Spring and more farm work is right around the corner

It is difficult to believe, but we are only one week away from spring. Try telling that to someone who is wearing out the snow plow with the daily accumulations of snow, but eventually spring will come.

One good thing is that the days are getting longer and the snow does not last as long in March as it does in January.

Really, we did not have as much snow as other years. Just think of all the rain we received in January. It could have been a lot worse. Many farmers are commenting on how bad the mud was this year. To many it seemed worse than ever, milk trucks, manure spreaders, feed trucks, etc., left plenty of evidence of how soft and muddy it was. These conditions are just the precursor to spring finally arriving - which is officially March 20.

Everyone realizes that it is just according to the calendar … spring will be here sometime soon.

When the weather does finally break, there will be a long list of activities on the "to do" list. Hauling manure, equipment maintenance, fixing fences, building repairs, soil testing, and crop planning to name a few.

Regardless of the type of operation, there will be plenty of jobs to keep producers busy.

Consider equipment repair. Most farms have extensive lines of mechanical equipment. It would be fair to say there is always some piece of equipment that could require maintenance. This will require time and money. For most, the time part is much easier to come by than the money part. Planning is essential if it is a major overall requiring a substantial amount of capital.

One avenue some producers may want to consider is to inquire about an FSA operating loan.

FSA is committed to providing family farmers with loans to meet their farm credit needs. If you are having trouble getting the credit you need for your farm, or regularly borrow from FSA, direct and guaranteed loans are now available.

Ask your lender about an FSA loan guarantee if you have had a setback and your lender is reluctant to extend or renew your loan.

Loan funds are available now and applying early is important so that a loan can be processed and funded timely. Normally it takes four to five weeks from application to loan disbursement.

Most of our loan programs have special funding available for minority, female and beginning farmers.

FSA employees will help you complete the necessary application and other forms, and help you understand what information is required, where to find it or who to contact to get it.

To find out more about FSA loan programs, contact the county office staff. We will refer you to farm loan officer, James Meadows. Jim is housed in the Kittanning office but administers loans to producers in Butler, Beaver and Allegheny counties. The direct number is 724-548-1022, Ext. 107.