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May 2013 News & Views

2013 Massachusetts Agriculture Day at the State House a Resounding Success!

As a result of the many hours of planning, the cooperation between diverse agricultural groups and the support of numerous volunteers, the 2013 Agriculture Day at the State House was once again a successful event. This annual tribute to agriculture in the Commonwealth brings together farmers and their supporters and gives them the opportunity to mingle with legislators, to share their concerns and educate them about the challenges their businesses face.

Ag Day shines a spotlight on Massachusetts agriculture and it’s also a time to honor those who support our farmers. Agriculture adds about $490 million to the state’s economy and employs more than 14,000 workers. It also maintains more than 517,000 acres of open space in the Commonwealth. “Ag Day is the premier opportunity for producers to highlight Massachusetts agriculture, to discuss needs and opportunities with their legislators, and to thank legislators for their past help,” said Rich Bonanno, president of Mass Farm Bureau Federation.

Agricultural Rebirth: New Agricultural Learning Center Breaks Ground

One hundred fifty years after Levi Stockbridge founded the agricultural college that would become UMass Amherst, the university broke ground on a new Agricultural Learning Center as part of its sesquicentennial celebration on April 25, 2013.

Choice Hotels MFBF Member Number

MFBF members save 20% off published at almost 5,000 Choice Hotels Worldwide!. Call 800.258.2847 and mention your Massachusetts Farm Bureau ID or go to choicehotels.com and enter your Massachusetts Farm Bureau ID to book online

Farm Bureau Urges Support for Fruit, Veggie Farmers

Providing new farm bill programs for fruit and vegetable farmers would help ensure a strong agricultural economy and benefit the health of the entire nation, American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President Barry Bushue told Congress.

Ag News

Fund Established for May 2013 Tornado Victims - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation has started a storm victim fund for those affected by the impacted by the events of May 20, 2013 read more ...

Action Alert - HB 3296 An Act to reconcile and update unemployment insurance for agricultural worker - Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Due to the seasonal nature of the work and to encourage the viability of small farms, both state and federal law exempt small farms from having to pay unemployment insurance read more ...

2013 Farm BureauR Photo Contest - Monday, May 13, 2013

American Farm Bureau is holding this contest to obtain usable and appropriate photos that accurately portray today’s agriculture and safe practices of farmers and ranchers for future publications and promotions. read more ...

The PVGrows Loan Fund - Thursday, March 14, 2013

New Funds Available to Pioneer Valley Farm and Food Businesses read more ...

Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) - Thursday, March 14, 2013

If you grow raspberries, please take this survey... read more ...

2014 Chapterland Valuations & Farm Excise Values - Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Fiscal Year 2014 Chapterland Valuations & Fiscal Year 2014 Farm Animal Excise Values now available read more ...

Campaign for an Equine Economic Impact & Land Use Study

Support Equine Agriculture and Tradition Support This Study on the Impact of the Horse Industry in Massachusetts.

Keeping horses local, keeps money local. We know this, now we have to prove it. Lots of people rely on a healthy economy that supports the business of horses; from veterinarians, farriers, and construction companies, to tack, feed, lawn and garden shops, fairgrounds, and so many more.

With a total contribution of $40,000, the study will serve as a living document for the general public, regulators and equine enthusiasts to reference when issues regarding the keeping and raising of equines need to be addressed and decisions need to made. Prior to this announcement $10,350 has already been donated.

Read Full PDF & Pledge Form...

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MFBF & Umass Ag Learning Center Project Featured in UMass Foundation Quarterly

The new center will allow for an accessible and practical farming experience – harkening back to the university’s roots as an agricultural college established 150 years ago under the Morrill Act.

read entire Foundation Quarterly (PDF)...

Consider Contributing to Massachusetts Farm Bureau's Fundraising Campaign with UMass

With the new year upon us, have you considered donating to The Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) partnership with the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in support of the Agricultural Learning Center? With a total contribution of $500,000, paid over three years, the Center’s cornerstone building will be named “Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation Hall”. MFBF has the goal well within our reach, with current pledges totaling nearly $200,000.

Click here for downloadable pdf pledge form

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