USDA UPDATE

By Rod Johnson

November 28, 2003

President Bush proclaimed November 21 through 27 as National Farm-City Week. Agriculture generates 16 percent of the Gross Domestic Product and employs 17 percent of the workforce. Our farmers and ranchers build and sustain this industry with the help of others. While farmers and ranchers manage almost half of our Nation's land, they need processors, shippers, retailers, food service providers and many others to move their products from the farm to the homes of Americans and people around the world. In his proclamation, President Bush urged citizens to learn more about the American farm-city partnership and how it strengthens our country.

December 1 is the DEADLINE for purchasing 2004 Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance (NAP) coverage for several crops not insured by private agents. This includes native and planted grass, alfalfa, and mixed forage. In June of this year, a copy of all sales closing and other dates applicable to NAP crops was mailed to producers who had purchased NAP coverage for 2003. The cost of NAP coverage is $100 per crop, a maximum of $300 per county or a maximum of $900 in all counties. If a producer pays $300 we will list all crops and native grass that the individual may have in 2004.

The Farm Service Agency has announced a final signup deadline of January 30, 2004 for the 2001/2002 Crop disaster Program. We are still continuing to process all applications and should have most of them done by the first part of January. Anyone who has qualifying losses of insurable, uninsured or noninsurable crops in 2001 and/or 2002 is eligible for this program. If you have not received forms in the mail or been contacted by the FSA Office you should do so before January 30, 2004.

Agricultural producers in Local Administrative Area #2 (Middle of county, between Galatea and Chivington) by now should have received an election ballot for the County Committee election. Eligible voters may request a ballot at the FSA Office if one is not received by mail. Ballots must be postmarked or returned in person to the FSA Office no later than December 1, 2003.