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Brown County Ag Buzz Newsletter
Articles submitted by Farm Service Agency, Brown SWCD, USDA NRCS, & OSU Extension-Brown County
County Committee 2007 Election Results
Congratulations to Philip Dotson! Philip was elected to the Brown County Committee (COC) to represent farmers from Local Administrative Area #2, Washington, Eagle, Franklin, Jackson, and Jefferson townships on the county committee, with Steve Rockey serving as 1st alternate. The committee members held their organizational meeting on January 8, voting Frank Mezger to serve as chairman, Philip Dotson as vice-chairman and Tom Cluxton as member for calendar year 2008. Rebecca Bishop currently serves as the COC minority Advisor.
County Committee Minority Advisors
FSA County Committee (COC) Advisors are a valued voice for under represented groups and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Interested individuals should submit a written letter that outlines their abilities and qualifications, as well as their willingness to serve, postmarked by Jan. 25, 2008 to the Brown County FSA Office. If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patty Harper, County Executive Director at 937-378-6173 ext. 2, or by email at patty.harper@oh.usda.gov.
Ag Census Forms Due by Feb 4th
USDA is currently conducting a 2007 Census of Agriculture. Census forms were mailed on the 10th and are due back by February 4, 2008. Producers may file online via a secure website at: http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/.
USDA issues Disaster Payments for Crop, Livestock and Feed Losses
As of January 10, 2008, Brown County FSA has issued $407,976 under the Crop Disaster, Livestock Compensation and Livestock Indemnity Programs. These programs provide payments to agricultural producers who suffered losses in 2005, 2006, and before December 31, 2007 with payment issued on the most beneficial year of the three. Sign-up for these programs is ongoing, farmers and ranchers can apply to receive benefits through these and other disaster programs by visiting their local FSA service center. Find more information about FSA disaster programs online at: http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.
LDP Deadline on Unshorn Wool, Mohair and Lamb Pelts
Eligible producers have until Jan. 31, 2008, to apply for LDPs for wool, mohair and unshorn pelts produced during the 2007 crop year.
Foreign Buyers Notification
The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act requires all foreign owners of U.S. agricultural land to report their holdings to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Farm Service Agency administers this program for USDA. Foreign persons who have purchased or sold agricultural land in the county are required to report the transaction to FSA with 90 days of the closing. Failure to submit the AFIDA form could result in civil penalties of up to 25 percent of the fair market value of the property. County government offices, Realtors, attorneys and others involved in real estate transactions are reminded to notify foreign investors of these reporting requirements.
Note: This newsletter provides a brief summary of program provisions and is not meant to be all-inclusive. Further information is available at local FSA offices and from FSA’s Home Page at: www.fsa.usda.gov.
Spring-Seeded Noninsured Assistance Program crop coverage signup deadline is March 17, 2008.
Controlled Substance
Any person who is convicted under federal law of planting, producing, cultivating, harvesting, growing, or storing a controlled substance will be ineligible to participate and receive payments under USDA programs. Marijuana, opium poppies, and other drug producing plants are controlled substances.
Special Accommodations
Special accommodations will be made upon request for individuals with disabilities, vision or hearing impairment. If accommodations are required, individuals should contact the County Executive Director of their local Farm Service Agency office.
Power of Attorney
We have a power of attorney form available for those who find it difficult to visit the county office personally because of work schedules, distance, health, etc., that enables you to designate another person to conduct your business at the office. This can be done by completing an FSA-211, Power of Attorney. The form is also available online at: http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov. Forms obtained and completed outside the USDA Service Centers offices must be notarized. To find out more, call the office.
Spousal Signatures
Husbands and wives may sign documents on behalf of each other for FSA and Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) programs in which either has an interest. In most cases, this option is automatically available unless a written request for exclusion is made to the county office staff by either spouse.
Bank Account Changes
Current policy mandates that FSA payments be electronically transferred into your bank account. In order for timely payments to be made, producers need to notify the FSA County office staff if your account has been changed or if another financial institution purchases your bank. Payments can be delayed if the FSA office is not aware of updates to your account and routing numbers.
Appeal Process
After an FSA official makes a decision on your request for USDA services or application, you will be sent a letter informing you of the decision and options you can pursue if you disagree. Generally, program participants have three choices - an informal review with the original agency decision-maker, an opportunity for mediation and appeal to the USDA National Appeal Division.
Faxed Signatures
Certain faxed signatures shall be accepted for all applicable program forms or other documents approved for faxed signatures, if all other signature requirements are met.
Customer Statement
January signals the beginning of a new year, and a time to gather financial records and starting thinking about filling out a 1040. Producers who have signed up for a USDA eAuthentication Level 2 account will be able to access their farm data via their Customer Statement. The website is available at: http://customerstatement.usda.gov/. The Customer Statement puts a range of USDA services and programs into a single report that’s at your fingertips and available online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It allows USDA customers to view their participation, application and payment status in various commodity and conservation programs; information on farm loans; and conservation plan and land unit information.
Loans for Socially Disadvantaged
FSA has a number of loan programs available to assist applicants to begin or continue in agriculture production. Loans are available for operating type loans and/or purchase or improve farms or ranches. While all qualified producers are eligible to apply for these loan programs, the FSA has targeted funding for members of Socially Disadvantaged Applicants. For purposes of this program, socially disadvantaged groups are women, African Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders. For detailed information on loan eligibility or the different loan programs available, contact Frankie Stith-Scott, FSA Farm Loan Manager (FLM) at 937-378-6173. FSA loans are only available to applicants who meet all the eligibility requirements and are unable to obtain the needed credit elsewhere.
Applications for FSA Loans
Farmers and ranchers that intend to apply to the Farm Service Agency for loan assistance for the upcoming crop year are encouraged to file their applications as early as possible. Filing early will help ensure that your loan is processed and approved as early as possible so that planting decisions can be made. Failure to apply early can result in a delay in processing loans due to the volume of applications that must be processed in date order. Contact Frankie Stith-Scott, FSA Farm Loan Manager at 937-378-6173 for more details and assistance in applying.
Youth Loans Available
FSA makes loans to individual rural youths to establish and operate agricultural-related, income-producing projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4-H clubs, Future Farmers of America, and similar organizations. Each project must be part of an organized and supervised program of work. For qualification requirements, please contact Frankie Stith-Scott, FSA Farm Loan Manager at 937-378-6173.
Brown County Receives 2 Disaster Designations
USDA has designated Brown County as a primary agriculture natural disaster area due to early freezes and drought conditions during the 2007 growing season. These designations make Emergency Loans (EM) available to eligible applicants with qualifying production losses. EM applications deadlines are March 20, 2008 for frost & freeze losses and July 28, 2008 for drought losses. For qualification requirements, please contact Frankie Stith-Scott, FSA FLM at 937-378-6173.
Open House at FSA Office --We will be honoring PT, Vivian Stratton on January 31, 2008 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Vivian is retiring with 20 years service to FSA & Brown Co farmers. Stop by or call her on the 31st to express your appreciation for a job WELL DONE!!
FSA Information Requests
The privacy of personally identifiable information (PII) is protected by The Privacy Act, The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and The E-Government Act of 2002. Requests for FSA information should be in writing, sufficiently describe the record to permit its identification and location, and if mailed, be addressed to Patty Harper with “FOIA Request” typed or written on the envelope. Each FOIA request shall be considered separately. Continuing requests or standing requests for records as they become available shall not be accepted. The most effective way to insure you will receive the information you want, is to obtain the owners permission in writing. This includes requests for digital maps, production records, and crop reports.
FSA Grain Loans
Interested in obtaining a 2007 crop grain loan? Notify the office by calling or stopping by to begin the loan process. Once the loan documents are completed (2-5 working days), you will be given an appointment to finalize the loan. Loan disbursements will be made by electronic funds transfer to your account, unless you have submitted a request for a direct deposit waiver to receive a paper check. If you have an active grain loan, the day you notify the office you want a release to sell mortgaged grain is the day the release will be faxed to the elevator. Telephone requests are accepted, but you will need to sign the release form as soon as possible. Need to feed your mortgaged grain---pay off those bushels BEFORE feeding them. Feeding or selling mortgaged grain without prior approval is unauthorized removal of collateral and can result in significant penalties and future denial of FSA grain loans.
Tobacco Buyout Payments to be issued Jan 14th
TAX TIME AGAIN!! Your statement of 2007 USDA benefits is scheduled to be mailed by January 31, 2008. Watch for form CCC-1099-G, Report of Gov Payments.
2008 Farm Bill—still remains undecided.
We will immediately notify you of any signup announcement. Watch for a post card!
DATES TO REMEMBER
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Jan 21 |
FSA office closed--Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday |
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Jan 31 |
Deadline on 2007 LDPs for wool, mohair and unshorn lamb pelts. |
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Feb 18 |
FSA office closed—President’s Day Holiday |
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Mar 17 |
Deadline to obtain 2008 NAP coverage on spring planted crops. |
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Mar 20 |
Deadline for Emergency Loan application 2007 losses due to Frost & Freeze damage. |
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Mar 31 |
Final Availability for 2007 crop wheat, barley, oats, honey loans and LDPs. |
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July 28 |
Deadline for Emergency Loan application 2007 losses due to Drought. |
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its program and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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Brown SWCD Announces New Wildlife Workshop
By Danielle Thompson, BCSWCD
The Brown Soil and Water Conservation District and Brown County Farm Bureau are pleased to partner together to bring the region a new workshop opportunity. The 2008 Wildlife and Habitat Management Workshop will be held on Saturday, March 8 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at Southern State Community College in Fincastle. This workshop is for the landowner or wildlife enthusiast that wants to learn to manage land and wildlife successfully.
The workshop will include a variety of informational sessions presented by professionals in the conservation and land management fields. The morning keynote speaker will be Mike Tonkovich, biologist from the Ohio Division of Wildlife, speaking on deer herd management on private property. Additional topics included are timber stand management, fish stocking, wildlife damage procedures, Ohio prairies, bobwhite quail, incentive programs for landowners, and so much more.
Pre-registration is required. The cost of $10 includes morning refreshments, lunch, and handout materials. Due to facility space, registrations will be limited to the first 100 on a first come, first served basis. Registration is due no later than February 27, 2008. For a registration flyer, stop in the Brown SWCD office or give us a call at 937-378-4424 to have a copy mailed to you.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
By Molly Etienne, Brown County District Conservationist, USDA NRCS
The USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) still has money available for local farmers who would be interested in improving their farm, and the environment. The EQIP program is designed to provide assistance to farmers who are experiencing challenges on their land due to soil, water, and other natural resource risks. Through this program Brown County Natural Resources Conservation Services can help improve and conserve water quality, reduce soil erosion to improve cropland and forestland, improve air quality, and address wildlife issues. All of this combined will result in an increase in agricultural productivity, environmental quality, while meeting all Federal, State and local standards. Those eligible for the EQIP program are livestock or agricultural producers with cropland, pastureland, and private forestland; and be in compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions of the 1985 Farm Bill and be willing to work with the NRCS to develop an EQIP plan of operations. NRCS will assist in making up a plan that will best fit the particular needs of the land, and this plan becomes the foundation for a cost-share agreement between the participant and NRCS. Incentive payments are available for a wide variety of conservation practices and may pay up to 75 percent for certain practices such as: animal waste systems, comprehensive nutrient management plans and grazing plans. In some cases, incentive payments can be up to 90 percent for limited resource producers. Applications for the program are taken throughout the year. Producers are competitively ranked on a resource concern basis; nationally, statewide and locally for annual acceptance into the program. Further information can be obtained from the Brown County USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Office at (937) 378-4424.
Planning Beyond No-Till
By Joel LeGris USDA NRCS District Conservationist, Brown County
This is the time of year when we are outlining our fields for planting this seasons crops and deciding where to plant and how to plant and where to spray and what not to spray. Our techniques can make the difference between an enormous amount of soil loss or very little. Most of us know the benefits of no-till planting compared to conventional tillage or even reduced tillage: time saved, soil saved and perhaps USDA benefits saved as well. There seems to be wide – spread acceptance of no-till planting, however, where to leave out grassed waterways in concentrated drainage areas may be another matter. No-tillage or reduced tillage is not the only erosion control practice that many of our fields need. We may need contour farming or cropping across the steeper slopes maybe leaving some grass buffer strips to slow the water flow down on these slopes, and we may need to leave adequate sod in the waterway areas as well. In addition to reduced tillage, crop rotations along with contouring and grass waterways are some of the most basic erosion control methods used to hold our topsoil in place and reduce those ugly rills and gullies! The Conservation Reserve Program (USDA/FSA) may provide incentive payments and land rental payments for qualifying practices.
Many operators are using “Roundup Ready” soybeans to avoid reduced yields and to enhance time efficiency in the field. Unfortunately, the fescue in our waterways is not “Roundup Ready,” nor ready for any monocot controlling herbicide if the sprayer is left on while crossing them. No- tillage is not a substitute for concentrated flow erosion, however, it does help to slow run off and herbicide movement toward these waterway areas- if and when they are left out.
There are many ways we can reduce our soil losses if we just take the time to plan our fields, watch our waterways, and improve our techniques as we go along.
For further technical assistance and /or information concerning cost –share and annual payments for waterway, buffer strip and filter strip set- aside, call our office for an appointment or farm visit today (937) 378-4424.
Farmer's Club…A Successful Start
By David Dugan, Extension Educator Ag & Natural Resources
OSU Extension Brown County
The Brown County Farmer's Club got off to a great start this past week. Tim Wilson did an outstanding job of presenting information about timber sales, planting trees, invasive plants and controls, and many other aspects of managing your woodlots. The meal that the ladies prepared was outstanding, too.
During the next three months we will have more meetings. The dates and information about these programs are as follows:
On January 17th, Mark Sulc, OSU Extension Forage Specialist will be discussing Pasture and Hayfield Management Following the Drought. Should I reseed my pastures and/or hayfields? When should I apply fertilize? Should I do a soil test? Following the abuse our pastures took this summer, this should be very good and timely information. This program will be free to everyone.
On February 12th we will be discussing Farm Taxes with Dave Miller. Dave is retired from OSU Extension as a Farm Management Specialist. Dave is still involved with the Tax Schools that are taught to tax preparers throughout Ohio. This program will be a little longer than the normal Farmer's Club.
This program will start at 10:00 a.m. and we will break for lunch around noon. The program will continue after lunch for an additional hour or two. This program is being sponsored by the Farm Credit Services, so you will only need to pay for your lunch.
On March 19th we will have Jeff Stachler, OSU Weed Specialist, to discuss Herbicide Management to Combat the Resistance Weeds. This program will not have a charge other than lunch.
Again, remember to let us know a couple of days before the program so the Ladies Auxiliary can prepare lunch. Hopefully the Farmer's Club concept is something that we can continue next winter depending on the attendance this year.
Innovative Tobacco Grower’s Program
By David Dugan, Extension Educator Ag & Natural Resources, OSU Extension Brown County
The Innovative Tobacco Grower’s Program (ITGP) is for tobacco growers who are planning to stay in tobacco production and would like enhance the profitability of their tobacco enterprise. The program will consist of two sessions during which in-depth information on tobacco production practices and management will be presented. Growers completing the program can expect to gain a better understanding of how tobacco plants grow and develop, and how management decisions impact growth, yield and profitability. The program will be offered in Southern Ohio, on Feb. 13th & 14th at the Southern State Community College in Fincastle as a joint program with OSU Extension and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. This program is open to any interested tobacco grower.
Session 1: February 13th 10:00 to 5:00
v Current tobacco situation
v Tobacco variety characteristics
v Transplant production
v Field site selection and preparation
v Fertilization for optimum yield and quality
v Budgeting tools and decision making
v Labor laws and compliance
Session 2: February 14th 10:00 to 3:00
v Common weeds in tobacco and their control
v Insect pests and their control
v Transplant and Field diseases
v Topping and Sucker Control
v Harvest Management
v Harvesting and curing methods/structures
v Mechanical harvesting
v Stripping and Market Preparation
Lunch will be provided for participants.
Classes at Maysville Community College
By David Dugan, Extension Educator Ag & Natural Resources, OSU Extension Brown County
There are three upcoming classes for farmers at the Maysville Community and Technical College. The classes include Beginning and Advanced Welding, Computers for Farm Use, and The Process of Plant Propagation. For more information contact Barb Campbell at 606-759-7141 ext. 66120
Dates to Remember…
By David Dugan, Extension Educator Ag & Natural Resources, OSU Extension Brown County
There are several programs coming up in the next few weeks. I have listed them below including the time, location and a brief description of the program. Call me at (937)378-6716 or e-mail if you have questions. Also, if you would like to be added to any of my current e-mail list, just send me an e-mail with your interests, so I know which lists to add your name to.
Brown County Farmers Club at the FOE Building in Georgetown OSU Forage Specialist will be discussing the issues with drought recovery, re-seeding, fertility and more concerning hay and pastures. This program will start at 10:00 a.m. on January 17th. Program is free, with a $6.00 charge for lunch by the Ladies Auxiliary. Please let us know you plan to attend for the purpose of preparing lunch, by noon the day prior to the Farmer’s Club Program. (378-6716)
Brown County Cattlemens Meeting - OSU Extension Office at 7:00 p.m. Meet the new Veterinarian that is now working out of Felicity on January 23rd.
University of Kentucky Tobacco Expo – January 24th in Lexington, Ky. at Heritage Hall next to Rupp Arena.
Power Show Ohio in Columbus at the Ohio Expo Center, January 25, 26, and 27. We have free tickets.
Small Farm College – Two locations this year. On Mondays in Monroe, in Butler County and on Tuesdays in Rio Grande in Gallia County. The classes start in late January.
Ohio Cattlemens District Meeting at Southern State Community College, in Fincastle, January 30th. Keep in mind that supper will be available prior to the meeting which will begin around 7:00 p.m.
The Professional Marketer Program – This is a 48 hour intensive program. The focuses are on marketing Corn, Soybeans, Wheat and Livestock. The course has three, two-day sessions. The dates are Jan. 31 & Feb. 1, Feb. 11 & 13, and Feb. 28 & 29 in Wilmington at the Clinton Co. OSU Extension Office.
Brown County Cattlemen Annual Banquet is scheduled for February 2nd.
Pesticide Re-certification in at the Southern Hills Career Center, Georgetown, Ohio, 1:00 p.m. on February 5th.
Ohio River Valley Agronomy Day This program covers several issues during the day including chemical updates from company representatives, updates from UK specialists in multiple areas of agriculture in this area. The program is scheduled for February 6th at the Mason County Extension Office in Maysville, Ky. Lunch is included in the program which starts at 10:30 a.m.
Pesticide Testing at the Old Y Restaurant. Review session begins at 10:30 a.m. and testing at 1:00 p.m. on February 7th.
Brown County Farmers Club Farmers Tax Issues with Farm Management Specialist Dave Miller on February 12th. This program is being sponsored by Farm Credit Services. Program time and location is the same for all Farmer’s Club Programs.
Innovative Tobacco Grower Program February 13th and 14th. The program starts at 10:00 a.m. with registration at 9:30 a.m. on the 13th, and we will finish around 5:00 p.m. The second day will start at 10:00 a.m. and finish around 3:00 p.m. The program will cover several issues of concern for tobacco growers who plan to continue to grow tobacco to meet the expectations of the industry. Lunch is included. Please call 378-6716 to pre-register.
Annual Tobacco Meeting – February 13th, at 7:00 p.m., Location TBA
Brown County Cattlemen – February 19th at the OSU Extension Office starting at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Stephen Boyles – Feeding Following the Drought of 2007.
Brown County Master Gardeners Program Classes begin on Feb. 21st at 10:00 a.m.
Pesticide Re-certification in Hillsboro at Southern State Comm. College on Feb. 22nd , at 1:00 p.m.
Pesticide Re-certification and Testing Feb. 26th, Southern State Comm. College, in Fincastle. Testing begins at 4:00 p.m. and Re-certification begins at 5:30 p.m.
Brown County Cattlemens Meeting March 11th at 7:00, Dr. Henry Zerby, OSU Extension Meat Specialist will be here for a Bull Session for the Beef Industry.
Brown County Farmers Club Managing Your Herbicide Program to Reduce Resistant Weeds will be the topic of discussion. Same time and location as above on March 19th.
Tree Pruning Workshop March 22nd at the OSU Extension Office at 10:00 a.m. This program will be a Hands-On workshop with the Brown Co. Master Gardeners dealing with pruning ornamentals.
