10/31/06 Idaho EQIP deadline is near

EQIP, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program is very popular with Idaho producers but if they want to participate in the 2007 program the deadline to sign up is November 24th. NRCS State Conservationist Rich Sims says there are many practices that farmers and ranchers can look at on a cost share basis. SIMS "For any type of conservation practices that they are interested on their farms such as pivots, it could be gully plugs, it could be waterways. We do quite a few management practices such as nutrient management, integrated crop management, integrated water management." Sims says if producers don't sign up by the November 24th deadline they won't be able to enroll again until November of 2007. SIMMS "We receive right around twelve million dollars a year for the last three years because of the 2002 Farm Bill. We've been able to spend every dime in our state." Last year Idaho captured a half a million dollars in addition EQIP money that went unused in another state. USDA field offices will contact all of those who sign up by the deadline and begin talks on the conservation plan and how it can be incorporated on the farm. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott