News From Oakland Heights

April 8, 2014 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

We had a nice day for the Volunteer Appreciation Coffee. It was nice to see everyone here. We have a full couple of weeks coming up. Thursday April 10th the General Store will be open for residents from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Next week we will be having Ice Cream sundaes at 2:30 on Tuesday April 15th. On Thursday April 17th we will be having Maundy Thursday service at 2:30 with First Lutheran. On Friday April 18th at 2:30 is the Good Friday service with First Baptist. And on Saturday April 19th the Lions club will be putting on an Easter egg hunt for the local Children starting at 2:00 pm. Also on Saturday the Rusty Buckets will be here at 2:30 pm to perform.

We have a resident celebrating a birthday on April 14th, wishing a Happy Birthday to Laurence Hultquist.

Church Service for Palm Sunday April 13th at 2:30 pm will be given by the St. John Lutheran Church with refreshments served afterwards.

Activities for the week of April 14th   to April19th ;   are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Reminiscing Group,  Reading Group, Sing A Long,   Bingo w/Evan. Free, Bible Fellowship, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Saturday morning movie, and Lawrence Welk

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Mary Donovan, Seth Anderson, Dani Moseman, Betty Hanna, Donna Baldwin, Di Ruwe, Bonnie Fleischman, Pat Anderson, Lucille Fleischman, and Mary Alice Pearson.

Guest’s signing the Guest book this past week was: Makayla Johnson to visit the Johnsons. Also visiting was Connie Fager here to visit Harriet Smith.

 

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Lyons-Decatur Northeast Seniors Meet Senator Brasch

April 8, 2014 Leave a comment


April Fools’ Day marked the 51st Legislative Day of the 103rd Legislature, Second Session. There are five legislative days remaining until we adjourn Sine Die on April 17. Thank you to Pastor Shawn Linnell of Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair for joining us as Chaplain of the Day on Tuesday, April 1 and to Pastor Coral Parmenter of United Methodist Church of Christ in Wisner for joining us as Chaplain on April 2. We always appreciate the clergy from District 16 who volunteer to travel to Lincoln and offer their prayers.

After the passage of LBs 130, 905, and 906 (budget appropriation bills), Governor Heineman returned them to the Legislature with line-item vetoes. On Tuesday, we carefully examined these bills and fully debated the potential outcomes. The Governor stated his line-item vetoes returns $65 million dollars to taxpayers for the property tax relief they requested. Among some of the vetoed items were:

  • $14.5 million from the Cash Reserve to the Nebraska Capitol Construction fund for the erection of fountains in the Capitol courtyards and renovation of the building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system;
  • various new Salary Limits for state agencies, new state agency positions, and a transfer from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Contingency Fund Program to the Behavioral Health Aid Program (in order to offset costs to the state due to implementation of the Affordable Care Act);
  • $12.5 million transfer from the Department of Motor Vehicles Cash Fund to the Vehicle Title and Registration System Replacement and Maintenance Cash Fund and $5 million of the $15 million to the Game and Parks Commission for maintenance and improvement projects.

 

All vetoes were overridden Tuesday by the Legislature. I supported the Governor’s vetoes and not the override of the Legislature, as I believe more extensive tax relief is possible for our taxpayers. However, I appreciated the privilege of attending the bill signing press conference with the Governor in support of valuable tax relief efforts for Nebraskans.

Senator Chambers introduced a motion Wednesday to override Governor Heineman’s veto of his mountain lion hunting bill, LB671. The motion failed on a 24-21-4 vote. Senator Chambers has taken a firm stand that it will be a “rough rest of the session” for those of us who voted for the override.

We enjoyed welcoming Lyons-Decatur Northeast High School seniors and two of their teachers Wednesday. Unfortunately, I was unable to meet the Lyons-Decatur 4th graders who visited the next day, as they were pressed for time. We also had student visitors from the Federation of Women’s Club of Nebraska. I was able to sit down for lunch at the Governor’s Residence with a Cuming County student and his Dodge County friends, and we enjoyed a refreshing trip together to the top of the tower and looked out across a brisk, extremely breezy capital city.

Our session is winding down as the issues continue heating up. As always, I encourage you to share your thoughts on pending legislation before we adjourn sine die. Please continue to contact me, my administrative aide, Katie Wattermann, or my legislative aide, Joe Neuhaus, with questions or thoughts at (402) 471-2728 or by email at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov; or stop by Room 1016 if you are at the Capitol.

Keeping the Good Life growing in Nebraska,

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16

 

Senator Lydia Brasch

Senator Lydia Brasch

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Tom May Coming to Neihardt Center

April 8, 2014 Leave a comment


  1. Tom May, Afternoon of Folk Music, April 13, 2014On Sunday, April 13th, a special Sunday Afternoon at the Museum program will highlight the exceptional talents of world renowned and acclaimed folksinger Tom May a dual program at 2:00 pm at the Neihardt State Historic Site in Bancroft, NE. It has been a few years since this fine performer has graced the Neihardt Center stage. May has always been staunch supporters of all things Neihardt; often garnering inspiration from his early works. Tom May, creator and host of River City Folk radio and television programs, is a singer, songwriter, and author originally from western Nebraska, who toured with Gordon Lightfoot and has headlined a special series of concerts with the Omaha Symphony Orchestra. His fine baritone voice is supported by twelve string guitar, and occasionally an Irish pennywhistle harkens back to the time period settings of many of his songs. He is the author of Promoting Your Music: The Lovin’ of the Game. Check out his website at www.tommayfolk.com>.

    The program is free and open to the public. A reception will be held after the program and performer CDs will be available for sale and signing.

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Burt County Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

April 8, 2014 Leave a comment


The Burt County Board of Supervisors met March 28, 2014, pursuant to adjournment of their last meeting with the following members present:  Cliff Morrow, Gerald Newill, David Schold, Perry Rogers, Matt Connealy, Greg Brummond and Gene Rollins.

 

The meeting opened at 9:00 A.M. upon motion by Rollins, seconded by Newill, all voting aye.  Chairman Morrow informed the public that the Nebraska Open Meeting Act was posted on the wall.

 

Upon motion by Connealy, seconded by Rogers, the agenda was approved, all voting aye.

 

Visiting the Board were Peggy Smith, Mike Braniff, Katie Novak, Joni Renshaw, and Ron Keogh,

 

The following claims for March in the amount of $517,342.55, including $104,240.71 for payroll, were read, audited, warrant drawn and checks generated on the respective funds on motion by Rogers, seconded by Schold, all voting aye.

 

AFLAC INS 644.08
AMANDA BARRON ATTY FEES 1,590.00
AMERICAN BROADBAND TELE 788.79
ANDERSON HARDWARE SUPPLIES 98.78
ANDREW BRANIFF SHOP LIGHTS 119.95
ANDY’S QUICK SHOP FUEL 206.75
AS CENTRAL SERV AS/400 COSTS 232.60
AS CENTRAL SERV, OCIO TELETYPE 350.00
AT&T TELE 54.15
BCW DIVERSIFIED SUPPLIES 67.72
BILL J PICKELL REPAIRS/PARTS 1,270.38
BLACK HILLS ENERGY HEATING FUEL 680.72
BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD INS 61,203.43
BOMGAARS SUPPLIES 1,043.07
BRANIFF SERV FUEL 4,711.53
BREHMER MFG PARTS/LABOR 12.91
BRENNEIS INS NOTARY STAMPS 100.00
BUDDIES MINI MART FUEL 302.69
BUFFALO CO SHERIFF BD PRISONERS 1,350.00
BURT CO CLERK WORKSHOP 240.00
BURT CO COURT NON-WAIV FEES 264.00
BURT CO DIST COURT NON-WAIV FEES 35.00
BURT CO PUBLIC POWER DIST RADIO TOWER ELEC 284.77
BURT CO SHERIFF PERS SERV 299.68
BURT CO TREAS POSTAGE 19.60
CATERPILLAR FINANCIAL MOTOR GRADER 19,987.21
CENTRAL UNITED LIFE INS 10.25
CENTRAL VALLEY AG FUEL 373.72
CENTURYLINK TELE 322.77
CITY CLERK WATER BILL 29.85
CITY OF LYONS UTILITIES 398.29
CITY OF TEKAMAH WATER BILL 84.00
CLEANING MART SUPPLIES 172.04
CLIENT-SERVER TECHNOLOGY SERV 1,450.00
CLIFFORD L MORROW MILE 23.52
CNA AUTO SERV TOOLS 24.68
CONSTELLATION NEW ENERGY HEATING FUEL 1,045.16
CREDIT MANAGEMENT SERV GARNISHMENT 312.78
CUBBY’S FUEL 995.94
CVSOAN DUES/TICKET 108.00
D’MOORE PIZZA MEALS 58.81
DAVID SCHOLD MILE 34.72
DEARBORN NATL LIFE INS 36.70
DECATUR EXPRESS FUEL 855.72
DIXON CONST CULVERTS/PIPES 138,764.03
DODGE CO COURT CERT COPY 2.75
DREW LAW FIRM ATTY FEES 1,144.50
ENGELHARDT COM RADIO REPAIR 25.00
EVA MCCLUSKEY PRIOR SERV 103.86
FARMERS PRIDE FUEL 3,906.97
FILTER CARE OF NEBR MAINTENANCE 45.15
FIRST CONCORD INS 525.00
FIRST NAT’L BANK-NE-EFPTS FED TAXES 34,663.07
FIRST NATL BANK NE BOX RENT 10.00
FORNOFF & SCHUTT ATTY FEES 1,447.50
FRANCES FRENCH PRIOR SERV 11.00
FRED FRANKLIN EQUIP 735.15
FREMONT SANITATION TRASH REMOVAL 124.25
GATZMEYER’S WELDING SERV 30.00
GENE R ROLLINS MILE 85.68
GERALD E NEWILL MILE 124.32
GREGORY J BRUMMOND MILE 29.12
HALL’S CULLIGAN FEBR/MARCH BILLS 215.50
HOLMQUIST LUMBER REPAIRS 33.28
ILA DAVIS PRIOR SERV 18.00
INCLUSION SOLUTIONS VOTING SCREENS 562.00
INTUIT CHECKS 249.97
IOWA OFFICE SUPPLY SUPPLIES 336.27
JAMES L DEVENING TRASH REMOVAL 235.00
JAN RASMUSSEN MILE 16.80
JAY W JOHNSON MILE 129.36
JEO CONSULTING ENGINEERING 4,196.45
JOHN WILSON MILE 32.48
JOHNSON & MOCK ATTY FEES 298.25
JONI L. RENSHAW MILE 141.68
K B’S MINI MART FUEL 909.46
MAINELLI, WAGNER & ASSOC ENGINEERING 5,095.00
MARILYN ANDERSEN POSTAGE 14.45
MARTIN MARIETTA GRAVEL/BORROW 20,999.01
MARY LOFTIS MEAL/MILE/FUEL 215.45
MASSMUTUAL ADD’L RETIRE 200.00
MATTHEW CONNEALY MILE 32.48
MICHAEL A. ROWE, JR ENGINEERING 8,300.00
MICHAEL G BRANIFF LIGHTS/SUPPLIES 992.55
MICHELE QUICK MILE 78.40
MID-AMERICAN BENEFITS SERV/DEDUCT 5,367.50
MIDWEST SERV & SALES SIGNS/BLADES 15,646.72
MIDWEST SERV FUEL 7,506.18
MIPS SERV 3,106.70
NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT ADD’L RETIRE 1,320.00
NE ASSN CO HIWAY SUPT DUES 110.00
NE HEALTH & HUMAN SERV INSTITUTIONS 84.00
NEBR CHILD SUPPORT CHILD SUPPORT 1,224.17
NEBRASKA PUBLIC POWER DIST ELECTRICITY 1,023.43
NEBRASKA.GOV SUBS 50.00
NMC PARTS/TOOLS 1,729.78
NORTHEAST NEBR TELE TELE 365.52
O’KEEFE ELEVATOR SERV 252.23
OAKLAND INDEPENDENT NOTICES 1,329.85
OFFICE WAREHOUSE SUPPLIES 557.22
OFFICENET SUPPLIES 60.12
PEGGY SMITH TRANSPORATION 72.80
PENNY A. WARREN MILES/MEAL/REG 56.44
PERRY ROGERS MILE 42.00
PEST-TROL PEST CONTROL 38.00
PHYSICIANS LAB AUTOPSY 940.00
PLAINDEALER PUBLISHING 144.03
QUALITY PRINTING SUPPLIES 1,294.78
RANDOLPH CO SHERIFF PERS SERV 35.65
REDFIELD & CO SUPPLIES 280.19
REPCO MARKETING SUPPLIES 66.00
RETIREMENT PLANS DIV RETIRE 16,852.10
SAPP BROS FUEL 1,633.92
SAVE MORE SUPPLIES 192.27
SCOTTS BLUFF CO DETENTION BD PRISONERS 1,440.00
SEC OF STATE-ELECTION DIV ELECT SUPPLIES 10.00
SHAMBURG AUTO PARTS/SUPPLIES 345.77
SPAN PUBLISHING SUPPLIES 144.00
STAMP FULFILLMENT SERV ENVELOPES 295.45
STATE TAX COM STATE TAXES 4,314.48
STEINY’S GENERAL STORE SUPPLIES/TOOLS 149.68
TEKAMAH POST OFFICE STAMPS 70.00
TRI-STATE COM LAND RENT 158.50
TRUCK CENTER PARTS 126.96
U S CELLULAR TELE 60.71
VERIZON WIRELESS CELL PHONES 212.54
VILLAGE OF DECATUR UTLITIES 170.51
WASHINGTON CO SHERIFF BD PRISONERS 16,445.00
WASHINGTON CO SHERIFF-MED MED- PRISONERS 96.44
WASHINGTON NATL INS INS 33.75
WINDSTREAM TELE 188.81
WOODHOUSE FORD CHRYSLER PARTS 60.19
ZEE MEDICAL SERV SUPPLIES 23.50

 

The minutes of the last meeting were approved upon motion by Rogers, seconded by Newill, all voting aye.

 

Letter from Dennis Vodicka regarding bridge replacement costs was noted and placed on file.

 

Board Member Connealy offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption:

 

RESOLUTION #2014-06

 

WHEREAS, the Road Fund is in need of funds to operate.

 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Burt County Board of Supervisors that $150,000.00 be transferred from the General Fund to the Road Fund per the Burt County budget document for fiscal year 2013-2014.

 

DATED this 28th day of March, 2014, at Tekamah, Nebraska.

 

ATTEST: MARJORIE R. SHUMAKE          CLIFF MORROW, CHAIRMAN

BURT COUNTY CLERK             BURT COUNTY BOARD OF

SUPERVISORS

 

Board Member Rogers seconded the motion, and the Chairman declared it adopted, all voting aye.

 

Road Superintendent Peggy Smith approached the Board in regard to closing two roads – one is County Road A just off of Hwy 75, and the other is    3 ¾ miles east of Tekamah on County Road GH.  After discussion, Smith was instructed to begin the process of closing these two roads.

 

Upon motion by Schold, seconded by Rogers, Chairman Morrow was given approval to sign a contract for the Oakland NW Project, all voting aye.

 

Chairman Morrow signed a lot split application for Mary Ann Prussa located in the NE ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 26, Township 21 North, Range 11 East of the 6th P.M., Burt County, Nebraska.

 

Upon motion by Connealy, seconded by Newill, the Board approved a request to hold the annual National Day of Prayer Service on the courthouse grounds on May 1 at 12:00 P.M., all voting aye.

 

Upon motion by Schold, seconded by Brummond, the Board approved a Special Designated Liquor License for Silver Hills Vineyards & Winery for Saturday, August 9th, 2014, all voting aye.

 

Upon motion by Newill, seconded by Schold, the Board approved a Special Designated Liquor License for the Burt County Fair for August 1 through August 5, 2014, all voting aye.

 

At 10:00 A.M. Chairman Morrow opened the public hearing on the Application for Conditional Use Permit by Ronald Keogh, requesting permission to install a wind turbine on the SW ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 5, Township 21, Range 9, Burt County, Nebraska.  After discussion, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed at 10:10 A.M., and the Board went back into regular session.

 

Upon motion by Newill, seconded by Brummond, the application for the installation of a wind turbine was approved, all voting aye.

 

At 10:12 A.M. Chairman Morrow declared the Board of Equalization in session.  County Assessor Joni Renshaw read the following tax list corrections:

Robert E. Coffman         $474.34 tax added

Martin Long                             $509.02 tax deducted

 

At 10:15 A.M. the Board went back into regular session.  Upon motion by Brummond, seconded by Rollins, the tax list corrections were approved, all voting aye.

 

There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the Board adjourned at 10:20 A.M. until 9:00 A.M. April 8, 2014.

 

ATTEST: MARJORIE R. SHUMAKE  CLIFFORD L. MORROW, CHAIRMAN

BURT COUNTY CLERK        BURT COUNTY BOARD OF

SUPERVISORS

 

These minutes are not part of the official record and are not yet approved and may be corrected.  A copy of the approved official minutes is available to the public at the Clerk’s Office.

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Bancroft Senior Center News

April 8, 2014 Leave a comment


Bancroft Senior Center News

* The senior center provides Information and Assistance to any individual who is looking for services for themselves or another person 60 years and older, the center manager and/or center participant can provide information to individuals on services available within the community. We link individuals to the services and opportunities that are available within or beyond the community itself. We will then establish adequate follow-up procedures to see that their needs were met. For more information call 402-648-3387.

*If you are 60 years and older and need information on programs designed to help keep you in your home longer or if you need legal help, contact Connie at 402-648-3387 or in the evening at 402-648-7648.

* We have the following medical equipment to loan out on an as need basis, wheel chair, bath seats, toilet seat riser and portable toilet chair, crutches or walker. Call 402-648-3387 during office hours

Meals on Wheels

The Meals on Wheels program started in Bancroft February 10th. Anyone over the age of 60 years and lives within the city limits are eligible for these meals. You may sign up anytime for the Meals on Wheels program; you can get the meals delivered however many times you want them each week. You must call 402-687-2332 before 8:45 if you want a meal that day.

We need more volunteers willing to deliver the meals once they get to the senior center in Bancroft. Contact the senior contact 402-648-3387 if you wish to help deliver the meals, want a meal delivered or have a question.

 

Weekly Activities:

Wed. April 9: Melody chimes practice at 9:00. Join us for coffee anytime during the day. Sign up for the pinochle tournament at 1:30.

Thurs.: April 10: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. If you come at 1:00 you may play golf for an hour. Come and play bingo at 2:00. You are welcome to come at any time to work on the jigsaw puzzle.

Fri. April 11: Pool tournament at with the Wisner pool players. In the afternoon we will be getting ready for the fund raiser that night. Evening fish fry from 5:30 – 7:30.

Mon. April 14: Will work on flowers and wreaths for Memorial Day at 1:30. Remember to sign up to eat dinner at the center tomorrow.

Tues. April 15: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. Noon meal is spaghetti, green beans, garlic bread, fruit and relishes. Cards and/or golf will be played about 1:30.

Wed. April 16: Melody chimes practice at 9:00. Sign up for the pitch tournament at 1:30 today.

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Oakland Firefighters Attend Fire School

April 4, 2014 Leave a comment


Six Volunteer firefighters from Oakland attended fire school in Sioux City, IA March 15th and 16th.

Those attending were Nick and Susan Seery, Cody Workman, Daniel Jones, Nick Hale and Bill Peterson.

There were many classes offered during the two-day class. Cody, Nick H. and Bill attended an Advanced Ventilation Roof Fire Class on Saturday. Bill and Nick H. took Vehicle Extrication on Sunday and Nick S., Susan and Daniel attended an Interior Attack Class on Sunday.

“I learned a great deal and had a good time. It was my first interior fire. I had never performed an interior attack before. I’ve had plenty of other fires like outside of building fires and grass fires and a couple of car fires,” stated Susan Seery.

Daniel Jones in the white helmet, is one of the many firemen who attended fire school in Sioux City. Photo Courtesy of Susan Seery.

Daniel Jones in the white helmet, is one of the many firemen who attended fire school in Sioux City. Photo Courtesy of Susan Seery.

Susan Seery, white helmet and Nick Seery in the red helmet, attended fire school in Sioux City. Photo Courtesy of Susan Seery.

Susan Seery, white helmet and Nick Seery in the red helmet, attended fire school in Sioux City. Photo Courtesy of Susan Seery.

Daniel, Nick and Susan at Sioux City Fire School. Photo Courtesy of Susan Seery.

Daniel, Nick and Susan at Sioux City Fire School. Photo Courtesy of Susan Seery.

 

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Riding around the Oakland Library

April 3, 2014 Leave a comment


Landon Johnson enjoys his own “wheels” during story time and craft time at the Oakland Public Library.

Landon Johnson has his own wheels at the Oakland Library. He motors all around during story/craft time. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Landon Johnson has his own wheels at the Oakland Library. He motors all around during story/craft time. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Winter Weather Advisory

April 2, 2014 Leave a comment


The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisor from 1:00 p.m. Thurs., April 3rd until 7:00 a.m. Fri., April 4th. Snow is expected to move into the area Thursday afternoon. Moderate to heavy snow is expected late Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening. The snow will spread east toward the Missouri River by midnight.

Snow accumulations of 3-5 inches is likely with up to 6 inches possible in some locations before winding down Friday morning.

Temperatures will also drop below freezing Thursday night, which could cause slick and icy conditions. Winds from the north and northwest of 15-25 mph could cause blowing and drifting snow at times.

Please take all of the necessary precautions when traveling.

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News From Logan Valley Manor

April 2, 2014 Leave a comment


Happy April everyone. I would like to let you all know that I have resigned my position at Logan Valley Manor. I have accepted a job in Oakland. I have worked here for ten years and I have enjoyed my job in the activity department. I will miss the residents and staff. The manor is advertising for an activity assistant. I am sure The manor is hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sat., April 12th at 10:00 a.m. Posters will be made and sent home with the Lyons-Decatur school students. The Lyons Community Club will be sponsoring the event.

This month is National Volunteer Month. The manor will be honoring our volunteers on April 25th with an appreciation coffee at 2:00 p.m.

The residents will be doing some baking again this month. This is always a fun time for them. They love to have the homemade baked item with a cup of coffee.

We hope to be starting up the sunshine club again. It has been a long winter. The residents look forward to spending time outdoors.

Residents celebrating birthdays this month are: Donna Miller and Marlene Nelson on April 8th and Enlowe Hevner on April 13th. The monthly birthday party will be held on April 17th at 2:00 p.m.

We would like to welcome Melba Slaughter and Doug Goodman to Logan Valley Manor.

Wishing you all a blessed and happy Easter,

The Activity Department

 

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Extension for Value-Added Producer Grant Program

April 1, 2014 Leave a comment


Lyons, NE – The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced an extension for grant applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant program. The extension was made necessary by changes to the program included in the 2014 Farm Bill that was recently signed into law. The new grant deadline is April 8, 2014.“In rural and small town America, the best way to create jobs and expand economic opportunity is fostering entrepreneurship and small business,” said Traci Bruckner, Assistant Director of Policy at the Center for Rural Affairs. “On America’s country roads that means value added agriculture and niche marketing. Such entrepreneurship keeps wealth in rural communities, enhances farm and ranch profitability, revives rural mainstreets and helps young families get a start in agriculture.”

Bruckner encouraged farmers or ranchers needing planning or working capital funds in order to move their value-added ideas forward, to check out the Value-Added Producer Grants program.

“In particular, we urge returning Armed Forces veterans to consider accessing these grants,” added Bruckner. The extension will allow those who have already submitted funding applications to revise their proposals if the new addition of returning Armed Forces veteran farmers to the program’s priorities is applicable to their proposal.

According to the Federal Register, the term ‘veteran farmer or rancher’ means a farmer or rancher who has served in the Armed Forces and who has not operated a farm or ranch; or has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 years. Agricultural producers, businesses majority-owned by agricultural producers, and organizations representing agricultural producers are eligible to apply for Value Added Producer Grants for business planning or working capital expenses associated with marketing value-added agricultural products. Agricultural producers include farmers, ranchers, loggers, agricultural harvesters and fishermen that engage in the production or harvesting of an agricultural commodity.

Farmers and ranchers can find a working proposal template for the Value Added Producer Grant Program at the following weblink –http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/bcp_vapg.html

Additionally, in an effort to assist farmers and ranchers applying for a grant, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition just re-issued their Farmers’ Guide to Value-Added Producer Grant Funding. The guide (available free at http://sustainableagriculture.net/publications/) includes clear information on new program rules and contains a step-by-step description of the application and ranking processes, with helpful hints to improve a producer’s chances of obtaining funding from the highly competitive program. It also describes the program priorities for small and medium-sized family farms, beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and mid-tier value chains (regional supply networks with active farmer participation).

Bruckner encouraged applicants to contact their state USDA RD offices well in advance of the deadline to discuss their projects and ask any questions about the application process. While the extension may not offer much help to those just starting out on a proposal, there will be future funding rounds, and for applicants, especially first-time applicants, the additional time could make all the difference.

“At the Center for Rural Affairs, we have a lock track-record of offering help to farmers and ranchers in accessing programs such as these. And there is other help available, because these grants are popular and quite competitive,” commented Bruckner.

Bruckner went on to explain that the Center for Rural Affairs continues to offer as much help to producers as possible during the application period by operating a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call (402) 687-2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline to receive assistance in understanding the Value Added Producer Grants Program.

“The Farm Bill Helpline provides a direct connection to Center staff with knowledge about the rules of these programs to help applicants and potential applicants understand if the program will fit their needs,” continued Bruckner.

Potential applicants can also contact the Farm Bill Helpline via email by sending an email with “Farm Bill Helpline” in the subject line to tracib@cfra.org. The Value Added Producer Grant is not the only program covered by the Center’s Farm Bill Helpline. Assistance is also available for the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative and a host of Beginning Farmer and Rancher provisions.

The Center for Rural Affairs has also created Value Added Fact Sheets and other additional information, which can be accessed at http://www.cfra.org/node/2672.

For more information visit: www.cfra.org

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