|
Farm
and Ranch
U.S. Drought Monitor
Shearing Date Announced
Expo Center (Rodeo Grounds)
By: Luther Dunlap, CEA-Ag
Coleman County
REMINDER - ALL lambs
must be slick shorn by December 31st for the County Show in
January, 2009. For 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors - there
will be a sheep shearer on hand on Monday, December
29, 2008
at the Expo Center (Rodeo Grounds).
Shearing will begin at 8:30 a.m.
If you need assistance with lamb shearing, this would be a
good time to have it done right before the county show.
Please keep in mind there will be a small charge for the
shearer. If you have any questions, contact the Coleman
County Extension Office at 325-625-4519.
Coleman Livestock Market Summary
for December 17th
No Sale on December 24th or December 31st
12/17/2008
There were 1,190 cattle on
offer at Coleman Livestock Auction for the December 17th
sale. That compares to 1951 a week ago and 1,699 a year
ago.
Compared to
last week feeder steers under 500 lbs were 1.00-2.00 higher,
over 500 lbs 1.00-2.00 higher. Feeder heifers under 500lbs
were 2.00-4.00 higher, over 500lbs 3.00-5.00 higher.
Slaughter cows and bulls were 2.00 to 4.00 higher.
Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady to firm. Trade
was good, demand was good. Click on the Coleman
Livestock Auction banner below for a full market report.
Coleman Livestock Market Summary
for December 10th
12/17/2008
There were 1951 cattle on
offer at Coleman Livestock Auction for the December 10th
sale. That compares to 2,534 a week ago and 663 a year
ago.
Due to dry
weather - stocker steers and heifers were 2.00-5.00 lower.
Feeders 600lbs and up were 2.00-3.00 higher. Stocker
cows and cow/calf pairs were 50.00-100.00 lower.
Packers were 2.00 lower. Click on the Coleman
Livestock Auction banner for a full market report.
Coleman Livestock Market Summary
for December 3rd
12/9/2008
There were 2,534 cattle on offer at Coleman Livestock
Auction for the December 3rd sale. That
compares to 3,101 a week ago, and 2,692 a year ago.
Compared to
last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs were steady to 4.00
higher, over 500 lbs steady to firm. Feeder heifers
under 500lbs were 2.00-3.00 higher, over 500lbs steady to
firm. Slaughter cows and bulls 2.00 to 3.00 higher.
Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady to 50 lower. Trade
good, demand good.
*PRODUCER MEETING* - December 10th
12/3/2008
The Coleman County FSA Office will be holding a producer
meeting to cover updates due to the new Farm Bill for the
following programs:
• AGI Provisions
• Pay Limit Provisions
• Disaster Programs
• DCP
• ACRE
• Farm Storage Facility Loans
• NAP
The meeting will be held at the fellowship hall of the First
United Methodist Church located at 500 W. Liveoak Street in
Coleman on Wednesday,
December 10th. The
meeting will begin at 9:00 am and conclude at 11:00 am.
COUNTY STOCK SHOW ENTRIES DUE by December 15th
12/3/2008
All 4-H and FFA exhibitors participating in the 2009 County
Stock Show should have their entries turned in to their
advisor by Monday, December 15, 2008. Entry fees are $10.00
for each animal entered (lamb, goat, pig, steer, and Pen of
3 rabbits).
If you haven't entered for County Stock Show, please contact
your Ag Science Teacher or the County Extension Agent.
Coleman Livestock Market Summary
for November 19th
11/21/2008
There were 3,101 cattle on offer at Coleman Livestock
Auction for the November 19th sale. That
compares to 2,289 a week ago. There was no sale a year
ago.
Compared to
last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs were 3.00 to 5.00
lower, over 500 lbs 4.00-8.00 lower. Feeder heifers
under 500lbs were 3.00-6.00 lower, over 500lbs 3.00 to 6.00
lower. Slaughter cows and bulls 2.00 to 3.00 higher.
Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady to firm. Trade
good, demand good. No Sale November 26th - off
for Thanksgiving Holiday. Click on the Livestock
Auction banner above for a full market report.
Coleman Livestock Market Summary
for November 12th
11/16/2008
There were 2,289 cattle on offer at Coleman Livestock
Auction for the November 12th sale. That compares to
2,001 a week ago and 1,636 a year ago.
Compared to
last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs were 2:00-4:00 higher,
over 500lbs were steady to 2:00 higher. Feeder heifers under
500lbs were 1.00-2.00 lower, over 500lbs 1.00-2.00 lower.
Slaughter cows
and bulls were 1.00-2.00 lower. Replacement cows and
cow/calf pairs were 150.00 lower. Trade good. Demand good.
Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner above for a
full market report.
Cattle Brucellosis
Tests Still Required for Change of Ownership in Texas
11/7/2008 By Carla Everett
Selling or buying
cattle? A cattle brucellosis, or Bang's test is still
required for changing ownership of adult cattle in
Texas, says Dr. Bob Hillman, Texas state veterinarian.
For many years, Texas ranchers and livestock health
officials worked to eradicate cattle brucellosis, a
bacterial disease that can cause cows to abort, deliver
weak calves, or produce less milk.
"We have enjoyed Class "Free" status for cattle
brucellosis since February 2008, but testing is still
required at livestock markets, special sales and private
treaty sales, for at least two years, said Dr. Hillman.
"This testing requirement is part of the national
brucellosis program standard, and it assures that a
state is clearly free of the disease and that we can
quickly identify and deal with reintroduced or yet
undetected infection." Slaughter testing surveillance
will continue across the country for an indefinite
period, to ensure that the disease is completely
eradicated from cattle herds in Texas and other states.
Dr. Hillman noted that cattle which are sexually intact
and 18 months of age or older must be tested prior to
sale. The test requires a small blood sample from the
animal, collected by an accredited veterinarian, or TAHC
or USDA personnel. A chute-side test is conducted at
livestock markets on sale days, with laboratory
confirmation by the State-Federal laboratory.
For private treaty or special sales, an accredited,
private veterinary practitioner can draw the blood
sample and submit the blood sample to the State-Federal
laboratory, where the test will be run. Cattle owners
should allow at least four days for private testing, to
allow for shipping the blood sample to the laboratory,
testing of the samples and receiving the test results
that will be recorded on the document that will
accompany the animal to the sale.
"Texas was the last state to achieve cattle brucellosis
free status, but there is no guarantee we can maintain
this status, if we aren't vigilant," said Dr. Hillman.
He stressed that the continued testing will identify
potential cases of cattle brucellosis that weren't
detected during the eradication effort. Brucellosis
status can be lost, if two infected herds are detected
within a two-year period. It is essential that we
continue to follow the national standards for the
brucellosis program. Montana recently lost its
brucellosis-free status, due to exposure to infected
wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Area, and widespread
testing must be conducted to regain the ranking.
"Eradicating a disease is a livestock health victory,
and that makes vigilance even more important now," said
Dr. Hillman. "Don't risk buying infection. Ensure that
the breeding cattle you buy have been tested."
Dr. Hillman also reminds cattle owners, especially those
in the eastern portions of the state, that heifers
should be vaccinated against cattle brucellosis,
particularly if they will be used as breeding animals.
Accredited veterinarians can administer the RB-51
vaccine to heifers between the ages of four and 12
months to provide lifelong protecting against the
disease.
Coleman Livestock Market Summary
for November 5th
10/31/2008
There were 2,001 cattle on offer at Coleman Livestock
Auction for the November 5th sale. That compares to 2,533 a
week ago and 1,526 a year ago.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs were 1.00
to 2.00 lower, over 500 lbs 1.00 to 3.00 higher. Feeder
heifers under 500lbs were 1.00-2.00 lower, over 500lbs 1.00 to
2.00 higher.
Slaughter cows and bulls 2.00 to 3.00 lower. Replacement
cows and cow/calf pairs 50.00-100.00 higher. Trade good,
demand good.
Texas Legislative Committee
Convenes on Deer Industry
10/31/2008
SAN ANTONIO — The Joint Select Legislative Committee on the
Breeding of White-tailed and Mule Deer recently held its
first hearing in Austin, Texas, and members of the Texas
Deer Association (TDA) played pivotal roles. The meeting was
a historic first for the Texas deer industry and shines a
spotlight on the deer industry’s impressive growth and
impact on the Texas economy.
State Representative Harvey Hilderbran (R-Kerrville) was
elected by fellow committee members to serve as chairman of
the 10-person appointed committee. The committee heard
testimony from Texas deer industry experts as well as from
various authorities across the country. The stated mission
of the committee is to review barriers that might prevent
the breeding industry from operating in the most efficient,
effective manner and investigate opportunities that could
improve or enhance the industry in Texas. Other legislators
appointed to the committee by Lt. Governor David Dewhurst
are Senator Kenneth ‘Kim’ Brimer (R-Fort Worth) and Senator
Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls), House Speaker Tom Craddick
appointees are Rep. Hilderbran and Rep. Tracy King
(D-Batesville).
“We have overwhelming public support for hunting and deer
propagation in Texas, and we have an opportunity with this
committee to focus on the deer industry, identify barriers
to our growth, reduce land fragmentation and protect our
hunting and conservation interests throughout the state,”
says Rep. Hilderbran. “I look forward to working with the
Texas Deer Association, Texas Wildlife Association and other
organizations across the state to move deer breeding forward
and to create recommendations which could lead to positive
legislation in January.”
“Our committee is working with breeders, hunters, and
preservationists to ensure deer breeding continues to
benefit all Texans. The impact of deer breeding profits our
state’s rural, urban, and suburban areas; last year the
industry bolstered over half a billion dollars to our
state's economy" adds Senator Brimer. "We want to make
certain our habitat and other natural resources are
protected and the industry can continue to develop and
prosper in Texas.”
Leading the testimony was Dr. James C. Kroll, co-founder of
the Texas Deer Association, as well as founder and current
director of the Institute for White-tailed Deer Management
and Research Center for The College of Forestry at Stephen
F. Austin State University.
“With the unbridled expansion of urban sprawl, American
farmers and ranchers are the most endangered species today,”
warned Dr. Kroll, who explained the ongoing loss of
profitability in traditional agricultural has compelled many
landowners to seek out alternative land uses for the land.
“Raising deer has become an extremely profitable solution
and it only requires a few acres so it’s a lucrative option
for land owners of various means throughout Texas.”
The committee questioned Dr. Kroll on topics such as disease
research, role of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
within the deer breeding industry, private property land
rights, animal testing and other topics. Among the other
witnesses to address the committee were: Clayton Wolf of
Texas Parks Wildlife Department; Dr. Bob Hillman of Texas
Animal Health Commission; Shawn Schafer, executive director
of the North American Deer Farmers Association; Kirby Brown
of the Texas Wildlife Association, Joe Trammell, president
of the Whitetails of Oklahoma; Bob Zaglin, certified
wildlife biologist and wildlife coordinator at Southwest
Texas Junior College; Dr. Becky Brewer, Oklahoma State
Veterinarian, and other industry experts.
As the state’s only non-profit organization solely dedicated
to Texas deer, the Texas Deer Association provided strong
representation for the industry with Dr. Scott W. Bugai,
D.V.M., of Seguin; Joseph Warren Bluntzer Jr. of Lometa, Dr.
Richard Cain of St. Jo; and Amanda Lasater of Mason making
up nearly one-third of the committee. Dr. Bugai and Bluntzer
were appointed to the committee by Governor Rick Perry, Dr.
Cain by Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and Lasater was
appointed by House Speaker Tom Craddick. Other public
appointees to the committee are William Eikenhorst, D.V.M.,
and Lee Bass.
“Deer breeding accounts for thousands of jobs in small towns
across the state, so we are happy to work closely with the
committee in developing greater efficiencies within the
industry and in creating new opportunities for growth,” says
Karl Kinsel, executive director of the Texas Deer
Association.
The committee originated through landmark legislation (S.B.
573), authored by Sen. Brimer and sponsored in the House by
Rep. Hilderbran in the past 80th Legislative Session, and
could have significant implications for the future of the
deer breeding industry which generated more than $650
million for the Texas economy last year.
The TDA is the only non-profit organization solely committed
to improving the quality of Texas deer herds through better
habitat practices, modern harvest strategies and use of
superior deer to enhance the deer herds. As a part of its
public education efforts, the TDA produces a full-color
bimonthly publication, Tracks Magazine, which updates TDA
members on current industry news, deer genetics and game
management issues. The TDA also hosts an annual convention
and trade show every August featuring fund-raising auctions,
a deer auction, golf tournament and other events.
For membership information about the Texas Deer Association,
visit www.texasdeerassociation.com or call 210.767.8300.
Coleman Livestock Market Summary
for October 29
10/31/2008
There were 2,533 cattle on offer at Coleman Livestock
Auction for the October 29th sale. That compares to 1,935 a
week ago and 1,908 a year ago.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs were 2.00
to 4.00 lower, over 500 lbs 1.00 to 3.00 lower. Feeder
heifers 2.00 to 4.00 lower.
Slaughter cows and bulls 2.00 to 5.00 lower. Replacement
cows and cow/calf pairs steady to 50.00 lower. Trade good,
demand good.
Coleman Livestock Sale from
Wednesday, October 15th
10/17/2008
Cattle receipts totaled 1,103
at the October 15th sale at the Coleman Livestock Auction.
That compares to 1,783 a year ago.
Compared to
last week, feeder steers under 500lbs were 2.00-3.00 lower,
over 500lbs were 2.00-5.00 lower. Feeder heifers were steady to
3.00 lower. Slaughter cows and bulls were
steady to 1.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs
were steady. Trade was moderate. Demand was good.
Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner below for a
full report.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange
representatives come to Abilene Oct. 16
9/30/2008
ABILENE - Texas AgriLife Extension Service's Taylor County
office has teamed up with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to
conduct a marketing and hedging seminar beginning at 8 a.m.
Oct. 16 in Abilene's Big Country Hall. The hall is
located on the Taylor County Expo Center grounds.
Robert Pritz, AgriLife Extension agent in Abilene, said the
rare event will feature top speakers from the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange tasked with discussing a multitude of
topics. "This will be a comprehensive educational
program with speakers from the exchange, several brokerage
firms and AgriLife Extension," Pritz said. "The aim is to
help producers and consumers of commodity goods learn that
an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it
comes to commodity trading. It will teach them how to manage
their operation to save time, labor and, most importantly,
money. "We expect participants to come away from
this program with the knowledge they need to better
understand how to survive in today's unpredictable market
conditions. We want our producers to be in a proactive
rather than reactive position when it comes to dealing with
unfavorable price movements in the market." Topics
will include an introduction to the Chicago Mercantile
Exchange Group Inc.; risk management tools; mechanical
aspects of trading futures; hedging overview; basics of
options; and overviews of grain markets, cattle and beef
markets and the beef trading environment; and tips to manage
input costs.
Pre-registration by Oct. 14 is free.
For more information or to
pre-register, call the AgriLife Extension office in Taylor
County at 325-672-6048. Lunch is being provided courtesy of
the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
Coleman Livestock Sale from
Wednesday, September 24th
9/26/2008
Cattle receipts totaled 2,250
at the September 24th sale at the Coleman Livestock Auction.
That compares to 2,118 a week ago and 1,916 a year ago.
Compared to
last week, feeder steers under 500lbs were 2.00-4.00 lower,
over 500lbs were 3.00 lower. Feeder heifers under
500lbs were steady to 2.00 higher, over 500lbs were
1.00-2.00 lower. Slaughter cows and bulls were
1.00-3.00 lower. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs
were steady to firm. Trade and demand were good.
Coleman Livestock Sale from
Wednesday, September 17th
9/19/2008
Cattle receipts totaled
2,118
at the September 17th sale at the Coleman Livestock Auction.
That compares to
1,073 a week ago and
2,159 a year ago.
Compared to
last week, feeder steers under 500lbs were 3.00-6.00 higher,
over 500lbs were steady to firm. Feeder
heifers under 500lbs were 3.00-6.00 higher, over 500lbs
steady. Slaughter cows and
bulls were steady to firm. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs
were 85.00 higher. Trade and demand were good.
Click on the Livestock Auction banner for a full market
report.
Fish For Sale for Stock Ponds
9/18/2008
Central Colorado Soil and Water Conservation District is
selling fish for stocking ponds. Fish available are
Bluegill, Hybrid Bream, Red Ear, Bass, Channel Catfish,
Crappie (Limited Supply) and minnows (Fatheads or Shiners).
Grass Carp is available with Texas Parks and Wildlife Permit
which takes about 30 days to receive. Delivery will be
October 15, 2008. For more information please call (325)
625-4197 extension #3.
PRODUCERS REMINDED OF SEPTEMBER 30
SIGN-UP DEADLINE
FOR 2008-CROP DIRECT AND COUNTERCYCLICAL PAYMENT PROGRAM
9/16/2008
Agricultural producers have until September 30, 2008 to sign
up for the 2008-crop Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payment
Program (DCP), said Curtis L. Garrett, County Executive
Director with the Coleman County Farm Service Agency (FSA)].
“I encourage farmers and growers to sign up for DCP by
September 30th by visiting the USDA FSA office or by using
the convenient online DCP service,” said Garrett. “This
program plays an important role in providing producers
income support.”
The program provides payments to eligible owners, operators,
landlords, tenants, or sharecroppers on farms enrolled.
There are two types of DCP payments – direct payments and
counter-cyclical payments. Direct payments are tied to
acreage bases and yields. Because direct payments provide no
incentive to increase production of any certain crop, the
payments support farm income without distorting producers’
current production decisions. Counter-cyclical payments
provide support counter to the cycle of market prices as
part of a federal farm program "safety net" in the event of
low crop prices. Counter-cyclical payments for a commodity
are only issued if the effective price for a commodity is
below the target price for that commodity.
The DCP was authorized by the Food, Conservation and Energy
Act of 2008 and is administered by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency.
Please contact the Coleman County Farm Service Agency at 118
North Concho Street in Coleman or call 325-625-4197
extension #2 for more information.
COLEMAN COUNTY FSA REMINDS
PRODUCERS
OF NON-INSURED ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (NAP) DEADLINE
9/16/2008
NAP
provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable
crops when a low yield, loss of inventory, or prevented
planting occurs due to natural disasters. To obtain NAP
coverage you must apply and pay the applicable service fees
at the FSA office by the sales closing date for the crop.
The service fee is $250 per crop per county or $750 per
producer per county, not to exceed a total of $1875 per
producer with farming interest in multiple counties.
December 1, 2008
is the final date to purchase NAP coverage on small grains
for grazing, native pastures/grasses and improved
pastures/grasses. Coverage may be purchased for grazing
and/or haying of the crop. NAP provides financial assistance
to producers of non-insurable crops when a low yield, loss
of inventory, or prevented planting occurs due to natural
disasters. NAP fees must be received at the FSA office by
the sales closing date for the crop on December 1st.
Producers need to remember that on the small grains for
grazing, NAP benefits do not apply until 30 days after the
policy has been purchased.
The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 requires
producers who wish to participate in the new disaster
programs to have crop insurance or non-insured crop disaster
assistance (NAP) coverage for the land for which assistance
is being requested, and for all farms in all counties in
which they have an interest.
Please contact the Coleman County Farm Service Agency at 118
North Concho Street in Coleman or call 325-625-4197
extension #2 for more information.
Coleman Livestock Sale from
Wednesday, September 10th
9/15/2008
Cattle receipts totaled 1,073
at the September 10th sale at the Coleman Livestock Auction.
That compares to 1,987 a week ago and 2,387a year ago.
Compared to
last week, feeder steers under 500lbs were 3.00-5.00 lower,
over 500lbs steady to firm. Feeder
heifers under 500lbs were 1.00-3.00 lower, over 500lbs 2.00
lower. Slaughter cows and
bulls were steady. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs
were steady on light test. Trade and demand were good.
Click on the Livestock Auction banner for a full market
report.
San Saba Announces Ranch Rodeo
9/10/2008
The San Saba 4-H Club is hosting a Ranch Rodeo on
Saturday, October 11th and they invite those reading
this to enter.
Books open at 2:00pm. The show starts at 4:00pm. Entry
fee is $200.00. Entries must be received by 4:00pm on
October 6th at the San Saba Extension Office. Negative
Coggins is required. Events include Team Penning, Team
Branding, 4-Man Ribbon Roping and 4-Man Team Roping. For
a copy of the rules, or more information, call 372-5416
or 372-3851. You can also contact Show Secretary Lewann
Turner at 372-1137.
Coleman Livestock Sale from
Wednesday, September 3rd
9/5/2008
Cattle receipts totaled 1,987
at the September 3rd sale at the Coleman Livestock Auction.
That compares to 1,962 a week ago and 1,156 a year ago.
Compared to
last week, feeder steers were 3.00-6.00 higher. Feeder
heifers were 1.00-3.00 higher. Slaughter cows and
bulls were steady. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs
were steady to firm. Trade and demand were good.
Click on the Livestock Auction banner for a full market
report.
NEWS RELEASE: FSA
ACCEPTING EMERGENCY LOAN APPLICATIONS
7/8/2008
Available to Coleman County for the following
Designations:
1. Disaster Declaration #S2677 – Damages and Losses caused
by fires and high winds that occurred January 1, 2008 and
continuing. Applications are for Production and Physical
Losses. Final day to apply for this Declaration is January
15, 2009.
2. Disaster Declaration S2686 – Damages and Losses caused by
hail on May 14, 2008. Applications are for Production and
Physical Losses. Final day to apply for this Declaration is
February 27, 2009.
Coleman County was declared eligible for Farm Service Agency
(FSA) disaster Emergency loans. Generally, that means that
farmers who have lost at least 30 percent of their
production due to loss listed on these declarations during
this time period and continuing are eligible for FSA loans.
Proceeds from crop insurance are taken into consideration
when determining eligibility. FSA Farm Loan Manager, CYNTHIA
P. KRUGER, is urging farmers who are interested in receiving
an emergency loan to submit their applications into FSA as
soon as possible. Ms. Kruger said, “We hope farmers will get
their applications in early rather than waiting until near
the deadlines. The longer they wait, the more chance there
is for long delays. If the applications come in early, we
can avoid backlogs and speed up the process.”
The FSA office is located at 119 West Street, Coleman, TX.
The telephone number is (325) 625-2290.
DIRECT & COUNTER-CYCLICAL PAYMENT
SIGNUP
UNDERWAY IN NEW FARM BILL
7/3/2008
Curtis L. Garrett, Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service
Agency in Coleman County says that signup begins immediately
for the 2008 Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment Program (DCP)
which helps delivers certainty for the crop year and the
option of a timely advance payment. Contracts are available
today at USDA Service Centers and signup will continue until
September 30, 2008. USDA’s DCP readiness follows the June 12
availability of marketing assistance loan and loan
deficiency payment (LDP) provisions, within three weeks of
commodity title enactment. "Within weeks of its becoming
law, we began to put a farm bill into the field and out into
the country," said Garrett. “USDA does what its employees do
best: putting words into action and delivering results.”
Producers can fill out their 2008 DCP contract at any USDA
Service Center. Producers can also sign-up online. They can
choose payment options, assign crop shares and sign and
submit their contracts from any computer with Internet
access. They can also view and print submitted contract
options.
USDA computes DCP payments using base acres and payment
yields established for each farm. Eligible producers receive
direct payments at rates established by statute regardless
of market prices. For 2008, eligible producers may request
to receive an advance payment of 22 percent of the direct
payment for each commodity associated with the farm. USDA
will issue advance direct payments as soon as practical
after enrollment. Final direct payments will be issued after
October 1, 2008. Counter-cyclical payments vary depending on
market prices, and are issued only when the effective price
for a commodity is below its target price (which takes into
account the direct payment rate, market price and loan
rate). Since 2002, USDA has issued approximately $40 billion
in DCP payments to America's agricultural producers.
Participants must submit the completed DCP contract by
September 30, 2008. Applications filed after this date will
not be approved. The online, electronic DCP (or eDCP)
service saves producers time, reduces paperwork and speeds
contract processing at USDA Farm Service Agency offices. It
is available to all producers who are eligible to
participate in DCP and who obtain eAuthentication accounts.
The electronic service is available by going to
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/edcp and clicking on
"Access eDCP Service." To access the service, producers must
have an active USDA eAuthentication Level 2 account. To get
a Level 2 account, producers must complete an online
registration form at
http://www.eauth.egov.usda.gov and then visit the
local USDA Service Center to verify their identity. The
service has strict security measures to protect
participants' private information. Only authorized federal
employees have access to information producers submit
electronically. For more information about DCP, which will
include a fact sheet, go to the DCP Web page at:
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=dccp&topic=landing
.
Coleman County Producers Eligible
for Disaster Payments
6/24/2008
FSA ACCEPTING EMERGENCY LOAN
APPLICATIONS
Available to Coleman County for the following Designations:
Disaster Declaration #S2677
– Damages and Losses caused by fires and high winds that
occurred January 1, 2008 and continuing. Applications are
for Production and Physical Losses. Final day to apply for
this Declaration is January 15, 2009.
Coleman County was declared eligible for Farm Service Agency
(FSA) disaster Emergency loans. Generally, that means that
farmers who have lost at least 30 percent of their
production due to loss listed on these declarations during
this time period and continuing are eligible for FSA loans.
Proceeds from crop insurance are taken into consideration
when determining eligibility.
FSA
Farm Loan Manager, CYNTHIA P. KRUGER, is urging farmers who
are interested in receiving an emergency loan to submit
their applications into FSA as soon as possible. Ms. Kruger
said, “We hope farmers will get their applications in early
rather than waiting until near the deadlines. The longer
they wait, the more chance there is for long delays. If the
applications come in early, we can avoid backlogs and speed
up the process.” The FSA office is located at 119 West
Street, Coleman, TX. The telephone number is (325) 625-2290.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits
discrimination in all its programs and activities on the
basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion,
age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and
marital or family status. (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) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). To
file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director,
Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th
and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or
call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal
opportunity provider and employer.
USDA ANNOUNCES CRP PERMITTED USE
FOR LIVESTOCK FEED NEEDS
6/6/2008
Eligible CRP Acres Allowed to Hay and Graze; $1.2
Billion Forage Made Available.
Curtis L. Garrett, Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service
Agency in Coleman County today announced that USDA has
authorized certain acreage enrolled under the Conservation
Reserve Program (CRP) to be available for hay and forage
after the primary nesting season ends for grass-nesting
birds.
"This action will provide much needed feed and forage while
maintaining the conservation benefits from the nation's
premier conservation program," said Garrett. "Eligible
farmers and ranchers will be able to plan for harvest of
forage after the end of the primary nesting season this
summer."
Prices for most field crops have advanced to record or near
record levels in recent months, reflecting strong demand,
tight supplies and competition for acres. The increased
demand for commodities and resulting higher prices has
impacted the livestock industry in particular.
More than 24 million acres of land enrolled in CRP will be
eligible for this critical feed use program. USDA estimates
that this program will make available up to 18 million tons
of forage worth $1.2 billion.
"In authorizing this critical use of CRP acres for forage,
USDA is also taking strong measures to preserve CRP's
environmental benefits," said Garrett.
Eligible land may not be hayed or grazed until after the end
of the primary nesting season.
Also, some of the eligible land or forage of the land must
be reserved for wildlife and any land that is used under
this authority must have a conservation plan. In many
instances, the removal of some of the grass cover will
increase the diversity of the stand and provide long-term
benefits for wildlife. Further, the most
environmentally-sensitive land enrolled in CRP will not be
eligible. The land will be subject to a site inspection to
ensure compliance with the conservation plan. No rental
payment reduction will be assessed on contracts being
utilized for this critical use. However, a $75 fee will be
charged to process the required contract modification.
Signup for interested CRP participants began June 2,
2008, at local Farm Service
Agency (FSA) offices. This modification for critical feed
use is only for 2008. All forage use must be
completed no later than November 10, 2008.
Under CRP, farmers and ranchers enroll eligible land in 10-
to 15-year contracts with USDA's Commodity Credit
Corporation (CCC). FSA administers CRP on behalf of CCC.
Participants plant appropriate cover such as grasses and
trees in crop fields and along streams. These plantings help
prevent soil and nutrients from running into regional
waterways and affecting water quality. The long-term
vegetative cover also improves wildlife habitat and soil
quality.
Additional
details including Fact Sheets, Maps and statistics are
available at
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/conservation .
TOP OF PAGE |
