Business Notebook: Ag report shows changing times on the farm

News from the U.S. Department of Agriculture:n The 2012 Census of Agriculture data was released Friday, and some of the findings include:

-- 22 percent of all farmers were beginning farmers in 2012, meaning 1 of 5 farmers operated a farm for less than 10 years.

-- Beginning principal operators who reported their primary occupation as farming increased from 36,396 to 40,499 between 2007 and 2012 -- an 11.3 percent increase.

-- 30 percent of all farm operators in the U.S. were female.

-- The number of farms run by Latino farmers increased 21 percent from 2007 to 2012.

-- 70 percent of U.S. farms had Internet access in 2012, up from 56.5 percent in 2007.

-- Nearly 57,300 farms reported using a renewable energy producing system in 2012, which is more than double the about 23,450 operations that reported the same in 2007. Solar panels accounted for a majority of renewable energy producing systems on farms.

-- Nearly 150,000 farmers and ranchers nationwide are selling their products directly to consumers, and 50,000 are selling to local retailers.

-- Total organic product sales by farms have increased by 82 percent since 2007 -- from $1.76 billion in 2007 to $3.1 billion in 2012. Organic products were a $35 billion industry in the United States in 2013.

* The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the availability of $30.6 million in zero-interest loans and $9.2 million in grants to promote long-term economic growth and vitality in rural areas. The funds will establish revolving loan funds that finance business and economic development activities in rural areas. Applications for the funds will be accepted through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program for funding through three community and economic development programs administered by USDA Rural Development.

* Applications are being accepted for new, landmark conservation initiatives created by the 2014 farm bill. The programs will provide up to $386 million to help farmers restore wetlands, protect working agriculture lands, support outdoor recreation activities and boost the economy.

Business roundup

* The Saint Francis Medical Center Auxiliary recently gave $125,000 to Marilyn Curtis, vice president of professional services at the hospital, to be put toward the $150,000 cost of the new Healing Garden in development. The donation is the third installment of an $800,000 pledge over four years. Once expanded, the garden will present challenges patients will encounter as they return to everyday life, including curbs and inclines, grass, gravel and other unstable or uneven surfaces. The garden also will provide a therapeutic environment for patients and families.

* The Gibson Recovery Center, 340 S. Broadview St. in Cape Girardeau, has been accredited for three years for its integrated alcohol and other drug and mental health residential and outpatient treatment, detoxification, community housing and case management/service coordination programs. This is the third consecutive three-year accreditation awarded to the not-for-profit organization from CARF International accrediting body.

* Mary Kay sales directors Jana Jateff and Sheri Dost moved their training center from 1936 Broadway in Cape Girardeau to 1028 N. Kingshighway in the Blattner Building, effective May 1.

* 1st Class Travel achieved silver status in the 500 Club program of the Mark Travel Corp. Travel agencies in the 500 Club must show expertise in a range of travel options and provide great customer service.

* Shoppe La La, 437 Broadway in Cape Girardeau, will celebrate its opening with a ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The business offers vintage and new custom-painted furniture and paint classes.

* The Tangled Yarn, 5 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau, will celebrate its opening with a ribbon-cutting at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday. The shop offers yarn and accessories, as well as classes.

* Hinkebein Hills Farm, 434 Whispering Wind Lane in Cape Girardeau, will celebrate its opening with a ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. Wednesday. The farm is a custom-meat processor and retail store that sells fresh and smoked meats and sausages. The business also caters.

* The Hair Loft Salon and Spa, 245 S. Broadview St. in Cape Girardeau, will celebrate its opening with a ribbon-cutting at 9 a.m. Thursday.

* Beginning Concepts, 1502 W. Jackson Blvd. in Jackson, celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting at 1 p.m. Friday. The business offers pediatric therapy.

Turkey harvest numbers encouraging

Hunters checked in about 22,350 turkeys during the first week of the spring hunting season -- a 4 percent increase from 2013, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Conservation. That number is 7 percent above the previous five-year average and the largest first-week harvest since 2007.

Weather conditions were favorable for hunting during opening week, according to the release, but it is difficult to tell how much of the increase is because of gains in turkey numbers or weather conditions in such a short time period.

Opening-week harvests were down about 8 percent in Southeast Missouri.

Entrepreneurship center offering classes

The following business training sessions will be offered at the Institute for Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 920 Broadway in Cape Girardeau, according to a news release from the institute:

* "How to Write a Business Plan" will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon May 15. Participants will learn the importance of business plans and the key elements of a successful plan. Topics include defining the business concept, understanding how to research the feasibility, learning how to assess the industry, market and competition and developing basic financial projections from marketing analysis. The cost for the class is $40.

* Operation JumpStart, a nationally recognized training model for individuals considering starting or expanding a business, will begin from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 5. The class will meet one day a week for four weeks. Participants will learn essential business planning and preparation skills such as product pricing, legal structure, competition, marketing and cash flow management.

* A webinar on customer service will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. June 18. Participants will learn how to deliver outstanding customer service by learning how to avoid and prevent common mistakes made when interacting with customers. Cost for the webinar is $25.

* A four-day workshop on QuickBooks for business owners will be from 6 to 9 p.m. July 7 and 8 and July 14 and 15. Participants will be taught the basics of QuickBooks. Cost of the workshop is $125.

* "How to Start a New Business" will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon July 31. Participants will be given an overview of the critical first steps associated with starting a business. Participants will assess strengths and weaknesses in terms of business ownership, learn about the importance of planning, discuss legal and regulatory requirements, and identify sources of financing. Cost for the course is $40.

* Operation JumpStart will be offered again beginning Aug. 5. Classes will be from 6 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday night throughout the month.

To participate in any class, visit semo.edu/irie and complete an application, or contact Glenna Ervin at 651-2929 or gervin@semo.edu.

ashedd@semissourian.com

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