USDA Update

by Rod Johnson

May 16, 2003

At the FSA County Committee meeting this past week, five different awards were presented. Fran Larrew, County Committee Advisor from the W.I.F.E. organization, was presented her plaque for "Conservationist of the Year" for Kiowa County from the Kiowa County Conservation District. Fran Larrew was selected as Conservationist of the Year for 2003 by the Kiowa County Conservation District for her efforts to establish wildlife habitat. She has planted over 900 trees and shrubs and installed a shallow water pit for wildlife. Paul Zimmerman, who serves on both the Conservation District Board and County Committee, presented the Plaque.

Dawna Weirich and Charla Ferris both received $500 "Extra Effort Awards" for their outstanding contributions in implementing the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program and the NAP Program in Kiowa County. Due to their tireless and diligent efforts, Kiowa County producers completed signup and receive payments sooner than most other counties in Colorado. Nadene Gaynor and Walt Immer both received Certificates of Recognition of 20 years of Service to FSA. Mike Steffen, FSA District Director for southeast Colorado presented the awards. Kiowa County is fortunate to have such a dedicated (and spirited!) group of employees to help producers wade through all of the paperwork required by USDA programs.

The rangeland in Kiowa County is looking much better than last year over most of the county, but do not be deceived by the lush appearance. One plant that is very common on Kiowa County rangeland this year that is contributing to the green appearance of the range is six-week fescue, known locally as June grass. This is a winter annual grass that starts growth in March to April, matures at about 4 to 6 inches in height in May, and turns dry and brown in June. This plant has little forage value due to its short life span, low production of leaves and likelihood of being pulled up by the roots when grazed. The native perennial grasses such as blue grama and buffalo are coming on early this year also, but will probably not be as productive as normal due to the extreme drought conditions during the previous growing season. Range management professionals are recommending delaying the start of grazing by at least two weeks and reducing the stocking rate to 30-50% of the regular carrying capacity to help the recovery of the stressed grass plants.

Mark your calendars for the Colorado Wheat Field days, sponsored by the Colorado State Cooperative Extension. Three meetings have been scheduled in our area; (1) June 9, 5:00 pm, Prowers County, John Stulp Farm, (2) June 10, 9:00 am, Kiowa County, Eugene Splitter Farm, (3) June 10, 1:00 pm, Cheyenne County, Tom Heinz Farm. These field tours will provide a good opportunity to discuss the white wheat varieties adaptable to our area as well as other wheat productivity issues.

Any person who is convicted under federal law of a controlled substance violation could be ineligible for USDA payments or Benefits. Violations include, but are not limited to planting, harvesting, or growing of a prohibited plant. Violations also include convictions for POSSESSION AND TRAFFICKING of a controlled substance.

We have been advised that white wheat is eligible for both loan and LDP (Loan Deficiency Payment). The loan rate for white wheat is the same as hard red winter wheat, $2.75 per bushel.