Tag Archives: continues
Iowa Farmland Values Increase
Updated: Oct 03, 2013 By Dan Howell – email Iowa farmland values increased 10.6% and the value continues to be on the rise, but slowing a bit according to the Iowa Farm and Land Chapter #2 Realtors Land Institute. They reported that the statewide average increase of cropland values of 10.6% for the year from September 1, 2012 to September 1, 2013. This follows an average increase of 18.5% for the year from September 2011 to September 2012; and an average increase of 32.6% for the year from September 2010 to September 2011. Overall, the strong upward movement in land prices has leveled out even though we have seen growth in values over the past six months especially in the East Central District, which covers much of the local market area. “Clearly the decrease in commodity prices and the potential for highly variable yields are slowing the increases in land value especially in medium to lower quality farms,” said Eric Schlutz, Realtor with Ruhl Farm&Land and Muscatine Manager for Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS. The survey also attributed the current land values to an increase in long-term interest rates, 2013 growing conditions, a lack of stable alternative investments, large amounts of cash on hand and the limited amount of land on the market. Continue reading
Biomass Continues To Fuel Eastern Oregon’s Economy
By Andy Giegerich Sustainable Business Oregon editor Government leaders, and some environmental advocates, believe biomass can create jobs and promote clean energy generation. A Wallowa biomass specialist has collected $3.75 million to expand its facility and create as many as 14 new jobs. Integrated Biomass Resources, a wood products manufacturer, collected the money through the BizCapital group, which is the small business lending division of Advantage Capital Partners, and the Oregon New Markets Tax Credit programs. Integrated Biomass Resources believes the infusion will help it hire between 10 and 14 workers, with another eight construction jobs being needed to expand its facility. Some sustainability advocates have increasingly begun pushing biomass as a way to create jobs while repurposing available goods. The company’s leaders said the funding will be used to achieve the goal “of helping with forest restoration while providing jobs and economic opportunity to rural Oregon.” Integrated Biomass Resources makes several products from wood biomass, including bundled fire wood, wood chips and densified heat logs. The federal and Oregon New Markets Tax Credit programs aim to spark jobs growth and promote retention in communities that are historically underserved by traditional sources of investment capital. Companies: Advantage Capital Partners Continue reading
