USDA Update

By Rod Johnson

November 19, 2004

President Bush issued a proclamation declaring November as National American Indian Heritage Month. As the first people to call our country home, American Indians and Alaska Natives have a noble history in this land and have long shaped our Nation. During National American Indian Heritage Month, we celebrate our commitment to respect and preserve the rich Native American traditions and cultures. The enduring experiences of tribal communities are a cherished part of our national story. With the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Monument developments, it gives all citizens of our area a unique opportunity to learn much about Northern and Southern Arapahoe and Cheyenne tribal members. We share far more similarities than differences; family and children, patriotism and honoring veterans. Take a little time to learn and appreciate the varied cultures that make up this great nation.

The FSA & NRCS Offices will be closed, Thursday, November 25, for the Thanksgiving Day Holiday. The offices will reopen on Friday, November 26, but will be very short staffed.

The FSA Office already has the computer software installed to take 2005 acreage reports. You may want to make your acreage reports for winter wheat, native grass and CRP now, during the winter months, before you get too busy with calving season and spring farming. Acreage reports may be revised up until July 15, 2005 if something changes. The FSA Office still offers paid for measurement service to determine acreages.

USDA Farms Service Agency’s (FSA) Ewe Lamb Replacement and Retention Payment Program provides producers with $18 million in direct payments to help replace and retain ewe lamb breeding stock. To be eligible for benefits, the lamb operation must: 1) have purchased or retained ewe lambs for breeding purposes between August 1, 2003 and July 31, 2004, 2) have retained the qualifying ewe lambs in the herd for at least one complete offspring lambing cycle, and 3) not have received funds under USDA’s Lamb Meat Adjustment Assistance Program for the same ewe lamb. Signup for this program began October 25, 2004 and an end date has not yet been established. Additional eligibility requirements and information are available at the FSA Office. Information is also posted on the USDA Web Site.