Estate taxes threaten future of family farms in the U.S.

Written by John Schlageck Tuesday, 30 October 2012 15:05

Smart hard work combined with good planning increases the likelihood of a bright and prosperous future. This is considered the American way—the American dream.

Part of this same American dream is the expectation that future generations will experience a better life than that of their parents. It’s always been that way – parents want their children to have more opportunities than they did.

The fondest wish of Kansas farmers, ranchers and small business owners is to pass these family ventures on to their children and grandchildren. They work years to leave a legacy of land or a business.

Unfortunately, that shared dream is threatened by the return of the estate tax. The estate tax is slated to return with a vengeance on Jan. 1...

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Fair association receives $4,000 for facility improvements

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 23 October 2012 14:43

Jim Enns, chairman of the Cooperative Grain & Supply board of directors, presents a check for $4,000 to Kelli Savage, Marion County Fair director, last week as the result of a matching-funds program between CG&S and CoBank, the cooperative’s main lender based in Denver, Colo. On either side of them are Laura Legg (left), representing the cooperative’s Ampride stores, and Chuck McLinden, president of the Marion County Fair Association. The money is designated for facility improvements at the fairgrounds—one of which, a ventilation system for the rabbit barn, was completed in time for the 2012 fair in late July. The funds were generated through CoBank’s “Sharing Success,” a $3 million program that matches...

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Ag needs its voice in the media

Written by John Schlageck Tuesday, 23 October 2012 14:42

Life experiences teach plenty to those willing to learn. From the time I was a small boy, I remember my dad, uncles and grandfather talking and debating the issues of the day whenever we visited one another.

As I grew older, I began to hear some of what they said. I began to understand what they were talking about. But it has taken me nearly 30 years to understand what my grandfather used to say about understanding issues.

About the time I was halfway through high school, something he said finally sunk in. Grandpa Bert always said when you know a little about an issue, it’s easy to form an opinion. When you learn a little more, it becomes a little more difficult to make a decision. And when you learn even more about an issue, your...

Read more: Ag needs its voice in the media

Ag needs its voice in the media

Written by John Schlageck Tuesday, 23 October 2012 14:42

Life experiences teach plenty to those willing to learn. From the time I was a small boy, I remember my dad, uncles and grandfather talking and debating the issues of the day whenever we visited one another.

As I grew older, I began to hear some of what they said. I began to understand what they were talking about. But it has taken me nearly 30 years to understand what my grandfather used to say about understanding issues.

About the time I was halfway through high school, something he said finally sunk in. Grandpa Bert always said when you know a little about an issue, it’s easy to form an opinion. When you learn a little more, it becomes a little more difficult to make a decision. And when you learn even more about an issue, your...

Read more: Ag needs its voice in the media