11/25/05 CSP informational meetings

A series of informational meetings are already underway to help farmers and ranchers in the Clearwater and North Fork of the Clearwater watersheds learn more about the new Conservation Security Program. NRSC state conservationist Rich Sims says producers will get a self-assessment workbook at the meetings. SIMS "Because we have so many people signing up for the program and a very, very short time frame to do the work we need to have the producers to help us with proving as much information about their operation as they can." Money is available for agricultural operations in all sizes including cattle ranches, fruit orchards and grain producers. SIMS "Over the last two years we've been able to put 4.6 million dollars in the hands of farmers who have implemented their conservation plan, that have done the stewardship work already and 1.6 (million) of that was in Idaho County last year." Four meetings were held earlier this week. Next Tuesday, November 29th, meetings are slated for Orofino, Lapwai and Kamiah followed by October 30th sessions in Craigmont and Moscow, December first in Kendrick and Deary and December fifth at Moscow. For more information go to www.id.usda.gov. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott