USDA Update

By Rod Johnson

September 24, 2004

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15, USDA along with other Federal agencies, recognizes Hispanic Americans for helping to shape our national character and strengthen our communities. The warmth and vitality of the Hispanic culture are great gifts to America and are part of the unique fabric of our country. Hispanic Americans have played a major role in establishing the culture and heritage of the southwestern United States. Kiowa County was originally under control of the French who ceded the area to Spain in 1762. The French later regained control by secret treaty with Spain in 1800. France then sold the area to the United States by way of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The area south of the Arkansas River in Colorado was originally considered part of the Louisiana Purchase but was ceded back to Spain between 1819 and 1823. Because of this, Bents Fort was built on the north side of the Arkansas River. Take some time in the slower winter months ahead to learn more about the diverse cultures that shaped our area and the great country we live in.

Just a reminder, if you have corn or grain sorghum that will be eligible for LDP (Loan Deficiency Payment) but will be harvested for something other than grain such as bales or silage, contact the FSA Office to make sure you maintain eligibility for LDP. Grain sorghum varieties are divided into different categories by variety and some varieties must be planted with a pollinator then inspected before harvest to establish eligibility for LDP.

A timely filed notice of loss for NAP crops is 15 days from when the loss becomes apparent. The final date a producer can timely file is 15 calendar days after the final harvest date established for the crop. The final harvest dates are listed on the date tables found in the letter mailed to all producers participating in NAP, the first part of June this year. Once a producer does not file within these provisions they are late filed and have to meet the late filed provisions which include review by the County Committee. A field visit by a Loss Adjuster is also required even for grass acres that are grazed. If you reach a time period that the loss can no longer be verified according to procedure then this Notice of Loss will be denied.

The 2004 Colorado Agricultural Statistics Bulletin has been published with preliminary agricultural statistics for the 2003 calendar year. Cattle number as of January 1, 2004 showed 2.40 million head of all cattle and calves in Colorado which is the lowest number of total head since 1962. The total number was down 9 percent from the January 2003 count of 2.65 million head. All cattle and calves number in Kiowa County have 28,766 head in 1992 to 14,000 head in January 2004. Beef cow numbers have dropped from 15,042 in 1992 to 10,000 in January 2003. No wonder cattle prices are so high. With the good moisture in 2004 grass pastures are greatly improved and producers would like to rebuild their foundation herds but the availability of cattle is not good.

Farmers and ranchers in Kiowa County have reported the following total acres of planted crops and CRP: Winter wheat planted acres were 165,055 acres (of which 67,711 acres failed), 80,487 acres of grain sorghum, 33,158 acres of corn. 19,509 acres of millet, 10,808 acres of sunflowers, 14,749 acres of forage sorghum, 209,193 acres of CRP.