USDA Update

By Rod Johnson

May 14, 2004

Join Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory at J & L Farms (Laura & John Negley), near Eads, Colorado, on Friday June 11th for a workshop on birds, habitat, and range management. The workshop is an opportunity for landowners and resource professionals to become more familiar with grassland birds including how to identify them by sight and sound and the different habitats they use. Presenters will discuss the use of birds as indicators of habitat management, change and provide simple tools for incorporating birds into existing management and monitoring plans. Attendees will receive a pocket guide to prairie birds, interactive cd-rom, and training module on birds including the economic and ecological role of birds and their habitat needs. The workshop is free with breakfast and lunch provided. A head count is needed for food and materials so please RSVP to Tammy VerCauteren or Scott Gillihan at 970-482-1707 by June 9th. The workshop will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end by 3:00 p.m.

CSU Cooperative Extension has received the updated average custom farming rates based on 2003 operations. A copy of this is available from the Extension Office in the basement of the Courthouse in Eads or by calling 719-438-5321.

USDA and USGS (United States Geological Survey) are sponsoring a four day national conference on the future of CRP in the Great Plains from June 6 thru 9, 2004. The conference is in FORT COLLINS. Registration fee is $250 in advance if paid by May 21 or $275 after that date. Additional information is available on FSA’s Web site at: www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/crpconf.asp This looks like it will be a great opportunity for landowners to learn about CRP issues and have input into the future of CRP in the Great Plains. It is not often you have the opportunity to participate in a conference of this magnitude so close to home.

Developing all possible directions is critical now since 16 million acres of CRP contracts expire in 2007 and 6 million acres in 2008. This conference provides an exciting opportunity for input into the future of the nation’s largest environmental program," said FSA Administrator James R. Little. "Science based understanding is critical for effective CRP policy development." Conference participants will review ongoing and planned research projects, discuss lessons learned, identify knowledge gaps and explore alternative CRP implementation options. The conference is targeted to CRP stakeholders with scientific, environmental and practical backgrounds. Agenda features include open discussions among attendees, remarks from top CRP program administrators and panels representing a broad range of CRP topics, experts and stakeholders. More than 40 speakers drawn from academia, state and federal agencies and diverse interest groups will present expert insights.

Due to the contractual agreement between producers and Blue Sun Producers, Inc, for production of brown mustard, canola and other oilseed commodities, the grain is not eligible for loan or LDP (Loan Deficiency Payment). The Growers Agreement signed by the producer to obtain seed for planting gives the producer a "license" to grow the commodity and the producer never has beneficial interest which is required to loan or LDP eligibility.