Program to highlight resources available to rural landowners

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio — Rural landowners are often not aware of the many agencies in place to assist them with the various aspects of rural land ownership.

Several local agency offices will present a workshop Oct. 13 on landowner assistance. The meeting will be held at the Guernsey SWCD conference room at 9711 E. Pike, Cambridge, beginning at 6 p.m. The meeting will last approximately two hours.

Topics

Debbie Redman, USDA/Farm Service Agency county executive director will explain how hay and vegetable crop insurance works, and how it enables producers to be eligible for disaster programs offered.

She will also talk about farm storage facility loans which are available for hay and grains, and cover various conservation programs which are offered in Guernsey county.

Kim Ray, USDA/Natural Resources district conservationist, will cover the different types of EQIP contracts available, including those for pastureland and forestry. She will explain some of the practices within these programs that address natural resource concerns for landowners.

She will also cover the WHIP program, which can assist in enhancing wildlife habitat.

Clif Little, OSU Extension educator, Guernsey and Noble counties, will give an overview of the educational programming, teaching opportunities and the many research programs his office offers the community.

Assistance

Joe Lehman and Jim Mizik, Soil & Water Conservation District technicians will explain what their respective districts do to address issues that face rural landowners.

Besides assisting the USDA-NRCS staff in putting their programs “on the land,” SWCDs also provide technical advice and educational opportunities on a variety of topics, including drainage, wildlife habitat, wildlife damage control, forestry management and water supply development.

James Cline, Farm Credit Services loan officer, will speak on the programs and services that his organization can offer landowners. He will explain some of the lending opportunities that are offered, such as farm and rural real estate loans, as well as operating, equipment and construction loans.

There is no cost for this program, but attendees must pre-register by calling 740-489-5300 or 740-432-5624.