September 2017

A blue card could make immigrant farm workers legal

DESPITE the immigration issues around the wall and the travel ban, a possible solution to the labor issues for farmers (including dairy
farmers) has been introduced. In the 115th Congress, Senators Feinstein, Leahy, Bennet, Hirono, and Harris have introduced the Agricultural Worker Program Act of 2017 in order to "improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States." The crucial part of the bill is that both Senators Feinstein and Leahy commented
on the needs of the dairy industry and the hope that the bill could help the dairy industry and its
unique challenges. Learn More


Dairy Producers Can Enroll or Opt-Out of
2018 Coverage

The Farm Service Agency announced that dairy producers can enroll for 2018 coverage in the Margin Protection Program starting on Friday, September 1. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue has given producers some flexibility by giving them the option of opting out of the program for 2018. Learn More


Lender Lingo

Debt Service Ratio or Debt Service Margin  

(DSR or DSM)  

 

This is the ratio that measures your ability to repay all of your interest, principal and lease payments. It is a popular benchmark that lending institutions use. A ratio of 1:1 means your operation will breakeven. Most lenders want to see this ratio at a minimum of 1:25:1.  

This means for every dollar of debt you owe, you have $1.25 to pay it back.    

 

Net Income/Total Payments due each year.

 

Slow-Cooker Brat and Sauerkraut Soup


Find the recipe here.