WLPOLICY MATTERSjobs and dollars back to his own constituentsand the U.S. economy.“The Oklahoma <strong>Wheat</strong> GrowersAssociation and its farmer-memberssupport efforts to cut the federalbudget, but strongly oppose takingan axe to a program that has beenproven to have a positive net effecton our economy.”NAWG and its state wheat growerassociation members are strong supportersof both MAP and FMD andwill continue to work to ensure theyare fully funded and produce themaximum possible benefit for U.S.farmers and taxpayers.States implementnew federaltransportation lawsStates are now underway inimplementing new federal transportationrules. Last month PresidentObama signed into law a two-yearreauthorization of surface transportationprograms, Moving Aheadfor Progress in the 21st Century, orMAP-21 (public law number 112-141),which authorizes federal highwayprograms. It includes severalimportant provisions including theFarmers’ Freedom Act (H.R. 2414),extending federally subsidizedstudent loan interest at 3.4 percent, aManley Crop Insurance AgencyFor outstanding product knowledge and a detail oriented agency ...Call Ann Q. Manley or Matt Manley1-888-786-7730All Types of Federally Funded Insurance Including The New Combo PolicyManley Crop Insurance Agency424 Wine Country Road, Suite 2Prosser, WA 99350(509) 786-7730AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDERGuidelines on CRP takeout optionsRecently the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) releasedmaterials to help farmers review Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)takeout options. Landowners with expiring CRP contracts have variousoptions for managing the land. First and foremost, however, there is nofederal farm program available through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) orNRCS to help cover costs to convert CRP to crop production.If you choose not to re-enroll in CRP, or your bid to re-enroll is not accepted,your options will vary from returning the land to crop production,livestock production or wildlife management. If you wish to return yourland to CRP, you may make modifications to improve your chances of gettingthe land accepted back into the program.The materials from NRCS can be foundon the <strong>Wheat</strong> <strong>Life</strong> website atwww.wheatlife.org.CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAMPREPARED INCOOPERATION WITH:United States Department of AgricultureNatural Resources Conservation ServiceEXPIRING CONTRACTOPTIONS FOR CRPUSDA Farm ServiceAgency (FSA)USDA Natural ResourcesConservation Service (NRCS)Spokane Conservation District (SCD)Washington Association ofConservation Districts (WACD)Washington Office of FarmlandPreservationWashington Departmentof Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)Washington State UniversityExtension - Steve Van VleetLANDOWNERS WITH EXPIRING CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM(CRP) CONTRACTS FACE A VARIETY OF ALTERNATIVES FOR MANAGINGTHE LAND.If you choose not to re-enroll in CRP, or your bid to re-enroll is not accepted,your options will vary from returning the land to crop production tomanaging it for wildlife. If you wish to return your land to CRP, you maymake modifications to improve your chances of getting the land acceptedback into the program.This information sheet reviews some of your options, the considerationsrelated to each and contacts for additional information. The options are notall-inclusive but focus on the most likely alternatives. You may even chooseto separate the acreage and adopt more than one alternative.Your choice will depend on your circumstances, expectations and goals.It is important to consider several factors including soil productivity andlimitations, management and past yields, commodity prices, conversionand renovation costs and other required investments.Whatever you decide, resources are available to help you realize yourobjectives. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), your localconservation district, and extension office can provide technical assistance.CONSIDERATIONSUSDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.CONSIDERATIONSEXPIRING CONTRACT OPTIONS FOR CRP 2012-13OPTION #1: CROP PRODUCTION Cropping suitability: Does slope steepness, low productivity or erosivesoils make part or all of the land better suited for a different option?profitable than CRP payments.will increase. Crop prices and potential yields: Crop production may be more Input costs: Labor, equipment, management, and other input costs Conversion costs: Existing CRP vegetation will need to be destroyed bytillage, fire or chemical methods. Residual weed problems can be anissue. Higher than normal nitrogen rates may be required for two yearsafter conversion.your costs to convert CRP to crop production. There is NO Federal farm program through NRCS or FSA to help cover Equipment availability: Do you still have equipment for cropproduction, will you need to lease or purchase equipment or hirean operator? Conservation compliance: Highly Erodible Land (HEL) will require anew conservation plan. Decisions for the level of residue minimumsleft on the soil surface during critical wind and water erosion periods ofthe year will depend on field widths and number of tillage operationsand their timing. Being out of compliance could affect any future USDAfinancial assistance.EXPIRING CONTRACT OPTIONS FOR CRP 2012-13OPTION #2: LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION Livestock prices: Forage production is influenced by climate,management and market demands. Input costs: Labor, equipment, management, animal supplements,and other input costs will depend on grazing economics. Conversion costs: Using expiring CRP grass stands for hay or foragemay include the cost of adding fencing and water improvements ifthe land is to be grazed. Cost-share may be available through theEnvironmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), but the grazing planwould require a portion of your existing grazing acres to be deferredor rested. Environmental benefits: Leaving expiring CRP in grass and/orshrubs/trees gives continued protection from erosion. Bird nestingseason may be an issue for grazing. Good grazing management willbe required to maintain productivity and species composition. Management flexibility: Land may be used as either hay or forage.PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES AVAILABLEEnvironmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) is a voluntaryprogram that provides financial and technical assistance to treatresource concerns. Offered through the NRCS.Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary conservation programthat emphasizes support for working grazing operations, enhancementof plant and animal biodiversity, and protection of grassland underthreat of conversion to other uses. Offered through NRCS and FSA.WSU Extension can provide technical assistance for grazingmanagement.The NRCS Field Office Technical Guide can provide more informationthrough the Eastern Washington Range and Pasture SeedingsTechnical Note 101.Additional materials are offered through the Pullman Plant MaterialsCenter on Pasture Grazing Management. Environmental costs: Perennial vegetation provides the greatestbenefits for soil health and wildlife habitat. Soil erosion andcompaction may be reduced with use of no-till, direct seed orminimum tillage. Financial assistance to adopt these practices maybe available through conservation districts. Threatened andendangered species considerations may apply. Maintaining grassbuffers along roads and drainages may increase your eligibility forNRCS conservation programs. Maintaining base acres: Base acres are important for some FSAprogram payments. If your base acres were reduced at the time yourCRP contract was signed, they may be restored. Check with yourFSA office.PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES AVAILABLESpokane County Conservation District Direct Seed Loans provide low-interestloans for no-till and direct seed equipment, including tractors and combines.The program is available in 18 counties in eastern Washington and Idaho.PNW Conservation Tillage Handbook STEEP (Book): STEEP (Solutions ToEnvironmental and Economic Problems) is a cooperative Pacific Northwestresearch and educational program on conservation tillage systems throughthe University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University,and USDA-Agricultural Research Service.CONTACTSNatural Resources Conservation ServiceWashington State OfficePhone: (509) 323-2900Web: www.wa.nrcs.usda.govCounty office locator: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=WAWashington Association of Conservation DistrictsWeb: http://www.wadistricts.org/Steve Van Vleet, WSU ExtensionUSDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.509-397-6290 or svanvleet@wsu.eduFarm Service AgencyWashington State OfficePhone: (509) 323-3000Web: www.fsa.usda.gov/waCounty office locator: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=wa&agency=fsaWSU ExtensionCounty office locator: http://extension.wsu.edu/locations/Pages/default.aspxCrop production may be more profitable thanCRP payments.CONTACTSNatural Resources Conservation ServiceWashington State OfficePhone: (509) 323-2900Web: www.wa.nrcs.usda.govCounty office locator: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=WASpokane Conservation DistrictPhone: (509) 535-7274Web: http://sccd.org/Washington Association of Conservation DistrictsWeb: http://www.wadistricts.org/PNW STEEP - PNW Direct Seed AssociationWeb: http://pnwsteep.wsu.edu/authors/index.htmFarm Service AgencyWashington State OfficePhone: (509) 323-3000Web: www.fsa.usda.gov/waCounty office locator: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=wa&agency=fsaLOOKING FORPROPERTIESFarmland, hunting and recreationalWE HAVE properties, BUYERSpasture and/or timberland.USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.Converting your CRP land for hay or forage is anviable alternative to crop production.United States Department of AgricultureNatural Resources Conservation ServiceFor Farmland, Pasture, Timberland and HuntingSales & Purchasesand Recreational properties, 20 to 20,000 Acres!–20 to 20,000 acre properties–Call Greg SchusterSpokane WA509-993-2545realtordad@aol.comCall Greg SchusterSpokane WA509-993-2545realtordad@aol.comUnited States Department of AgricultureNatural Resources Conservation Service20 WHEAT LIFE AUG/SEPT 2012
McKay Seed Co., Inc.Now located at severalof our Pacific PrideCard Lock locations!Hard Red Winter <strong>Wheat</strong> LinesEddy • Norwest 553 • WB-ArrowheadBEYOND® Resistant LinesORCF 102 • ORCF 103 • AP 700 CL • WB-1070CLSoft White Winter <strong>Wheat</strong> LinesEltan • Masami • Xerpha • WB-Junction • Madsen • WB-528WB 523 • AP Legacy • SY Ovation • Brundage 96 • WB 456White Club Winter <strong>Wheat</strong> LinesCara • BruehlRosalia, WA Almira, WA Moses Lake, WA(Wilhelm) 509-639-2293 509-766-9894509-523-3471 800-998-6694 800-258-4599(South of Wheeler Water Tower)Why Use DEF?DEF is ahigh puritysolution ofurea in water(32.5%).It is used tochemically reduceNox emissions fromtrucks and buses poweredby diesel engines. DEF iscontained in a separate tankand sprayed into the exhaustgases.DEF is not harmful to humans or animals.DEF is not explosive. It is non-toxic.the no-till Drill of ChoiceTheBestDrills for Depth Control13' to 45' All Plant Series Drills3-section 40' and 45', 2-section up to 30'and single-section 13' to 15'.exclusivelyfromCrustBuster!The OnlyAll Metal Seed Cupon the Market!• Wobble Slot forvarying seed sizes,weights and rates.• The best single seedplacement.Optional Hydraulic Seed Drive• Variable rate control capability.• Ties into prescription maps.• Reduces need to change sprockets.• On-the-go rate control.• Individual section shut-off control.ParallelLinkageOpenerYour Supplier of Quality Fuel and Lubricantsin Eastern WashingtonConnell Davenport Pasco Ritzville509-234-3311 509-725-4121 509-547-3326 509-659-1532800-635-9977 888-806-7676Spokane Sunnyside Yakima509-535-1534 509-837-5274 509-453-3920call 620.227.7106click www.crustbuster.comWHEAT LIFE AUG/SEPT 2012 21
Change language