MFBF New Office Headquarters Address

For your records MFBF has moved to our new location.  The new address is:

The State House in Boston was buzzing with activity as hundreds of Massachusetts farmers and agricultural officials mingled with legislators and others at “Ag Day,” the annual celebration of agriculture in the Commonwealth. Governor Deval Patrick officially declared April 7, 2011 as Massachusetts Agriculture Day. Ag Day is held each year to recognize the agricultural community and its contributions to the state. On this day the farming community holds court in the State House Great Hall. Participants meet with state representatives and senators, to discuss issues and challenges that they face. From concerns over budget cuts to the impact of government regulations, attendees were free to talk about what mattered most to them. “Ag Day is where the farming community comes together with the legislative community and we have some honest dialogue,” said Rich Bonanno, MFBF president.  “This is a great opportunity for our farmers to meet face-to-face with state officials and tell our stories.” 

The festivities included a slate of speakers ranging from government representatives to a member of the National FFA Organization.  Awards recognizing support for the Massachusetts agriculture industry were bestowed on a number of recipients, and over 50 booths were manned by exhibitors promoting diverse aspects of Mass. agriculture. Always a highlight of ag day is the “Taste of Massachusetts,” where farmers and specialty food producers offer samples of locally grown and produced items. Many thanks go out to the Massachusetts Agriculture Promotion Board, chaired by Gordon McPhee, for all their efforts to bring this event together. The result demonstrates what can be accomplished when many entities work together for a common goal.

Massachusetts agriculture has experienced a period of growth during the last few years and we’ve seen an increased demand for locally grown products. The number of farms in the state has increased by 25% since 2002, and the number of farmers markets has nearly tripled! What does this mean? Besides providing fresh, healthy food to our residents, more open space is being preserved and more dollars circulate within the local economy.  So how do we continue this growth trend? By enacting laws that strengthen off-farm infrastructure:  government accountability, agriculturally related businesses, tax structure, and consumer rights – all of which are critical to our continued success; and, by remaining ever vigilant to challenges that the agricultural community faces.

From the Executive Director’s Desk by Douglas Gillespie

By the time you get around to reading this column, your Farm Bureau dues invoice will be sitting on your desk, waiting to be paid.  I hope that you can reflect upon the value of your Farm Bureau membership; and that  your renewal check is one you don’t mind writing!  I’m also hopeful that you will take the time to help recruit a new member for Massachusetts Farm Bureau, so we can continue to grow in strength and numbers this year.

Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation truly is the “Voice of Agriculture” in Massachusetts.  You will be asked to join your commodity organization, and perhaps a regional “Buy Local” group, and you should be active in both these organizations, but Farm Bureau is the comprehensive organization that serves you throughout the year.

It is Farm Bureau that stands ready to provide you with information and assistance when you are facing challenges at the municipal level, or at the state and federal levels.  Our staff is knowledgeable, and can provide you with the resources to solve your problem.  Whether it’s a challenge to your Chapter 61A application by the local assessor, or a Board of Health concern over wastewater from your farm kitchen, MFBF will help you to navigate the bureaucracy and solve your local issues.

It is MFBF that represents you on a daily basis at the State House in Boston, and AFBF is your voice in Washington DC.  Farm Bureau stands with everyone in the farm community to better serve your interests.

This past year we have undertaken a public relations program to gain greater exposure for Farm Bureau and agriculture as a whole in local media markets.  This will continue, and expand during the coming year.

MFBF has successfully rejuvenated an active Young Farmers Program for members 35 years of age and younger, and activated a Student Membership;

in hopes of cultivating our next generation of farmers for Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Farm Bureau represents farms of all sizes and commodities in Massachusetts.  In the past year alone we were successful in gaining zoning protections for commercial farms as small as two acres in size.  We were front and center in gaining size-based appropriate federal food safety legislation instead of “one size fits all” which would have devastated small farms.  We have supported the regional “Buy-Local” efforts in Massachusetts, as well as the creation of municipal Agricultural Commissions because we feel that they are an effective tool for farmers as we look to the future.

We have worked hard to improve the content each month in News & Views, and on a daily basis on our website, www.MFBF.net, and through social media posts on Facebook and Twitter. We want our membership to have the latest information on critical issues, in a timely manner.

Once in a while we hear that our dues are considered a bit high.  I hope that you will compare our dues rates with other professional affiliations.  If you are a teacher, your dues with Massachusetts Teachers Association are comparable with your professional Farm Bureau dues.  Likewise union dues, or professional affiliations are right in line with Farm Bureau.  It takes resources to provide the service and expertise you receive from your Farm Bureau membership.               

Finally, there are the discounts.  Farm Family Insurance provides membership savings in personal auto and farm business insurance coverage.  If you travel, shop or eat, you can pay for your Farm Bureau dues in next to no-time with the discounts available to our membership.  Very soon, we will be announcing a new affiliation with General Motors Corporation for discounts on vehicles that will save you big bucks!  It shouldn’t be the reason you join Farm Bureau, but it certainly provides enough savings to entirely pay for your dues!

I hope you recognize the value of your Farm Bureau membership.  Renew today, and then take the time to sign up a new member as well.  If we can sign up 1,000 new members this year we can avoid consideration of operating reductions or a dues increase.  You, better than anyone, know the value of your Farm Bureau membership. 

Help YOUR Farm Bureau grow in 2011.

USDA Announces Opportunity for MA Organic Farmers

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced another funding opportunity for certified organic farmers and those transitioning to organic production to implement resource conservation practices on their agricultural operations. Fiscal year 2011 marks the third year of USDA’s Organic Initiative.

The financial and technical assistance available through the initiative will help Massachusetts farmers to plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns in ways that are consistent with organic production. For example, conservation practices might include planting cover crops, establishing integrated pest management plans, constructing seasonal high tunnels, or implementing nutrient management systems consistent with organic certification standards.

While applications are accepted on a continuous basis, the cutoff date for this application period is set for May 20, 2011. Producers interested in applying for EQIP Organic Initiative funding must submit applications through their local NRCS Service Center, which can be located through the Web site at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov. Program information is available at www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov.

MDAR Announces Open Application Period for Farm Viability Grants and Other Grants

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has announced the availability of funding programs to help agricultural operations enhance their economic viability. Application deadline is June 23, 2011 for these three programs. Details are provided below and at the following website: www.mass.gov/agr/programs

• assistance in developing Business Plans to increase on-farm income
• funding up to $75,000 to implement portions of the business plan in exchange for covenant
• new this year - helps farmers who lost ag structures due to snow loads this past winter
• deadline: June 23, 2011
• contact: Craig Richov 617-626-1723 or http://www.mass.gov/agr/programs/farmviability/index.htm

This popular business planning and technical assistance program provides management advice and grants of up to $75,000 to implement farm growth and sustainability strategies. Farm operators not only receive upfront cash awards for signing a 5 or 10 year Agricultural Covenant, but also receive valuable consultations and visits from a team of experts to discuss farm production and management, marketing, and business planning. Typical uses of funds from the Farm Viability Program include building or repairing farm structures, modernizing field equipment, purchasing delivery vehicles and tractors, improving marketing structures or food processing capacity. The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, June 23, 2011.

• assistance in developing Business Plans for APR farms
• grants up to $75,000 to implement specific portions of the business plan
• also helps farmers who lost ag structures due to heavy snow loads this past winter
• deadline: June 23, 2011
• contact: Melissa Adams at 413-268-8269 or http://www.mass.gov/agr/programs/aip/index.htm

The APR Improvement Program (AIP) provides funding, technical assistance, and business planning to farms with land that has been protected through the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program. The program assists with issues of economic viability, environmental sustainability, resource conservation, ownership control, modernization of infrastructure and other issues that may enhance the long term continued use of the agricultural resource. Grant funds are available primarily for identified capital improvements that will support or enhance the APR farm property.  For application and eligibility requirements please go to www.mass.gov/agr/programs/aip  The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, June 23, 2011.

Matching Enterprise Grants Program (MEGA)

• program helps new and beginning farmers with technical assistance & business planning
• grants up to $10,000 for equipment purchase or fixed capital improvements
• deadline: June 23, 2011
• contact: Kate Hayes at 413-559-0949 or http://www.mass.gov/agr/programs/mega/index.htm

The purpose of the Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture (MEGA) Program is to help with business expansion on new and beginning farms. MEGA will provide technical assistance and business planning help, and then provide funds for farm improvement strategies. Funding provided from this Program will be made available on a one to one matching grant basis.  The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, June 23, 2011.

The Roots of The Northeast Food System –From our Young Farmer Committee Leadership

Last Tuesday morning, 12 classmates and I took a trip to Chelsea Market in Chelsea, MA. This market has taken the place of Fanuiel Hall as the place where  produce and meats are distributed  and then distributed across the state. The main reason our class took this trip was because our professor (Frank Mangan) deals directly with this market when selling his ethnic crops production. We left Amherst at 3 AM and arrived in Chelsea right when business was at its peak at 4:30 AM. There were motorized fork lifts flying around, all sorts of noise and fast paced movement at that hour, and people everywhere were making deals on produce.  The more a dealer buys, the less a pallet will cost. It was amazing to see how much produce was there, and it came from all different parts of the world. There were boxes labeled Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Netherlands and Germany. Our tour guide, who was a buyer of produce, showed us how everything works in the market. He explained that when produce is shipped and flown in from out of the country and arrives at Chelsea Market, it is graded as 1, 2 or 3. This number indicates the quality of the produce. He told us that only around 25% of the price goes to the farmer.  Packing, shipping and the buyers in the market increase the price of the produce by 75% because it passes through so many hands.  He also explained how buyers will speculate on the production of certain crops and will buy a large amount of produce if it will increase in price and still stay fresh. For someone who doesn’t have any experience with this type of food system, it was an amazing sight to see. The notion that kept going through my mind was “so this is how all the produce gets distributed throughout the state… wow!”   It was amazing.  People buying and selling just like the stock market.

Our trip to Chelsea Market also made me think about what it is going to be like to be a farmer in Massachusetts. If the Chelsea Market price for cucumbers is $10 a box with 25 cucumbers, how can anyone around here ever match that price?  It is almost impossible. The trip has made a very big impact on how I want to proceed with my farming career.  I now feel more strongly than ever that local food and educated customers are extremely important.  Being a brand new farmer in Massachusetts, I want to feed as many people as I can, and hope that the rest of my neighbor farms can feed everyone else!  The best part about what’s happening now is that people are looking for us “local” farms. They want to be a part of our CSA’s and purchase from farmers’ markets. The people are out there; we just have to show them that we are too!

Andrew Locke

Young Farmer Co-Chair

**Andrew was born and raised on Perry’s Farm in Truro MA. With the background of his farm being a big scale poultry producer. Producing both meat and eggs, Andrew saw that there could be a nice niche market out there for locally raised meat chickens. He also realized this would be a great farm enterprise because he could go to school in the winter and still be able to raise poultry over the summer. The following summer Andrew had the opportunity to become an intern at the New England Small Farm Institute (NESFI). He worked with the Mobile Poultry Processing Unit ( MPPU) trying to develop a business plan that would be beneficial to both the farmer and the unit.

Today, Andrew is in his last semester as a Stockbridge student and will be graduating in May. Andrew is also an employee of NESFI and has been appointed the MPPU manager for the upcoming
season.**

Horse Farm of Distinction Applications

The applicant must be a Regular (not Associate) member in good standing with the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation at the time of judging.  There is a non-refundable fee of $25 for first-time applicants, and $15 for renewing applicants. Deadline is May 31, 2011 . Judging will take place during July and August and the winners will receive an award certificate and a Horse Farm of Distinction sign that can be mounted for public display.  Applications and more information can be obtained by contacting  MFBF at 508-481-4766 or visit www.mfbf.net.

Dairy Farm of Distinction Applications

Applicant farms will be scored on appearance from the roadside and must comply with the criteria guidelines.  Judging will take place during July and August and winners will receive an award certificate and a Dairy Farm of Distinction sign that can be mounted for public display. Judging will automatically take place every year unless the dairyman withdraws the application.  Deadline is June 24, 2011 .  All active dairy farms in the state may participate in the program by contacting MFBF at 508-481-4766 or visit mfbf.net

Thank You! From the Member Relations Staff

We thank you for your interest and support as a Massachusetts Farm Bureau Member.Your membership is coming up for renewal on June 30, 2011 and your renewal invoice is in the mail.

The Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to protecting the rights, encouraging the growth and being of service to our members in the best interest of agriculture.  Your membership dues provide the economic wherewithal to provide the programs and advocacy to the hardworking farmers who contribute immeasurably to this noble mission.

A viable agricultural industry in the state preserves the vital element of our cultural heritage, protects our natural resources and the quality of life we enjoy and have come to expect. 

Our farmers supply you with safe local food, flowers, plants, and fiber products.  Farms provide many of the scenic views you enjoy while traveling around the state, maintain much of the habitat our wildlife need to survive and support the trails and land for the recreational activities you enjoy. 

The Massachusetts Farm Bureau is a non-profit Federation organized in 1921.  Before that it was the Massachusetts Federation of County Farm Bureaus & Improvement Leagues organized on May 11, 1915.  MFBF had its 91st annual meeting last December and represents 6000 paid family members.  Massachusetts members are part of the 6.2 million Farm Bureau members who form the American Farm Bureau Federation.  Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization where the members establish policy and direction.  The process works and is the envy of other organizations.

Our organized and constant presence and monitoring of Beacon Hill on your behalf:

• Has created programs that reduce the tax burden from rising property values
• Farm Energy Discount of 10% on your electric and natural gas bills
• Protecting rights challenged by urban and suburban expansion
• Provide programs for protecting forests, farms, scenic and historic areas from excessive development
• Retains the character of the landscape
• Legislation that provides significant and long-lasting positive environmental, social and economic impact

Do You Have a Crop Insurance Story?

Over the last five years (2006-2010), Massachusetts farmers have paid over $15 million in premiums to purchase over 3,000 crop insurance policies covering over $282 million in crop liability.  The coverage resulted in nearly $20 million in indemnities paid on just over 500 policies, for an average (mean) indemnity of $38,500 per indemnified policy.

Clearly, crop insurance has ‘guaranteed a payday’ for more than a few Massachusetts producers.

Custom Ag Solutions (CAS) works with the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) and the Massachusetts Farm Bureau (MFB) to inform Massachusetts producers of the availability, features, and benefits of Federal Crop Insurance Programs. 

CAS is currently seeking Massachusetts farmers who are willing to discuss how Federal Crop Insurance Programs have helped their operations to be more stable and profitable.  Participating producers will be interviewed, and their stories documented for the benefit of other producers who want to better understand crop insurance.  Similar stories from across the nation are already posted online at http://www.rma.usda.gov/news/farmerarchive.html.   

To tell your crop insurance story, please contact CAS’ John Mangus (877-227-8094 or jmangus@casnow.com) or MFB’s John Conners (508-481-4766 or john@mfbf.net) for additional details. 

For more information about Federal Crop Insurance Programs, producers should visit the RMA Web site at http://www.rma.usda.gov.  Federal crop insurance program policies are sold and serviced by private crop insurance companies.  A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers or on the RMA website at http://www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/

Farm Credit East’s FarmStart

Starting a new business in any industry comes with challenges, but new businesses in agriculture are presented with an additional slate of obstacles. Many startup farms don’t have the capital needed for upfront expenses, such as land, equipment, seed, etc. New farms often lack the credit history, repayment ability and/or collateral, so investors and lending institutions are often hesitant to invest in their startup business. Furthermore, any new business lacks sufficient business knowledge, time management skills, confidence and marketing resources to efficiently launch and run a new business.

As part of Farm Credit’s long-term commitment of helping young individuals get started in farming, Farm Credit East initiated a program to support talented, hardworking individuals entering agriculture. This program is today known as FarmStart, LLP Now celebrating its fifth year, FarmStart has invested more than $2.5 million to 65 participants, some of whom have graduated and moved on to traditional Farm Credit East loans.

FarmStart invests up to $50,000 of working capital in northeast agriculture ventures that show promise of success. This investment functions the same as an operating line of credit. It is intended to provide the critical last dollar of funding to overcome the timing mismatch that makes it difficult for true startup farming operations to generate working capital.

“When I got started with FarmStart, I was already a year into my business,” says Terri Lawton of Oake Knoll Ayrshires (OKA) in Foxboro, Mass. “My business was expanding due to demand, but I needed money to buy hay for the winter. I didn’t have enough of the quality hay I needed in order to expand the business, so I called Farm Credit.” FarmStart funds allowed Terri to increase her herd to 20 milk cows and purchase quality western hay and glass milk bottles.

As part of the FarmStart program, a FarmStart advisor works with each recipient. All FarmStart applicants are required to submit a business plan along with their application, which will help organize the new entrepreneur’s mission and business goals as well as define how to distribute their FarmStart funds. The business plan will serve as a roadmap for the first few years of their startup business.

Any beginning farmer, fisherman, forestry producer, farm related business owners and/or cooperative with great promise for success, but a minimal track record to date and limited financial resources is eligible to apply to FarmStart. Candidates are either transitioning into agriculture from another occupation or pursuing nontraditional agricultural businesses, many with a creative agricultural idea or niche. Candidates have at least two years of relevant experience and are in the early startup phase of operation or making major changes in the first several years. The applicant must be an independent enterprise and can not be affiliated with an established operation.

To apply to FarmStart, an applicant must submit a FarmStart application, current balance sheet, income statement, monthly cash flow budget and a business plan, along with two personal references. For more information on the program and how to apply, please visit
FarmCreditEast.com.

Kristie Schmitt, Farm Credit East, ACA

FVAC Chapter Land Recommended Value-Fiscal Year 2012 (PDF)

Farm Animal Excise-FY2012 (PDF)

President’s Corner by A. Richard Bonanno, Ph.D.

As of this writing, my land is plowed, Ag Day is behind us, and a cold April is about to end.  I downloaded a growing degree day app to my phone and I have noticed that, with 1 week left, we only have one third of the growing degree days that we had during April, 2010.  On the legislative side, many issues have been moved to the forefront and we all need to work together to achieve our goals.  Also, we are supporters of a strong Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR).  We are working to at least level fund the Department and to keep it intact.

Agriculture Day at the State House was another big success.  After the speaking program, many farmers, legislators, and staff converged on the Great Hall for lunch.   Congratulations to Rep. Anne M. Gobi, and Marjorie Cooper and Debi Hogan from the Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom program for receiving Agriculture Day Awards in recognition of their support for the viability and sustainability of Massachusetts agriculture.  Governor Patrick spent about an hour with everyone and has developed an interest in having bee hives at his house in western MA.  Thanks to Brad Mitchell and the rest of the staff for bringing together the many cosponsors that we had for the Ag Day White Paper.  Animal-related issues seem to be at the forefront this year.  After meeting with my local legislators, the House Speaker, and Staff of the Senate President, Brad Mitchell and I had the opportunity to speak with Representative Lewis of Winchester about the “animal rights” legislation that he filed on behalf of HSUS (the Humane Society of the United States).   Our meeting was not very pleasant and it is clear that we are on very opposite sides of this issue.  I was not expecting to change his mind but rather to let him know that Massachusetts farmers are committed to making good decisions for their animals, that we already have very good laws in Massachusetts regarding this issue, and that we do not need a group from Washington, D.C. to tell us how to raise animals.  I reminded him that animal cruelty is already a felony in Massachusetts.

At the end of March, I attended a meeting of the EPA Farm Ranch and Rural Communities Committee in Washington, DC.  Water issues are at the forefront for EPA, especially with regard to the Chesapeake Bay.  Concern over nutrients in the Bay water has creating issues for farmers not only near the Bay, but upstream into the dairy country of NY and PA.  Farmers have done more than any other group to help mitigate this problem but continue to be singled out as the major contributor of pollution to the Bay.  As usual, regulators do not like to regulate homeowners and find it easier to blame farmers and then to over regulate them. 

Members of the MFBF Womrn’s Committee recently made a trip to Baltimore to attend the AFBF National Women’s Leadership Conference.  I want to thank our State Chair, Joyce Ripley, along with Sandy Medeiros and LuAnne Bonanno, for taking the 5 days to attend.

I always appreciate your comments and concerns.  I am especially interested in your ideas on how to increase our membership.  Let me know what you think at rich@mfbf.net

Dr. Rich Bonanno, President

AEEP and AG Energy Grants Information and Deadlines

Agro-Environmental Enhancement

The purpose of Agro-Environmental Enhancement (AEEPP) is to support the mitigation and/ or prevention of negative impacts to the Commonwealth’s natural resources that may result from agricultural practices. By providing reimbursement directly to agricultural operations that implement eligible projects that prevent, reduce or eliminate environmental impacts, the program achieves its purpose and goals of minimizing environmental impacts from these operations for the benefit of the public.

AEEP is a competitive, re-imbursement grant program that funds the acquisition of materials only. Labor costs and the rental of equipment are among the costs not eligible for re-imbursement.

Practices funded include those that prevent direct impacts on water quality, ensure efficient use of water, and address agricultural impacts on air quality. All projects where the primary focus is renewable energy or energy conservation would need to apply to the Massachusetts Ag-Energy Grant Program.

Reimbursement will be awarded on a competitive basis depending on need. Persons submitting successful proposals will be required to sign a contract with Agricultural Resources. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2012, subject to Department funding sources. Satisfactory receipts for costs of approved materials must be submitted to Agricultural Resources.

Links for AEEP grant applications will be available soon on MDAR’s website.

Ag-Energy Grant

The purpose of the MDAR’s Ag-Energy Grant is to assist agricultural operations in an effort to improve energy efficiency and to facilitate adoption of alternative clean energy technologies in order that they can become more sustainable and the Commonwealth can maximize the environmental and economic benefits from these technologies. Reimbursement grants will be awarded on a competitive basis. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2012.

As noted last year, MDAR is soliciting proposals for both the Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP) and Ag-Energy Program during the same timeframe. Projects with a primary focus to improve air and water quality and to conserve water need to apply to AEEP. See the AEEP for respective program’s details. All energy efficiency and renewable energy projects need to apply to Ag-Energy. Applicants CANNOT apply to and receive funding from both programs (AEEP and Ag-Energy) for the same project but must select the appropriate program based on the RFR information provided for each program.

IT’s Time to Protect Your Paycheck by Farm Family Insurance Company

Take a moment to consider this scenario. Starting tomorrow, you’ll no longer be receiving your paycheck. It isn’t because you’ve lost your job; it’s because a sudden illness or accident prevents you from showing up to work and earning that paycheck.

Think it can’t happen to you? Think again. You have a three in 10 chance that you will be faced with being out of work for three months or more during your career due to a disabling illness or injury, according to the consulting firm Milliman Inc.

So, your paycheck has stopped. How would you continue to pay your mortgage or rent, buy groceries and pay your monthly bills? If you answered “dip into savings” or “rely on the government” you may be in for a surprise. Instead, your answer should be: disability insurance. Here’s why.

Savings may not cut it. Most people overestimate what they have to cover their expenses if a disabling illness or injury kept them from earning a pay¬check. According to a LIFE Foundation survey2 half of working Americans say they couldn’t make it a month before financial difficulties would set in. And disabling illnesses or injuries often last for months or even years.

The government may not be there for you. According to the National Safety Council, 90 percent of long-term disabilities are a result of an injury or illness not work-related and therefore wouldn’t qualify for state-based Workers Compensation programs.

And if you were hoping for Social Security disability benefits, know that about 65 percent of those who apply are initially denied, and those who are approved receive an average monthly benefit of just $1,065, which would leave you with an income barely above the poverty line.

That’s why it’s important to have disability insurance. Think of it as insurance for your paycheck. It provides replacement income in case an illness or injury prevents you from working, and it helps you make ends meet until you’re able to return to work.

Take Action

Your next step should be to find out if you have disability insurance coverage through work (both long-term insurance and short-term/partial coverage), and if so how much.

Then you need to find out what your disability insurance needs truly are. Use the free, online Disability Insurance Needs Calculator from the LIFE Foundation, at www.protectyourpaycheck.org, to get a snapshot of your situation. Once you have a sense of your need for disability insurance, speak with an expert. With so many options to weigh, an insurance professional will be able to explain the various features of disability insurance policies and help you strike the appropriate balance between the benefits you desire and the money you have to spend.

Most important, seek professional advice from a qualified insurance professional. No matter what your professional situation, think about how you can use disability income insurance to provide peace of mind for you and your family.

This article is provided by Farm Family Life Insurance Company, headquartered in Glenmont, NY. To find a Farm Family agent near you, visit www.farmfamily.com or call 1 (800) THE-FARM (1-800-843-3276).

1.  The Real Risk of Disability in the United States, Milliman Inc., on behalf of the LIFE Foundation, May 2007.
2. The Disability Survey conducted by Kelton Research on behalf of the LIFE Foundation, April 2009.

Low Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics Available Across the State

Most of the clinics open their doors to all Massachusetts residents. As a matter of convenience, pet owners may choose from the many clinics scheduled throughout the Commonwealth to have their pet vaccinated for rabies. The costs for the vaccinations vary but all are affordable. Some clinics offer additional services such as other routine vaccinations, dog licensing and microchipping.

For a list of participating communities, visit www.mass.gov/agr/animalhealth/rabies/clinics.htm

Wool Pool

MA Wool Pool is being organized to provide local sheep producers with a way to market their wool. Those with small flocks of sheep who have no outlet to sell their wool (most buyers won’t purchase small quantities) can take advantage of this opportunity. It is scheduled to be held on July 2, 2011 at the Cummington Fairgrounds. Consignors are asked to bring their wool at pre-arranged delivery times to avoid chaos.  Volunteers will also be needed for handling the wool. Interested parties should contact Aaron Loux at 413-230-8607.  Please call a month ahead for price estimates.

Massachusetts Young Farmer Upcoming Meeting Notice

      Massachusetts Farm Bureau’s reinvigorated Young Farmers Committee will be holding a meeting on May 19th from 6-9PM at our Marlborough Office, 249 Lakeside Ave, Marlborough, MA.  01572.

      Topics to be covered at the meeting will be as follows:

• Scheduling and organizing potential viewing of the movie Greenhorns
• Farm Tours for the Summer/Fall 2011
• Begin organizing Annual YF&R Meeting to be incorporated into annual Meeting in December.

For more information or toRSVP please contact either one of MFBF’s YF&R Co-Chairs, Jamie Cruz at
jamie@mfbf.net or Andrew Locke at drew@mfbf.net.  You can also email John Conners at john@mfbf.net.

Classifieds

FOR SALE:  Several antique horse-drawn wagons, buggies and sleighs. Years of collecting! Also, several good condition draft harness sets, assorted driving equipment – collars, hames, etc. Call 508-384-3462 for showing and prices.

FOR SALE: 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

FOR SALE:  Bench scale 150#x.05# $425.00; Penns Creek one sided 25’ boom sprayer (also does corn) $3,200.00; electric fence supplies, 3” aluminum irrigation pipe $25 each; 3pth rotary seed spreader $350.00; 5’ electric fiber rods $2/ea. Call 617-645-6444.

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

FOR SALE:  Hay, 1^st and 2^nd cut – no dust guaranteed. Wholesale and retail. We deliver and unload. Call our work cell at 774-259-6960 or our office # at 508-252-9029. Thank you. Skip and Tish @ Homestead Farms.

Service

APPRAISER/CONSULTANT for farm/forest property. Estate planning, buying/selling, APR/CR valuation my specialty. William King 508-867-2600.

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  508-234-9824.

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

Member to Member Marketplace

Island Alpaca Company, www.islandalpaca.com, 10% discount to MA Farm Bureau Members off current retail prices for alpaca goods in the farm store (except spinning equipment).  Martha’s Vineyard, 508-693-5554.

Roberts Brothers Lumber, 1450 Spruce Corner Road, Ashfield MA 01330, 10% savings on current Lumber Price Sheet, excluding delivery, planning and any other services.

Dowse Orchards, 98 North Main Street, Sherborn, MA  01770, 10% savings on farm produce.  508-653-2639, www.dowseorchards.com.

Twin City Eye Care, 867 Merriam Ave., Leominster, MA  01453, 978-537-6045, www.twincityeyecare.com. 20% discount on lenses and frames..

Budget Truck Rentals – Moving household contents or moving product to that Farmers’ Market, MFBF members get a 15% discount on Budget Truck Rentals by using MFBF account number 56000133689.  Visit www.budgettruck.com/mafbf or call 1-800-566-8422. 

Prescription Rx – This benefit helps reduce prescription drug costs.  MFBF members save an average of 30% (some as high as 75%) on prescriptions.  The card is like a coupon that you use over and over again at over 75,000 national and regional pharmacies.  The cards will be sent with your Farm Bureau membership renewal invoice or call the office to request one now.  If your CVS pharmacist or clerk does not recognize the Rx card, have them enter COBRA CODE 25875 for the CVS pharmacy terminal system.