Mass Farm Bureau

June 2009 News & Views full color PDF COPY

For a full color PDF copy of the mailed June 2009 News & Views click here

Now is the best time to install a micro wind system-Tim Holmes, Sundwindllc.com
Executive Directors Report-Doug Gillespie, Executive Director, MFBF
USDA Rural Development Announces Value-Added Producer Grants
Ag Activist Warns Against Conflict Industry
Eisenhower Fellowship Information
Massachusetts Farm to School Project
Beacon Hill Update-Nathan L'Etoile, Director of Government Relations
Patrick Administration Announces New Round of Agricultural Grants
Win a new Dodge Ram at the YF&R Competitions
AEEP Application Information
Top ten reason to be a Farm Bureau member-Alex Dowse, MFBF President
The importance of a professional insurance review-Farm Family Insurance Company
DAR Position Announcement
Upcoming Events
Classifieds

Now is the best time to install a micro wind system-Tim Holmes, Sunwindllc.com

We would like to provide you with the latest information on the Renewable Energy Incentives. As many of you are aware the U.S.D.A. is offering a 25% grant for the installation of Wind, Solar and several other alternative energy systems. This year the regional U.S.D.A office submitted twenty applications for various alternatives and sixteen were awarded. The grant can now be combined with the American Recovery Reinvestment Act which provides businesses the option of taking a 30% grant or 30% tax credit for the installation of Wind and Solar Systems. The specifics of combining the two programs are still being determined between the U.S.D.A. and the U.S. Treasury.

The grant applications procurement process begins in March and applications are reviewed and graded by the regional office then sent to the National office for approval. Recipients of the award are notified in August. Sources tell us that the U.S.D.A. rebate is deducted from the total cost and the federal grant amount is then applied to the balance of the installed cost. We show this in our calculations below.

Massachusetts has one of the best rebate programs in the country. A Business that installs a Wind or solar system in the Commonwealth is eligible for a rebate that can cover up to 40% of the cost of a system. The Commonwealth Wind rebate program currently has two available options, the Micro Wind program for turbines up to 10 kilowatts and the Community Wind program for turbines greater than or equal to 100 kw and will soon offer a commercial wind rebate program. The state offers a one time alternative energy tax credit.

There are several municipalities in Massachusetts that do not participate in the Mass. Tech Collaborative program. We have included a link to help you determine your eligibility in the rebate program.

Here is an example of a 15 KW wind turbine on a 82 foot tower at a cost of $119,000. First we will deduct the 25% U.S.D.A. grant, then the 30% federal stimulus grant.

$119,000 x 25% = $29,750.00 - $119,000.00 = $89,250.00

$89,250.00 x 30% = $26,775.00 - $89,250.00 -$26,775.00 = $62,475.00

Next we will estimate the small wind rebate. The rebate is based on a maximum rated turbine of 10kw, initial rebate of $1.25 per watt plus $1,000.00 and the remainder of the rebate is based on $2.00 kwh of the systems actual production during the first year of operation.

The maximum rebate for a micro wind installation is $40,000 below is the layout of rebates for this system. 10,000 watts x $1.25 = $12,500 $1,000.00 = $13,500, and when properly sited the system will produce approx. 22,000 kwh of electricity, this would result in the maximum rebate of $40,000.

Let’s continue by reducing the balance from above by the sate rebate. $62,475.00 - $40,000 = $22,475.00. Lastly we can deduct the state one time corporate tax credit of 3% of the installed cost in this case $3,570.00. $22,475.00 - $3,570.00 = $18,905.00

Commercial electricity rates vary across the state between .18kwh to .22kwh. With the estimated production of 22,000kwh/yr the owner of this machine would offset or save approx. $3,960.00 to $4,840.00 per year. This saving is achieved by slowing down and during times when the machine is producing excess power spins the meter backwards. The utility will provide “Net Metering” credit for the electricity that is sent out to the grid.

You may also sell renewable energy credits currently priced at 0.03 cents kwh and this is proposed to increase to 0.15 cents kwh as soon as the bill is passed by the Department of Public Utilities. At the current rate this turbine would provide revenue of $660 yr and when increased to .15 kwh will generate a revenue of $3,300.00.

The return on investment for this turbine is between 3 and 4 years. With proper maintenance this machine will last between 20 and 30 years. Put down your fertilizer and put up your turbines!!!

Executive Directors Report-Douglas Gillespie, Executive Director, MFBF

It’s starting to feel like summer now, and our members are increasingly busy in the fields. Many seasonal farmstands will be opening, and the nearly 200 farmers’ markets will be opening across the state. It’s a great time to be a Massachusetts farmer, as consumers are increasingly supporting local farm products. Many of our greenhouse operators have reported great spring sales, and we expect a market boost to continue throughout the Summer. Remember, Massachusetts agriculture is truly one of the few “growth industries” in these times!

MFBF will be expanding its scope during the next few years, as we seek greater involvement with forest landowners. While many of our current farmer members are also involved in forest land, there are 2.4 million acres of privately owned forest land in Massachusetts, and about 220,000 forest landowners. Through a contract with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) Farm Bureau will be administering the Forest Viability Program, Forest Stewardship Program (with a sub-contract to Berkshire RC&D) and a Pilot Forest Carbon Offset & Trading Program (working with Carbon Tree LLC). Of course, we hope that many of those 220,000 forest landowners will want to be Farm Bureau members once they see the work we do on behalf of landowners throughout the state. More details next month.

Our 2009-10 membership renewal invoices were mailed in early May, and we are happy that so many of you are renewing your Farm Bureau membership. I am particularly pleased that a great number have evaluated their membership category, and upgraded from the Associate to Regular member category, or from Regular to our Gold Club status. To me, this indicates that you are realizing value for your dues investment, and are happy with the direction of your organization. I thank you for your support!

If you haven’t yet renewed, the second notice should soon be in your pile of bills to pay! Don’t miss out on increased benefits you receive by renewing “on time” prior to June 30th. The $500 “bump” in Accident Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage alone is a good enough reason to renew on time, but late dues payment also jeopardizes the special savings on personal auto and farm package insurance that MFBF members receive from Farm Family Insurance. So please get your 2009-10 dues payment in the mail to Ashland before June 30th.

The series of Legislative Breakfasts that the county Farm Bureaus have hosted over the past several months have been well attended, and the discussions lively! I will continue to reinforce the notion that we can help your cause with our elected officials only if YOU stay involved in the process. Make sure that your legislators know you and your farm operation in a positive light. Then when we go in to see them on a specific issue, they put your face on that issue and support our position.

While the recession has hit our government budgets extremely hard, it is obvious that many program reductions are in the works. We are disappointed that the MDAR Agricultural Innovation Center funding was such a victim, and several other agricultural earmarks are in jeopardy. But we have to face the reality that government cannot be everything to everybody. We just can’t afford it! The challenge is making sure that cuts are made looking forward to ensure the state still makes wise decisions, and not short-sighted ones. If that occurs, agriculture will fair well. Just like each of us is adjusting the family or business budget to live within our means, government must do the same.

The positive notion that I’ll leave you with is this: agriculture is one of the few growth sectors in Massachusetts, and we do it with little subsidy and great public benefits. Be proud you are a farmer, and thank your customers for their support!

USDA Rural Development Annouces Value-Added Prodcer Grants

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) has approximately $18 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year 2009 to help independent agricultural producers enter into value-added activities. The deadline for paper applications for unreserved funds is June 22, 2009. The deadline for electronic applications for unreserved funds is July 6, 2009.

Awards may be made for planning activities or for working capital expenses, but not for both. The maximum grant amount for a planning grant is $100,000 and the maximum grant amount for a working capital grant is $300,000. The grant will fund one of the following two activities:

• Developing feasibility studies or business plans (including marketing plans or other planning activities) needed to establish a viable value-added marketing opportunity for an agri

cultural product; or

• Acquiring working capital to operate a value-added business venture or an alliance that will allow the producers to better compete in domestic and international markets.

Value-added products are defined as follows:

• Commodity processing by changing the physical state or form of the product (such as milling wheat into flour or making strawberries into jam);

• Increasing value by raising the commodity using a nonstandard production method (such as organically produced products; no feasibility study in this category);

• The physical segregation of an agricultural commodity or product in a manner that results in the enhancement of the value of that commodity or product (such as an identity preserved marketing system);

• Increasing value by marketing the commodity within state or within 400 miles of the

farm (locally produced products); and

• On-farm renewable energy by transforming natural resources into energy on the farmstead (such as wind, solar, on-farm biodiesel)

For rules governing FY2009 VAPG applications 2009 Federal Register notice inviting applications. To check eligibility click on Am I eligible for a VAPG grant? To find your local office click Find your local RD contact. For additional resources, visit the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC), a virtual value-added agriculture center operated by Iowa State University and partially funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at: http://www.agmrc.org/, or phone toll-free 866-277-5567.

Ag Activist Warns Against Conflict Industry

May 14, 2009 - “Beware of today’s conflict industry,” warned Bruce Vincent, a third generation logger from Montana and Executive Director of Provider Pals. “Groups involved in this industry generate cash by marketing fear.”

Vincent addressed the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s (Alliance) Eighth Annual Stakeholders Summit, held May 12 in Alexandria, VA. Vincent also warned of the false choices that activist groups in the conflict industry want to force the public to make, especially on animal welfare and the environment.

But Vincent didn’t just provide warnings, he provided answers. He identified ignorance as the top enemy of rural America. He indicated that the urban public’s ignorance of how rural America works is part of the problem, but identified rural America’s ignorance of urban America, and how to effectively communicate with that audience, as a key contributor to a lack of understanding.

“Correcting this lack of knowledge, on both sides, will be a challenge,” said Vincent, “But it also provides a remarkable opportunity to provide for, and enhance, rural America.”

Vincent urged people in agriculture to add a line item for activism to their business plan, “right in front of equipment and maintenance.” He suggested that the line item should have dedicated sums of both time and money, and that much of the efforts should be focused on individual farmers’ and ranchers’ circle of influence.

“America is ready for a new leader, and a new vision, based on hope instead of fear, science instead of emotion, education instead of litigation and resolution instead of conflict,” concluded Vincent. “That new leader should employ rather than destroy human resources. That new leader should be us.”

The Eighth Annual Stakeholders Summit, themed “Politics, Activism and Religion: Influencing the Debate on Animal Welfare in America”, was held May 12-13, 2008 in Arlington, Virginia. It included about 170 mid- and high-level food chain participants from around the globe. Event sponsors were U.S. Poultry and Egg Association and Food 360° Vance Publishing Corporation, Cargill, Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health, Murphy-Brown, North American Nutrition Companies, Tyson Foods, American Feed Industry Association, American Veal Association, Bayer Animal Health, BEEF magazine, Brownfield Ag News, Cactus Feeders, Hormel Foods, Monsanto, National Cattlemens Beef Association, National Hog Farmer, National Pork Board, PCS Sales, PIC, BFI Innovations, Brakke Consulting, Kemin Industries, Poultry Times, United Egg Producers, Watt Agribusiness Media, American Farmland Trust, Agri Beef Co., CPM, and Elanco.

The Animal Agriculture Alliance, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, is a broad-based coalition of individual producers, producer organizations, suppliers, packer-processors, private industry and retailers. The Alliance’s mission is communicate the important role of animal agriculture to our nation’s economy, productivity, vitality, security and that animal well-being is central to producing safe, high-quality, affordable food and other products essential to our daily lives.

Eisenhower Fellowship Information

Eisenhower Fellowships, the premier international leadership development program, is accepting applications from experienced farmers and ranchers for its 2010 Agricultural Fellowship.

The successful applicant will receive a custom-designed, all-expenses paid program overseas for up to five weeks in one or two countries where he or she will focus on agricultural issues. In addition, the 2010 Agricultural fellows will receive orientation and post-travel debriefing in Philadelphia along with a select group of Eisenhower Fellows from around the world.

Previous participants of this unique program have risen to positions of influence, and have used the international connections to bring new ideas and technologies to their communities.

Qualifications:

Applicants must be an active farmer or rancher aged 32-45 with excellent networking avenues, demonstrated leadership experience, U.S. citizenship, and a commitment to at least 15-20 years of further active leadership in agriculture.

Possible Destination Countries:

• Africa: South Africa

• Asia: China, China (Taiwan), India, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,Indonesia

• Europe: European Commission (Brussels) Germany, Ireland, Russia, Sweden

• Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile , Mexico, Peru, Uruguay

• Middle East: Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia

• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

Special Emphasis on Women in Agriculture:

In fall 2010 Eisenhower Fellowships will conduct an international Women’s Leadership Program. To tie the 2010 Agricultural Fellow to this program, we will give preference to women candidates.

If selected to participate in the Women’s Leadership Program, the Agriculture Fellow will join with women from China, India, Indonesia, Ireland/Northern Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Turkey, and the United States.

EF challenges Fellows to identify specific projects they will undertake upon completion of travel, often in collaboration with other Eisenhower Fellows, and to remain engaged with EF for their lifetime. For examples of concrete out

comes, visit:

http://www.eisenhowerfellowships.org/programs/outcomes_archive.php.

**Application deadline is August 1, 2009

For more information and to download applications please visit:

www.eisenhowerfellowships.org

or contact Julia Ransom, Eisenhower
Fellowships jransom@eisenhowerfellowships.org Phone: 215.546.1738

Massachusetts Farm to School Project

Farm Bureau had the privilege to participate in the first, and very successful, Mass. Farm to School Convention on April 15th. Purchasing local food to use in the schools means fresher food that lasts longer, is nutritious for the students and staff, sustains local farming, is good for the local economy, good for the environment and sets eating preferences for life. It just makes good sense.

For assistance and materials related to school procurement of local foods or farm food sales to schools, contact the Mass. Farm to School Project office at 400 Amity Street, Suite 2, Amherst, MA 01002, 413-253-3844.

Beacon Hill-Nathan L'Etoile-Government Relations Director

I should probably start with a budget update this month as I sort of left everyone hanging in my last newsletter. I guess the best way to say how agriculture is doing is . . . relatively well. Not good, but compared to others, we are doing well. A lot has changed since the House voted on it’s budget, primarily, falling revenues. The Senate’s budget has $1.3 billion less in spending than the House version. For many environmental programs, this meant large cuts in operating budgets. If we do a comparison of funding between actual FY ’09 spending and the Senate’s FY’10 budget, we see the following cuts in environmental operating budgets: the Executive Office of Energy and the Environment was cut 7.5%, Department of Environmental Protection was cut 10%, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation was cut 18%. Farm Bureau and others, advocating for the important work done by the Department of Agriculture was able to keep their cuts down to just 5%. The senate is weighing various tax increases and may elect to go with what the House did – an increase in the sales tax, or not.

There are amendments filed to increase the sales tax, the income tax and even, yup, the gas tax. In a few days we should know what they did, and therefore, what kind of revenues might be available. Either way, the bulk of the budget work will come in the conference committee this year. With such disparity between the House and Senate budgets, the conferees will have their work cut out for them.

There have been very few legislative committee hearings to date. The committee that many of the agricultural bills will be heard before won’t be holding many hearings until fall. There has already been some lobbying by those folks who are in favor of the animal crating bill – a piece of legislation that was passed by voter referendum in California this last election season. They have started to be active on the Hill. There is still some ambiguity about just what kind of crates would be disallowed by the bill. Farm Bureau’s position is that regardless of the types of crates, or even if we use them here in Massachusetts – under current Massachusetts laws, if it is cruel, it’s already illegal. We cannot go piecemeal through a farmer’s toolkit and outlaw individual practices. If you are a farmer who uses crating of any sorts – for your dairy calves, chickens, pigs, dogs, etc . . . make sure you have reached out to your representative BEFORE the bills comes up for hearings this fall. Better yet, this summer, invite them out to see your operation and to learn what you do on your farm, and more importantly, why you do it.

There were some tax changes that we figured you should be aware of as well. I’ll preface this the same way I do many of my phone conversations – I’m not a lawyer - or an accountant. We are talking taxes here, so be sure to check with your accountant as to how this affects your operation if you have any doubts or questions.

Previously, as a farmer you never paid any sales taxes on your fertilizers or pesticides if they were being purchased to grow a product that would be resold for two reasons. The first reason is that they are considered a direct input to your product, and like most manufacturing ingredients, they were sales tax free under the logic that sales taxes are only charged to end consumers, and your fertilizer or pesticide is being resold to someone else in the form of a piece of fruit, sausage, glass of milk, or shrub. The other reason is that they themselves are specifically exempt from any sales tax – for anyone. I’m not sure why, but many years ago, like food and clothing, there was a sales tax exemption created for pesticides and fertilizers.

That exemption no longer exists. Farmers MAY STILL take advantage of that first, more complicated exemption I mentioned – when the product is used directly in producing a product that will then be sold (think sheet metal that factory buys to make a car, or the board a furniture maker turns into a chair.) In order to claim this exemption you need to give an ST-12 form (call our office if you need a copy of one) to your vendor. This is the same form that you may already be using for your other direct inputs. There will still be an additional exemption from sales tax for licensed pesticide applicators, but that is in addition to the direct inputs exemption.

Patrick Administration Announces New Round of Agricultural Grants

BOSTON -- The Patrick Administration today announced the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) is accepting applications for a grant program to help farmers improve water quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve water and energy.

The grant application deadline for eligible farmers, growers or aquaculturists is June 30, 2009. These grants are reimbursement payments with a maximum value of $30,000 per eligible project, and are funded through the $1.7 billion Energy and Environment Bond Bill signed by Governor Patrick in August 2008. “These grants demonstrate Governor Deval Patrick’s commitment to helping farmers embrace green practices that are cost saving and environmentally sound,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles.

“We’re pleased to offer these grants to the Massachusetts agricultural community,” said DAR Commissioner Scott Soares. “Our hope is that the funding will help farmers streamline their operations while protecting the Commonwealth’s precious natural resources.” Known as the Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program, the DAR initiative has provided more than $3 million dollars in grants to support 288 projects statewide since it was established in 1999. The program, which funded 51 projects with $700,000 in grants last year, complements federal funding for renewable energy and environmental quality practices on farms, enabling the completion of more extensive projects.

Previous grant recipients have used the funds to install animal manure waste systems, pesticide storage facilities, fencing to keep livestock out of wetlands, energy efficient pumps, photovoltaics, windmills, trickle irrigation systems, and automated irrigation systems for cranberry bogs.

Projects are selected based upon their potential to protect the most sensitive resources including drinking water, wetlands, and environmental priority water bodies such as reservoirs. Projects are also evaluated on their demonstration of increased efficiencies for water and energy conservation, and for reducing energy-related pollution emissions.

Farmers participating in the joint DAR and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Milkhouse Wastewater Pilot Program will be given special consideration for this year’s grants. The milkhouse pilot program aims to evaluate the environmental effects of milk house discharges through the use of vegetated treatment areas.

For more information on the grant program, visit www.mass.gov/agr/programs/aeep.

For more information, contact the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources at 251 Causeway St., Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114, (617) 626-1700 or www.mass.gov/agr. Contact information for the DAR’s Amherst office is: 101 University Dr., Suite C4, Amherst, MA 01002, (413) 548-1900.

Win a new Dodge Ram at the YF&R Competitions

Most accolades come in the form of flimsy ribbons or cheap pieces of plastic… but the American Farm Bureau Federation’s® Young Farmer and Rancher competitions give you the chance to win a legendary Dodge truck.

Show off your agricultural know-how at the National Convention in Seattle, WA, January 10-13, 2010, and you could win a brand new Dodge Ram. The contest is open to all Young Farmer & Rancher members, so contact your local Farm Bureau® for all entry details. For more information about Dodge Ram trucks, visit dodge.com or call 800-4ADODGE

AEEP Application Information

Application forms for the FY 2010 AEEP program are now available. The deadline for applying to the program is June 30, 2009.

The purpose of AEEP is to support the mitigation and/ or prevention of negative impacts to natural resources that may result from agricultural practices. Farmers selected to participate are reimbursed for the approved costs of materials up to $30,000 used to install best management practices which improve water quality, conserve water or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program runs on the state Fiscal Year which runs from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. The application period for FY 2010 closes on June 30, 2009.

Farmers interested in discussing a potential response should contact Gerard Kennedy at 617-626-1773 or gerard.kennedy@state.ma.us

Top Ten Reason to be a Farm Bureau Member-Alex Dowse, MFBF President

This is my list:

1. Powerful, effective representation for our rural farm industries in Massachusetts at all levels of government.

2. Support for the organization that promotes local food production, family farms, open space and farm businesses.

3. Join the largest general farm organization in the world with over 6 million other farm families.

4. Join and use the grassroots power of Farm Bureau to support agriculture.

5. Eligibility to apply for “Members only” personal auto premium discount and SFP 10 premium savings, from Farm Family Insurance.

6. Use your Farm Bureau “Access” card for everyday discounts at local stores, restaurants and businesses. Save money with your Farm Bureau discount every time you shop at Graingers, free shipping when you order online. Receive a $500 cash rebate on select Dodge cars and trucks. (contact the Ashland office for details).

7. Your own copy of Farm Bureau’s News and Views delivered to your e-mail the same day it is released.

8. Join a growing network of farm businesses working together for “Buy Local”, “CSA’s” and other promotional opportunities

9. As a member you receive a free accidental death and dismemberment policy that increases in value each year of continuous membership.

10. Take advantage of the programs Farm Bureau has worked for: Farm energy discounts for gas and electric, on farm alternative energy production with annual net metering and the highest payback rates from the energy grid.

May be you have your own list of top ten reasons to join Farm Bureau. Joining Farm Bureau is never mandatory; supporting your industry ought to be. Working together we all can build a stronger voice for all of agriculture, protect what is important, and support rural families and family values. We can use our grassroots organizational structure to continue to focus the message that farmers and farm families seek to share for the love of the land and what we all do. Let us work together to bring more farmers into our Farm Bureau.

The Importance of a Professional Insurance Review-Farm Family Insurance Company

There’s no substitute for being prepared for the unexpected, and in today’s tough economy, there’s the temptation to cut back. But not having the right amount – or the right type – of insurance is one of the worst things you can do.

If you’ve made major improvements to your farm but haven’t reported them, you could be underinsured. For many farmers, it’s only after a loss happens that they realize they failed to maintain sufficient coverage to keep up with the increasing cost of replacing their business.

A review of your farm coverage could help make certain that your insurance continues to meet your needs, enabling you and your family to recover should misfortune strike. Your local Farm Family agent can help determine if your needs have changed. You may have purchased new equipment or vehicles… added employees to your business… made additions to your barn or home… or even had a birth in your family.

By conducting what we call a Professional Insurance Review (PIR), Farm Family can help you decide whether or not your current level of coverage is sufficient to meet your needs should you suffer a loss and present available coverage alternatives so you can choose the course of action that is right for you. Your Farm Family agent can help you accurately assess your insurance needs with a PIR. You can find one in your area by logging onto www.farmfamily.com or calling (800) THE-FARM.

There’s no substitute for being prepared for the unexpected. Provided as general information from the Farm Family group of insurance companies.

DAR Position Annoucement

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources seeks a program coordinator to serve as an independent consultant contractor to assist in the administration and operation of the APR Improvement Program (AIP). The purpose of the AIP is to help sustain active commercial farming on land protected by the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program by providing farm operators with technical assistance, business planning and access to capital. For a copy of the Request for Response go to: www.mass.gov/agr/programs/aip and click on “Position Announcement”. The deadline for responses is June 9, 2009.

Upcoming Events

-Norfolk County Summer Picnic

Norfolk County will hold its annual summer picnic on June 14th at Normandy Farms 12 - 5 PM. RSVP to Sandy Medeiros 781-344-4096 By June 9th for head count.

-Berkshire County Legislative Picnic:

Howden Farm, Sunday, August 9, 1:30 PM

-MFBF Annual Meeting hosted by Cape & Islands Farm Bureau:
December 3rd & 4th, 2009-Location: The Cape Codder-Hyannis MA. Toll Free: (888) 297-2200 ask for Mass Farm Bureau room rate of $89.95 per night.

-AFBF Annual Convention in Seattle, Washington
Jan. 10-13, 2010

Classifieds

FOR SALE: Sheep equipment and supplies. Crank-up trimming stand, show coats, hoof trimmers, etc. $100 lot. 4-H discount. Call 508-375-6450.

FOR SALE: KRONE haying equipment; tedders, rakes, mowers, balers. Good financing avail. 0% for 36 months or cash rebates. Big Boys Toys LLC. 860-928-9778. www.bigboystoysllc.net

FOR SALE: Pansy seed for winter-over outdoors. Early blooming, attractive, mixed colors. $50 per oz. Call 978-886-3022, or 978-475-2627 Andover.

FOR SALE: Kuhn VKM 240 8 ft. Flail mower, hydraulic side shift. Excellent condition. $3500. Call 413-237-9196.

FOR SALE: Shetland Sheep. Offering a variety of registered rams and ewes of all ages. This small-sized breed offers soft fleeces of many colors, and docile dispositions. Prices $200-$300 per head from new England’s Winningest Shetland flock! Shetland.sheep@ymail.com or 781-929-5618.

TIRES: Great prices, all sizes, tire repairs, road service, calcium chloride service. Hoey Tire, Worcester. Call 508-755-6666. www.hoeytire.com

HEREFORD CALVES (POLLED) FOR SALE: 8-9 months old, hand raised and tame, both steers and heifers, for your feed lot or pasture. 617-840-2074.

FARM MAINTENANCE: All types arena work, construction & renewal. Paddock areas built, fencing new & repairs, hydrant work, brush work, field fertilization & care. CRF Maintenance Services. www.cringfarm.com 508234-9824.

PASTURES: Let our expertise in pasture construction and design provide you with pastoral views, solutions for your equestrian needs and elimination of boarding fees. Reclaim your woodlands into pastures. Increase your property value. Call Woodridge Farm, Lincoln, MA 781-259-0251

TREE TRANSPLANTING: We buy, sell and relocate mature trees 24, 36, 42, 55, 65, and (2) 90inch tree spades for hire. Serving all of New England and NY. Allenby Tree Movers & Tree Farms. Toll free-866 Allenby 508-564-7608, www.AllenbyTree.com

LOOKING TO PURCHASE TREES: Spruce, Sugar Maple, Beech, 16-24 FT, Pear, Plum, Apple, Peach-We will Dig- transplanting services available- 94” spade. Mass certified Arborist-978-635—0409, Harvard, MA

SERVING THE FARMERS IN MASS: Helping farmers keep what they make. Experienced in dairy, beef, fruit & vegetable farming; experienced with APR, retirement planning, estate planning & taxation, tax free exchanges. Donald E. Graves, CPA, LLC,Masters Degree in Taxation & Financial Planning, Bentley College, 377 Main Street, Suite 1, Greenfield, MA 01301-3332, 1-800-286-6036, info@donaldegravescpa.com

HAY: 1st and 2nd cut – no dust guaranteed. Wholesale and retail. We deliver and unload. Call our office at 508-252-9029, or cell #774-259-6960. Homestead Farms.

SHEEP SHEARING: Small flocks are my specialty. Also shear llamas, alpacas and angora goats. Call or email for rates. Shetland.sheep@ymail.com or 781-929-5618.