skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump picks former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA; NY group establishes new veterans' direct care program; Following election results, questions emerge about labor impact; Investors and activists both work to shape companies' climate goals.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

GOP leaders say they're ready for President-elect Trump to return to office. President Biden hosts the Israeli president, amid concerns about blocked Gaza aid, and the labor movement assesses the impact of Trump being back in the White House.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Texas women travel some of the longest distances for abortion care, Californians the shortest, rural living comes with mixed blessings for veterans, an ancient technique could curtail climate-change wildfires, and escape divisive politics on World Kindness Day.

Rural advocates push for more farmer credit

play audio
Play

author Mark Moran, Producer-Editor

 Contact

Wednesday, October 4, 2023   

More than 90 rural organizations are urging members of Congress to support the Fair Credit for Farmers Act.

The bill would help young and disenfranchised farmers access federal credit to run their farms. Farmers typically borrow from local banks, but family farms or other small-scale operations may be seen as a financial risk. It means relying on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency, often seen as a lender of last resort.

The Fair Credit for Farmers Act would improve access to Farm Service Agency money, relax loan eligibility rules, and extend repayment terms by two years.

Barb Kalbach, a board member of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement and a fourth-generation Iowa farmer in Adair County, said Farm Service Agency loans would especially help farmers just starting out.

"It's important that they not serve just the guys that have 5,000 to 10,000 acres, but also the small farmer to give them chance to be able to make a beginning," Kalbach contended.

The National Family Farm Coalition said low prices and poor economic conditions have challenged small to mid-size farmers and ranchers for decades. Many rely on Farm Service Agency loans to fund their businesses, but others have trouble accessing those funds. According to the coalition, U.S. farm debt is at historic highs, currently exceeding $500 billion.

The American Farmland Trust said 40% of U.S. farmland is expected to change hands in an upcoming generational shift.

Kalbach called it critical for up-and-coming farmers to have access to the money, to make sure those farms stay in local hands, not just for their operations, but for Iowa's economy.

"The revenue that they generate as they stay on the land and make their operations successful also helps your rural communities," Kalbach emphasized.

Congress temporarily extended the current Farm Bill, as it was set to expire Sept. 30 and lawmakers have yet to start debating the next one. The Fair Credit for Farmers Act could be part of the new Farm Bill. Iowa's congressional delegation has not taken a position on the Act.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
According to a United Nations 2015 report, food system emissions were responsible for 18 billion tons of carbon dioxide, making up 34% of global emissions. (Pattadis/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Commonwealth News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabor…


Social Issues

play sound

This weekend, a new coalition called "We Are California" is holding meetings up and down the state, preparing to resist what it sees as anticipated …

Social Issues

play sound

President-elect Donald Trump is expected to confirm his choice of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security and …


Bobcats are elusive, native predators known for their sharp senses and solitary nature, typically hunting at dawn or dusk. (Adobe stock)

Environment

play sound

Indiana's Department of Natural Resources is pushing a bobcat trapping plan after a new law required a hunting season by 2025. Opponents said the …

Health and Wellness

play sound

A New York group has a new program to help veterans. The Center for Independence of the Disabled New York's Veteran Direct Care program helps …

Virtual power plants, a microgrid connecting renewable energy with smart appliances, costs ratepayers 40% to 60% less than building and maintaining conventional coal or gas-powered plants. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

An electric cooperative supplying power to Western Colorado is pioneering energy independence for homes, businesses and farms. They are creating a …

Social Issues

play sound

As Nebraskans anticipate the upcoming holiday season, some might also be looking ahead to the 2025 tax season, which will include a new tax credit …

Social Issues

play sound

Changes in leadership at the federal level are likely to have some effect on the labor movement. In Minnesota, election results have spurred …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021