USDA Update

by Rod Johnson

May 9, 2003

May is Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In 1978, a joint congressional resolution established May as the time to celebrate diversity Asian and Pacific Islanders brought to the United States. May was chosen to coincide with two key anniversaries: the arrival in the United States of the first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and the completion of the transcontinental railroad (May 10, 1869). Rapid completion of the transcontinental railroad was made possible largely in part to hard working immigrants who worked tirelessly in bringing the east and west together. Take a moment this month to appreciate and celebrate the contributions diverse cultures have made to the United States.

The FSA Office has received our procedure for managed haying and grazing of CRP grass. Managed haying and grazing is being allowed once every three years to help improve the vigor of CRP grass stands. CRP may not be hayed or grazed during the primary nesting or brood rearing season for wildlife (March 15 through July 15). To apply for CRP haying or grazing, you must file a request with the FSA Office and modify your conservation plan with NRCS. A payment reduction of 25% of the annual rental payment will be assessed. The Colorado State FSA Committee will establish a date when all hay and livestock must be removed. The Colorado State FSA Committee may also authorize emergency haying and grazing when the County is in a D3 drought category. Emergency grazing may not be approved by the State Committee until after June 1. A payment reduction of 25% will also apply to emergency grazing.

USDA has announced loan rates for the 2003 crops of corn, grain sorghum and soybeans. Kiowa County loan rates are; corn $2.07 per bushel, grain sorghum $3.46 per cwt. and soybeans $4.70 per bushel. Other loan rates previously announced are wheat $2.73 per bushel, sunflowers $9.39 per cwt., and barley $1.93 per bushel.

The interest rate for crop loans disbursed during May is 2.25 percent. The interest rate for farm stored facility loans approved during May is 3.5 percent. Farm Storage Facility Loans may be approved to install new grain storage, upgrade existing facilities and for installation of handling or drying equipment

May 31 is the deadline for obtaining loans and LDP (Loan Deficiency Payments) on 2002 crops of corn, grain sorghum, soybeans and sunflowers. Since May 31 is on Saturday this year, the final date is June 2. Note, there is currently a $.30 LDP available for sunflowers.

, oats, soybeans, and oilseeds (*including non-oil sunflowers). Contact the FSA Office for rates.