USDA Update

by Rod Johnson

March 14, 2003

March is designated "WOMAN'S HISTORY MONTH" to commemorate the contributions women have made to society. An early advocate of women's rights, a farm and financial manager, and the mother of an American President John Quincy Adams, Abigail Adams is one of many American women who helped establish the strength and vitality of our nation. During Women's History Month, we recognize the generations of American women whose important contribution continue to shape our Nation. Women's important role in Kiowa County agriculture in demonstrated by the active W. I. F. E organization and their participation in other organizations.

Since March 15^th falls on a Saturday, Monday, March 17, is the final date to request disaster coverage under NAP (Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program). The NAP program provides a minimum level of disaster coverage for all crops, including native grass, for which Federal Crop Insurance is not available through private agents. The administrative fee is $100 per crop up to a maximum of $300 per county and $900 in all counties. Each person having a share in the crop on the farm must pay a separate $100 administrative fee.

Owners of land with old crop bases and/or cropping history, have only two weeks left to request an update of all crop bases and yields based on 1998 to 2001 cropping history. Another option is if a farm had a history of planting sunflowers from 1998 to 2002, the sunflowers may be able to be added to the cropping history or substituted for existing crop bases. Remember, OWNERS are the individuals that need to sign the base and yield election forms unless the operator has power of attorney. Don't wait until the last minute. If you don't know what you need to do, contact the FSA Office and we will help you get through the decision making process. The main thing you will need to make an intelligent decision is accurate production records from 1998 through 2001 crop years.

March 15 through July 15 is the designated "nesting period" for wildlife on CRP acreage. CRP Conservation Plans require CRP acres to be left undisturbed during the nesting period. No maintenance operations or other activities are to be conducted on CRP during this period unless specifically authorized by the County Committee.