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| News from Around the Farm World - Sept. 23, 2009 |
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Heemstra fined in fraud case
INDIANOLA, Iowa (AP) — A Warren County judge has ruled against former Milo farmer Rodney Heemstra in a civil fraud case brought by the estate of Tom Lyon, the man Heemstra has been convicted of killing.
In his ruling Friday, District Judge Paul Huscher ordered Heemstra and his wife, Berta, to pay punitive damages of $750,000. He also appointed a receiver to sell real estate the Heemstras own in five counties.
Lyon’s family contended that Heemstra, his wife, and other relatives had conspired to defraud Lyon’s estate of a $5.68 million wrongful death judgment Heemstra had previously been ordered to pay.
Heemstra killed Lyon in January 2003 after the two men had a series of arguments over farmland and cattle-watering equipment. Heemstra was freed in October after spending more than four years behind bars for voluntary manslaughter.
58 Ill. counties disaster areas
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The federal government has granted Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn’s request to declare 58 Illinois counties disaster areas after heavy rains and flooding. Thirty counties adjacent to those getting disaster relief will also qualify for federal assistance.
The period from April-July in Illinois saw the ninth-most rainfall in state history. Twenty-one inches of rain fell, nearly five inches more than average. Federal officials estimate farmers abandoned 100,000 acres that would have produced corn because of the rain. This year’s corn crop should produce 179 bushels per acre, meaning nearly 18 million bushels could have been lost to flooding.
Farmers who believe they qualify should contact their county Farm Service Agency office.
Fed farm assistance for Tenn.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Gov. Phil Bredesen announced the USDA approved his request for federal farm assistance for Overton County due to heavy rains and extensive flooding that occurred in July.
Bredesen made the request on Aug. 25. A primary natural disaster designation makes farmers eligible to apply for assistance through their local Farm Service Agency. Qualifying farmers are eligible to be considered for emergency loans, livestock assistance and supplemental farm payments as provided by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.
Under the designation for Overton County, farmers in adjoining counties are also eligible to apply for assistance. Those counties include Clay, Fentress, Jackson, Pickett and Putnam.
Farmers in these areas suffered crop losses, including hay and pastures, reported in excess of 30 percent in some cases. Farmers also reported significant damage to farm equipment and structures.
Sustainable Ag Week in Ohio
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — Gov. Ted Strickland declared Sept. 20-26 “Sustainable Agriculture Week” in Ohio in honor of the state’s movement toward supporting agricultural practices that are ecologically sound, economically viable and socially responsible.
“Sustainable Agriculture Week provides an opportunity to increase public awareness and understanding about the importance of supporting and promoting sustainable agricultural practices,” said Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Robert Boggs. “By doing so, we ensure Ohioans will be able to enjoy the good benefits of agriculture and live off the land for many years to come.”
Consumers may support this movement in Ohio by purchasing a Sustainable Agriculture license plate, available at http://bmv.ohio.gov/vehicle_registration/ohio_sustainable_ag.htm
Proceeds will go into a fund that will help support sustainable agriculture projects across the state. For more information, visit www.agri.ohio.gov
Ohio deer season opens Sat.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Approximately 300,000 bowhunters are expected to participate in the statewide archery deer hunting season that opens Sept. 26, according to experts with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Again this year, hunters who purchase an Ohio hunting license and $24 deer permit will be eligible to buy the $15 antlerless deer permit valid Sept. 26-Nov. 29. The $15 antlerless deer permit will be valid through Dec. 6 in Zone C only; however, this may be purchased only until Nov. 29.
Ohio hunters are encouraged to kill more does again this season using the reduced-priced Antlerless Deer Permit and donate any extra venison to the needy. The Division is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to help pay for the processing of donated venison. More information about this program may be found at www.fhfh.org
After Nov. 29, archery hunters must use a deer permit for antlerless deer. Using the $15 antlerless deer permit, hunters can take one additional antlerless deer in Zone A, up to two additional in Zone B and up to three additional in Zone C. The antlerless deer permits will also be valid for controlled deer hunts and for hunting deer in urban units.
This year’s statewide archery season remains open Sept. 26-Feb. 7, 2010, including the week of deer-gun season Nov. 30-Dec. 6. Deer gun hunters will also be able to enjoy an additional weekend of hunting Dec. 19-20.
A detailed listing of deer hunting rules is contained in the 2009-10 Ohio Hunting Regulations available where licenses are sold and online at www.wildohio.com |
| 9/23/2009 |
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