USDA Update – October 25, 2024
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
- CRP Emergency Grazing Authorized
- Fall Acreage Reporting Deadline - November 15, 2024
- Non-Insurable Assistance Program Application for Coverage Deadline – grass for grazing– December 1, 2024
Disclaimer: Information in this UPDATE is pertinent to Kiowa County FSA only. Producers reading this and that do not have FSA interest in Kiowa County are advised to contact their local FSA Office.
THE USDA SERVICE CENTER HAS A DROP BOX AVAILABLE ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE BUILDING.
COUNTY COMMITTEE ELECTION
The County Committee election is fast approaching. Ballots will be mailed to all eligible voters in LAA or Local Administrative Area 2 in November and the ballot county will occur here at the FSA Office on December 2nd. Kiowa County has three members of the County Committee which are elected for 3-year terms. An individual can serve, if elected, 3 – 3-year terms. Each member represents an LAA.
The current representative for LAA 2 is Destiny (Duff) Haase who has served the last 9 years on the County Committee. She has been an invaluable asset to the Committee and her experience and knowledge will be missed.
The nominees on the ballot this year are Melissa (Missy) Jones and Hayden Uhland. We thank them both for being willing to serve on the committee. In case you aren’t familiar with either candidate, below is a short biography of each candidate.
Melissa Jones:
Melissa is the 4th generation managing the family-owned ranch north of Chivington, where she grew up and currently lives. She has worked on the family ranch full time since 2003 and took over as manager in 2022. Melissa and her husband have 2 biological daughters, 2 adopted daughters and are raising their grandson. She has been involved in the 4-H programs including being a past leader advisor and project leader. The ranch utilizes rotational grazing which allows for year around grazing for the cow/calf operation. Once calves are weaned, they are placed into the feedlot on the ranch and fed and cared for by her until they reach around 800 pounds. She has deep roots in agriculture and believes you are never too old to learn something new.
Hayden Uhland:
Hayden farms with his family which includes, his father, brother and two uncles. They raise wheat, corn, milo, sunflowers and millet. Hayden and his wife, Shelby have 5 children, which includes a set of 2 year old twins. In Hayden’s free time (which is very little) he enjoys coaching sports that his children participate and going to the lakes during the summer. Hayden participated in FFA during High School.
NRCS CONTRACTORS LIST
The NRCS Office maintains a list of contractors that will perform disking of CRP, drilling of CRP grass seed, construction of fence and watering facilities for EQIP purposes. If you would like to be placed on this list or would like more details contact the Eads NRCS Office @ 719-438-5851 ext. 3.
NRCS in Colorado Announces FY-25 EQIP and CSP Farm Bill Funding for Natural Resource Conservation Efforts
Farm Bill funding opportunities for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Although the NRCS accepts Farm Bill program applications throughout the year, cut-off dates do apply for certain opportunities. There are two avenues to receive funding in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, the traditional funding process and the ACT NOW process using either the Farm Bill or IRA funding authorities.
FY-25 EQIP Traditional Funding Opportunities
NRCS's traditional funding process involves the installation of more complex practices and systems which require more planning and design. The traditional applications must be submitted to the NRCS by December 13, 2024.
FY-25 EQIP ACT NOW Funding Opportunities
NRCS's ACT NOW process allows producers the opportunity to apply for applicable NRCS funding and potentially know if their project will be funded in an expedited manner. ACT NOW applications are due to NRCS no later than March 7, 2025.
EQIP is a voluntary Farm Bill program which provides financial assistance for conservation systems such as animal waste management facilities, irrigation system efficiency improvements, fencing, water supply development, riparian protection, and wildlife habitat enhancement.
Farmers, ranchers, and forest land managers are encouraged to contact their local Colorado NRCS field office to help determine which process best fits their goals and needs.
FY-25 CSP Funding Opportunities
CSP applications will be utilizing the ACT NOW process for all funding opportunities though Farm Bill and IRA. CSP applications must be submitted by March 7, 2025.
Through conservation programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources, build resiliency, and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to combat the impacts of climate change.
Through CSP, NRCS helps farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners that are already stewardship-minded take their operations to a higher level of conservation and stewardship. CSP participants earn annual payments enabling them to expand and adopt new conservation activities while maintaining and strengthening their agricultural operation and its production goals. Landowners looking to improve grazing conditions, increases soil health, or develop wildlife habitat will find CSP is a financial assistance program worth consideration.
Producers, landowners, and forest managers interested in applying for assistance should contact their local Colorado NRCS field office located in the USDA Service Center that services their county. Producers must have farm records current with the Farm Service Agency and submit a complete program application to NRCS to be considered for financial assistance through EQIP and CSP. To find out more information about EQIP, CSP, and other Colorado NRCS programs and opportunities, visit www.co.nrcs.usda.gov.
