneCowgirl said...

That is just too cool! I wonder if that program Rose is referring to is something the Nature Conservancy cooked up - in our parts the Nature Conservancy has snagged water rights all over the place and put some ranchers out of business - sometimes it looks rosy on paper...beware of anything involving the Nature Conservancy!
keep up the great work with those kids - it is always nice to have a working relationship with a bank!!

OneCowgirl said...

That is just too cool! I wonder if that program Rose is referring to is something the Nature Conservancy cooked up - in our parts the Nature Conservancy has snagged water rights all over the place and put some ranchers out of business - sometimes it looks rosy on paper...beware of anything involving the Nature Conservancy!
keep up the great work with those kids - it is always nice to have a working relationship with a bank!!

Jonatha said...

You have had so much going on! That cow loan sounds like a great opportunity. We need to look into something of that sort around here. Norway? Wow, that is awesome! Hope you are having fun with your little piggies :)