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News and Articles for multiple categories
New FSA Program to Help Young Farmers Buy Land

As of early 2012, beginning farmers looking to purchase land from retiring farmers have another tool at their disposal: the Beginning and Socially Disadvantaged Farmer and Rancher Land Contract Guarantee Program, now available nationwide.

As Juli Obudzinski, policy associate with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), says, “the Land Contract Guarantee Program offers a good option for retiring farmers looking to work with new farmers directly, and helps beginners access the land they need to grow a viable farm.”  

NSAC, affiliated with NYFC, pushed for this program’s inclusion in the last two US Farm Bills... Read more.

$17.8 Million in Patronage Allocations Retired 
AgStar Financial Services is pleased to announce the retirement of $17.8 million in patronage allocations to its clients. The retirement of 2002 patronage allocations was distributed to more than 11,400 eligible stockholders.  Read more.
Rural Capital Network Interview Update
In an interview on the Linder Farm Network, AgStar's John Monson recaps 2011 activity of Rural Capital Network as well as the areas of focus for 2012. Listen now!
How Cold Is It?
So cold even the bunnies need earmuffs.  Click Here to learn more on AgStar's Cold Steel Deal going on now through January 31st.
Introducing AgStar's Minority Lending Program
AgStar’s Minority Lending Program is here and ready for use. The program is fulfilling AgStar’s mission of enhancing life and agriculture in rural America.
 

AgStar’s financial leadership and innovation shines through as we pioneer this market, which includes many underserved populations. We understand the importance of giving opportunities to all people in rural America, especially the minority farmers and ag entrepreneurs because there are limited lending resources offered to them. Through this program and by working together, we are providing these individuals an opportunity to succeed.

Additionally, there are grants and vouchers available through the AgStar Fund for Rural America for technology equipment and training to those who qualify.

Click here for more information on how to apply.

Do You Have Employees on Your Payroll? 
Payroll Tax Cut Temporarily Extended into 2012
 
If you have employees and paid wages in 2011 and will continue to pay wages in 2012, please keep reading, this is important.
 
The Social Security tax withholding rate in 2011 was cut from 6.2% to 4.2% for the Employee side only. This cut has been extended through February 29, 2012. This tax cut effects employee’s W-2’s and yearend tax reports (943, 944, 941) as well. Full details.
 
If you are a current AgStar/Lookout Ridge ADP Payroll client you have nothing extra to do, as these changes are updated automatically. If you are doing your own payroll manually, through Quick Books or other software please check your tax tables and available updates.
 
If you have questions please feel free to contact Rochelle La Fortune, Payroll Practice Specialist at Lookout Ridge Consulting, 507-529-2018 or Rochelle.LaFortune@lookoutridgeconsulting.com or your tax professional.
Chris Hein interviews with Lynn Ketelsen
Chris Hein, an AgStar Risk Management Officer, discusses some of the changes grain producers should be aware of for the 2012 Crop Insurance season. Listen to the interview with Lynn Ketelsen of the Linder Farm Network now!
John Monson discusses new Minority Lending Program
AgStar's John Monson recently discussed our new Minority Lending program with Tom Rothman from the Minnesota Farm Network!  Listen to the interview now.
How Cold Is It?
How Cold Is It? Click Here to find out!
AgStar’s President & CEO Paul DeBriyn Final Interview with Consumer Ag Connection

AgStar’s President & CEO, Paul DeBriyn, spoke with Pam Fretwell from Consumer Ag Connection last week about how the global economy impacts AgStar Financial Services. 

Click here to listen to the interview.

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