06/06/08 CRP annual report

Idaho has well over six million acres of cropland. Each state can only have up to one quarter of its cropland in CRP, the Conservation Reserve Program. 780 thousand Idaho acres are currently enrolled in CRP leaving another 902 thousand acres available. Here are some highlights from the Farm Service Agency annual report showing how CRP preserves our nation's resources. Reduced runoff of sediment by 207 million tons, Lessened nitrogen runoff by 480 million pounds, Decreased runoff of phosphorus by 108 million pounds, Reduced soil erosion by wind and water by 470 million tons, Sequestered 50 million tons of carbon dioxide, Restored or maintained 2.1 million acres of wetland and adjacent upland buffers, and Established or maintained 1.9 million acres of grass and forested buffers along the nation's rivers and streams. In Idaho many CRP projects on small parcels of private property have been aimed at improving grass and tree buffers along waterways. The Farm Service Agency can answer any questions about the program and enrollment options or you can go to their website, fsa.usda.gov. for info on CRP or other conservation programs. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott