USDA Update

By Rod Johnson

August 13, 2004

Precipitation across the county for January through July has averaged 11.92 inches Haswell came in with 9.28 inches, Eads with 11.64 inches and Sheridan Lake with 14.83 inches. Average annual precipitation for Kiowa County is about 14 inches. The big difference was that Sheridan Lake recorded an amazing 6.30 inches of precipitation in June! May was the only disappointing month with an average precipitation across the county of a mere .28 inches. In May, Sheridan Lake (the big winner in June) received .00 inches! August is continuing the trend with most of the county receiving significant rainfall this past week. I wouldn’t go so far as to say the drought is over but it is sure a pleasant change from the last 4 years and it raises everyone’s spirits.

Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman has announced a general CRP (Conservation reserve Program) signup to run from August 30 through September 24, 2004. Kiowa County currently exceeds the 25% cropland limit imposed for CRP so land physically located in Kiowa County will not be eligible for enrollment during this offer period. Land administered by the Kiowa County FSA Office but physically located in another adjoining county that has not reached the 25% cropland limit, will be eligible to be offered.

You may be seeing media reports about the possibility for an early signup for CRP contracts expiring in 2007 and 2008. The dates of when this will occur have not been set. We will send a letter to all persons with CRP contracts when this is announced. This will not happen real soon. A lot will depend on comments received during the 120 day public comment period on the Federal Register notice. After that it will take time to get the permanent regulations in place. It could be up to a year or more before this occurs.

On August 4, 2004, President Bush announced that a Federal Register notice would be published that seeks public comment on CRP (Conservation Reserve Program). Now is the time to make sure "Agriculture’s Voice" is heard about CRP issues. Anyone has 120 days to submit written comments on the future of CRP. The purpose is to begin a national dialog on how best to maintain and expand the benefits of CRP. The Farm Service Agency is seeking public comment, among other things on the following: 1) how to manage the large acreage set to expire from CRP; 2) how to manage future CRP sign-ups and acreage; 3) how to evaluate the program’s effectiveness; 4) how to better use information technology, such as Geographic Information Systems, that evaluate acreage for enrollment; 5) how to improve CRP, including the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, through partnerships that better address local environmental issues.

The Federal Register notice is available on the FSA website at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crpcomments/. Click on "View in PDF Format" at the top of the page, wait for it to come up on the screen, then you can either read or print the document.