03/17/06 CRP extension signup

The Conservation Reserve Program has been a hit with Idaho producers, no more so than in 1997. More than 800 thousand acres of Idaho farmland has been converted into conservation ground. Idaho Farm Service Agency director Wayne Hammon says more than half of the CRP contracts are due to expire next year and that's why FSA has offered some extension options. HAMMON "An opportunity we have to spread those contracts out a little longer so that we have a few expire in 2009, a few in 2010, a few in 2011instead of all of them expiring in the same year." The 2007 CRP extensions for more than 529 thousand acres vary depending on the environmental benefits. Those with the highest benefit get the longest extension offer. HAMMON "Several people in Idaho, more than we expected are qualifying for brand new ten year contract. Those are the top 20 percent. The folks in the next tier get a five year extension and then it works down. Almost everyone in Idaho will get at least a two year extension." Producers with CRP contracts that expire next year have until April 14th to get to a Farm Service Agency office and apply. A general CRP sign-up will be held from March 27th through April 14th. Contracts expiring this September will have to re-offer and compete for selection during this general signup period. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott