Conservation compliance programs are important part of farm bill

Hello again!

Wow, more snow and record low temperatures! What a February this is turning out to be.

I put a new engine heater on my tractor two weeks ago and found on the coldest day so far this month that it doesn’t work. So of course I had to get out the propane heater to warm the block.

I’m ready for spring or a heated garage if I can just convince my wife. We all face challenges on the farm this time of year but I guess the important thing is to stay safe and keep the wood pile stocked.

On to farming

We have had several calls related to the new conservation compliance changes in the new farm bill as they relate to crop insurance.

For farmers to be eligible for premium support on their federal crop insurance, a completed and signed AD-1026 form must be on file with the FSA. Since many FSA and Natural Resource Conservation programs have this requirement, most producers should already have an AD-1026 on file.

If producers have not filed, they must do so by June 1.

When a farmer completes the AD-1026, FSA and NRCS staff will outline any additional actions that may be required for compliance with the provisions.

The Risk Management Agency, through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, manages the federal crop insurance program that provides the modern farm safety net for American farmers.

Since enactment of the 1985 farm bill, eligibility for most commodity, disaster, and conservation programs has been linked to compliance with the highly erodible land conservation and wetland conservation provisions.

Conservation compliance

The 2014 farm bill continues the requirement that producers adhere to conservation compliance guidelines to be eligible for most programs administered by FSA and NRCS.

This includes the new price and revenue protection programs, the Conservation Reserve Program, the Livestock Disaster Assistance programs and Marketing Assistance Loans implemented by FSA.

It also includes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and other conservation programs.

FSA recently released a revised form AD-1026, which is available at USDA Service Centers and online. USDA will publish a rule later this year that will provide details outlining the connection of conservation compliance with crop insurance premium support.

Producers can also contact their local County FSA office for more information.

That’s all for now,

FSA Andy