11/04/05 Conservation program deadline

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is getting program fund money out to producers a lot earlier this year. State conservationist Rich Sims says NRCS Chief Bruce Knight realizes that timing is everything. SIMS "What we're hoping on is to get our mandatory money which is the conservation cost share programs, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Wildlife Habitat and the Wetland Reserve Program. If we get the monies quicker then we should be having a signup quicker and not be doing the planning process when farmers are out in the fields trying to put their crops in or move their cows around." Sims says Idaho producers have eagerly enrolled in the various conservation programs developed in the 2002 Farm Bill. SIMS "70 percent more money than we've ever had before. We still have a two to one ratio as far as demand by the producers versus the amount of money that we have. Probably five years ago the ratio was four to one." In fiscal year 2005 Idaho producers received more than 20 million dollars for their participation in the various federal conservation programs administered by the NRCS. Again, November 22nd is the deadline to apply. You can get an application at the NRCS office and also pick up a new EQIP self-assessment form that is being used this year. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott