News & Updates

Important Farm Bureau and agricultural news

18
Mar
National Agriculture Week: Shaw Dairy

Read the Morning Ag Clips piece on Shaw Dairy, owned by our president, Warren Shaw https://www.morningagclips.com/op-ed-the-resilience-of-new-englands-dairy-farms/

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4
Mar
USDA Announces March 2024 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

USDA Announces March 2024 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers WASHINGTON, March 1, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for March 2024, which are effective March 1, 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access…

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22
Feb
2024 County Legislative Breakfasts

Meet your local legislator to discuss agricultural issues important to you   Updated schedule is below. Invitations are on the way to active members. Contact your county president or visit our calendar for details  

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14
Feb
Massachusetts Agriculture in Action Expo (MAAE)

Heidi Cooper

During the last year, I have learned a lot.  Being on the American Farm Bureau Promotion & Education Committee has afforded me opportunities for continued learning and development, and one recent workshop stands out that I want to share today. At AFBF there is a training provided by staff called…

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14
Feb
Farm Vehicle Excise Exemption

As a reminder, there is an exemption from excise tax for motor vehicles registered with Farm Plates. However, the vehicle cannot be used at all for personal use or the owner is subject to the tax and a $100 penalty. State Tax Form 126A-MVE may be filed with the local assessors to claim an exemption.…

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9
Feb
Farm Energy Discount Program

Provides 10% discount to eligible farms on electricity and natural gas bills.   The Farm Energy Discount Program provides discounts on electricity and natural gas bills of 10% to eligible entities engaged in production agriculture. Subject to certification by the Massachusetts Department…

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25
Jan
Farm Bill Programs

USDA Farmers' Guide to Farm Bill Programs AFBF Farm Bill information https://www.fb.org/issue/farm-policy/farm-bill FSA Farm Bill Compairsons Fact Sheet  

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25
Jan
MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife resources

Helpful resources from the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for Farmers   Opening Your Property to Hunting MassWildlife is available to offer guidance on how to minimize agricultural damage from wildlife. Opening your property to hunters during the legal hunting season is one of the most effective…

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25
Jan
Do I Need a USDOT Number?

Follow these links to read more about when farmers need a DOT number for their vehicles https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number https://www.mass.gov/regulatory-bulletin/new-usdot-number-requirement-for-intrastate-cmvs

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24
Jan
American Farm Bureau Establishes 2024 Policies

https://www.fb.org/news-release/american-farm-bureau-establishes-2024-policies New Grassroots Leaders Also Elected Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 105th Convention today adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2024. Key topics ranged from…

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