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Farm
and Ranch
U.S. Drought Monitor
Coleman Cattle Market Summary for
May 14th
5/15/2008
Receipts totaled 1,766 at the May 14th cattle sale at
Coleman Livestock Auction. That compares to 1,944 a week ago
and 1,865 a year ago.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs 3.00 to
6.00 higher, over 500lbs 1.00 to 2.00 higher. Feeder heifers
under 500lbs steady to 2.00 higher, over 500lbs steady to
3.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls 2.00 to 4.00 higher.
Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 100.00 higher. Trade
good, demand good.
Farm Bill Deal Finally Reached
5/15/2008 (Comments from
Congressman Mike Conaway)
Last week, Farm Bill conferees finished negotiations and
unveiled a bipartisan Farm Bill that should be brought to
the House Floor sometime this week for a vote. I am pleased
that my colleagues were able to work together to come to a
compromise on a Farm Bill that is in the best interest of
our country. America’s agriculture community has been
waiting too long for productive legislation that is
cost-effective for the American taxpayer and will protect
our farmers, ranchers, and consumers. I am eager to see the
Farm Bill on the House floor this week for a vote and on to
the President’s desk. In the event that President Bush
vetoes this legislation, I will vote to override the veto;
it is past time to ensure that sound federal agriculture
policy is enacted for the American farmer.
Commissioner Staples Awards $1
Million To Remove, Control Feral Hogs
5/13/2008
AUSTIN -
The Texas Department of
Agriculture (TDA) recently awarded Texas AgriLife Extension
Service $1 million for the agency's new Texas Feral Hog
Control Program: Moving Toward A Long-Term Abatement
Strategy.
"The feral hog population has exploded in Texas over the
past 20 years. This invasive species will destroy anything
in its path from sorghum fields in the rolling plains to
pastures in East Texas to plants in a suburban San Antonio
landscape," Commissioner Staples said. "Eliminating these
animals also means safer driving conditions for Texans and
for our many visitors. This grant will test the critical
strategies we have developed to control this pest."
Texas is home to more than 2 million feral hogs, the largest
feral hog population in the U.S., and their numbers continue
to increase due to high reproductive potential and the lack
of natural predators.
Feral hogs wreak havoc on property, livestock, crops and
pastures across the state and frustrate landowners because
of their destructive nature. In fact, the Extension Service
estimates the
statewide annual economic damage caused by feral hogs is
close to $52 million.
The 80th Legislature directed this $1,000,000 in funding
following a $500,000 pilot project funded by the 79th
Legislature. The pilot program was administered by Texas
AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Tech University through
a TDA grant in 2006-2007 and did provide technical
assistance to landowners at three sites, and promote
educational events for other landowners statewide. The pilot
project succeeded in removing more than 3,000 feral hogs,
saving landowners/agricultural producers from nearly $3
million in losses.
All TDA press releases are also available via the Internet
at www.tda.state.tx.us
Conference Report for 2008 Farm
Bill Completed
5/13/2008 (by Congressman Randy Neugebauer)
The
2008 Farm Bill is scheduled to come to a vote on the House
floor this week. I have spoken with Ed Schafer, the
Secretary of Agriculture, and the White House to express my
strong support of this legislation. Should the President
decide to veto this bill, I will vote to override his veto
and urge my colleagues to do the same.
While it has taken quite some time to come to a final
agreement, I believe this is a sound bill that will serve
producers in the 19th District and across America well.
Although this bill is not perfect, the farm policy will be
very similar to the policies of the 2002 Farm Bill, which
producers in the 19th District told me had served them well.
Additionally, due to the delay in this legislation it is
important to remember that no major changes will be
implemented for the 2008 crop year.
After working many hours on this as a conferee, I believe we
have made significant reforms while maintaining a good
balance of the necessary programs to ensure American
agriculture will continue to produce the safest and most
affordable food and fiber in the world.
POND MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
Thursday, May 29, 2008 - Coleman City Park
3 CEU’s Offered
5/12/2008 (by Luther Dunlap, County Agent)
The
Annual Pond Management Seminar will be held on
Thursday, May 29th at the City Park in Coleman. Registration
will be at 8:30 a.m. and the program begins at 9:00 a.m.
A noon fish fry for participants will conclude the program.
Three (3) hours of Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) will
be awarded to private applicator license holders with 1 hour
being in Integrated Pest Management, 1 hour in Laws &
Regulations, and 1 hour in General.
Luther Dunlap, with Texas Agri-Life Extension Service in
Coleman County will begin the program with welcome and
announcements. Presenters for the program include: Peter
Woods with Texas A&M Fishery Program Specialist, Aquatic
Plants, Cleaning Muddy Ponds, and Sealing Ponds, Harrell
Arms with Arms Fish Farm, Stocking Rates, Managing for Big
Bass, and Pond Clean out, Jan Hatler with Texas Department
of Agriculture, Laws and Regulations, and Curtis Garrett
County Executive Director with Farm Service Agency, Farm
Bill Update and FSA Programs
This year’s seminar could not be possible without the
cooperation and sponsorship of area businesses and
organizations. Sponsors include: Johnson’s Feed Barn,
Purina, Federal Land Bank Association, First Coleman
National Bank, Santa Anna National Bank, Coleman County
State Bank, Central Colorado Soil and Water Conservation
District, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Texas
Agri-Life Extension.
Please R.S.V.P. to the Coleman County Extension
Office at (325-625-4519) by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27th
so an accurate head count can be made for the meal.
Llano County Beef & Range Field Day
on Thursday, June 5th
5/12/2008
This year’s Llano County Beef & Range Field Day is set for
Thursday, June 5, to be held at RACE Ranch and the Llano
American Legion Hall. Registration will begin at 8:30
a.m. at the Llano Jr. High School parking lot; coffee and
donuts will be served at this time.
This year, the first stop will be at RACE Ranch which is
owned by Rimmer Fowler and located on County Road 410.
Participants will need to caravan to the tour site from the
Jr. High parking lot. Morning topics and speakers will be:
• “Brush Management, Chemical Control and Other
Considerations,” by Wayne Homesley, Ranch Manager, and
Charles Anderson, NRCS Rangeland Management Specialist.
• “Prescribed Burning: Planning Considerations and County
Regulations,” by Fred Reyna, NRCS District Conservationist.
At the tour’s conclusion, the group will travel back to the
Llano American Legion Hall for a catered lunch and the
remainder of the program. Lunch this year is sponsored by
Llano National Bank and catered by Cooper’s BBQ.
Afternoon topics and speakers will be:
• “Plant ID Contest,” by Steve Nelle, NRCS Wildlife
Biologist.
• “Plant Benefits to Wildlife,” by Steve Nelle, NRCS
Wildlife Biologist.
• “Goat Production & Dorper Sheep for Weed Control and the
Effects on Wildlife,” by Dr. Frank Craddock, Texas AgriLife
Extension Service.
• “Diseases Carried by Wildlife,” by Jude Sandoval, US
Department of Agriculture.
• “Update on New Chemicals and Laws & Regulations,” by Kyle
Eckert, Texas Department of Agriculture.
TDA will be offering 6 continuing education units
for people who have a pesticide applicators license (3
general, 1 IPM, 1 laws/regs, and 1 drift).
Make plans to attend this year’s field day and please RSVP
to the SWCD Office at
325-247-5154 or to the Extension Office at 325-247-5159. You
may want to throw in a lawn chair just in case. This field
day is a joint effort between Texas AgriLife Extension
Service Llano County, Natural Resource Conservation Service,
and Llano County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service
are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex,
disability, religion, age, or national origin. If you need
any special accommodations, please contact Jamie Osbourn at
325-247-5159 as soon as possible so we can consider your
request.
Special Farm Bill Update
5/10/2008 (issued by the office of
Congressman Randy Neugebauer)
WASHINGTON, DC – As the conference committee wrapped up an
agreement on the 2008 Farm Bill Conference Committee Report,
Congressman Randy Neugebauer (TX-19) released the following
statement:
“I am pleased the conference committee was able to reach
agreement on the 2008 Farm Bill. This is a substantial step
towards this legislation becoming law. Seed has been planted
across America, and it is time to set a farm policy that
gives producers certainty for this crop season and beyond.
As final language and budget numbers are completed, it is my
expectation that the House and Senate will vote on this
final Farm Bill package next week.
“While this legislation will make some changes I do not
support, farm policy overall will remain very similar to
policy under the 2002 Farm Bill, which producers across the
district tell me has suited them well. Because of the delay
in completing this legislation, no major changes will be
implemented for the 2008 crop year.
“I call on the House and Senate leadership to bring this
long overdue legislation to the respective chambers for
consideration as soon as possible. Additionally, I spoke
directly to the Secretary of Agriculture and the White House
yesterday to stress the importance of signing this bill into
law.
“While only 16 percent of this bill deals directly with
agriculture production, it is that 16 percent that serves as
the vehicle for the various other provisions in the bill.
Without food production, nutrition and food assistance
programs become irrelevant.
“In the 19th Congressional District, producers have crops in
the ground and throughout the nation the planting season is
well underway. We cannot afford to move forward without a
sound farm policy for our producers. Without it, we face the
risk of losing agriculture infrastructure and becoming
dependent on other nations for food and fiber as we already
are for energy.
“Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and finally take
this long overdue legislation across the finish line. Again,
I urge both the Senate and House leadership to bring this to
a vote as soon as possible and ask that my colleagues
support this critical legislation. Most importantly, I call
on President Bush to sign this bill as soon as it reaches
his desk. Should the President decide to veto this
legislation, I will vote to override his veto and will
encourage my colleagues to do so as well.”
Coleman Market Report
5/8/2008
Receipts totaled 1,944 at the Wednesday, May 7th cattle
sale, at Coleman Livestock Auction. That compares to 1,743
last week and 833 a year ago.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs steady to
2.00 lower, over 500lbs steady. Feeder heifers under 500lbs
1.00 to 2.00 higher, over 500lbs 1.00 higher. Slaughter cows
and bulls steady. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 50.00
lower. Trade good, demand good.
Over 1,700 Cattle at Coleman Sale
Wednesday
5/1/2008
Receipts totaled 1,743 at the Wednesday, April 30 sale, at
Coleman Livestock Auction. That compares to 1,677 a week ago
and 680 a year ago.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers under
500lbs were 1.00 to 2.00 higher, over 500lbs steady to firm.
Slaughter cows and bulls steady to 2.00 higher. Replacement
cows 50.00 lower. Cow/calf pairs 100.00 lower. z
Trade and
demand good.
Farm Bill Update
5/1/2008 (by Congressman Mike Conaway)
Last week the President signed into law another short-term
extension of current farm law as it was passed by both the
House and Senate. This one-week extension, which runs
through May 2nd, is meant to
give Farm Bill conferees additional time to complete a bill.
z
It appears
that some progress was made over the weekend towards
reaching the goal of completing a Farm Bill, however several
hurdles still remain, including issues regarding dairy
programs, direct payments and payment limitations. While
this progress is encouraging, we must make sure that the
goal of completing and passing a new Farm Bill doesn’t rest
unevenly on the shoulders of America’s producers. z
It is my hope
that a fair and balanced Farm Bill will emerge from ongoing
conference negotiations that I can be proud to support. I
have often stated that our nation’s farmers have, and will
continue to provide, American consumers with the most
affordable, abundant and safest food supply in the world.
Congress should continue work to enact policies that reflect
such priorities.
Farm Bill Update
4/29/2008 (by Congressman Randy
Neugebauer)
Late last week, the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the
House and Senate Agriculture Committees, as well as the
Chairmen of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance
Committees, along with House and Senate leadership met for
much of two days to negotiate outstanding Farm Bill issues.
Top among the agreements they made is on the funding offset
that will be used to cover the cost of this Farm Bill.
The leaders of the committees also reached a mutual
understanding on other issues that are paving the way for
possible completion of the Farm Bill. However, while they
have reached some agreements, the remainder of the conferees
must approve those as well.
I do not agree with everything they hammered out and will be
working with others to try to improve upon some areas. In
addition, several key issues remain open and will need to be
decided by all members in the conference.
This will be a key week in the negotiations, and as events
happen, I will be sure to keep you up to date.
Rising Cost Of Energy And Food
There is no doubt that
Americans are facing financial difficulties, struggling with
the rising costs of filling their gas tanks and kitchen
cupboards. There is a direct correlation between the cost of
energy and the cost of food. Agriculture is a very
energy-intensive industry, and when we have record setting
energy costs, it costs more to produce, process and deliver
food.
Fertilizer costs, also tied directly to the price of energy,
have more than doubled during the last ten years. Diesel
fuel has gone up 36 percent in the past two years. Between
the increase in fertilizer and fuel costs, production costs
have risen up to 25 percent across Texas in the past two
years, according to a recent study by Texas A&M.
An additional reason for the increase in cost is supply and
demand. There is an increasing demand for meat and processed
food in emerging markets such as China and India. That is
why it is critical to lower energy prices to increase our
production of food and fiber here in America.
Unfortunately, I believe that while the intention is good,
too much confidence has been placed too quickly on
alternative energy, such as corn ethanol and biofuels. While
these renewable energy industries and others such as wind
farms have shown tremendous potential, we cannot afford to
ignore the simple fact that our nation is in desperate need
of an increased domestic production of oil and traditional
energy sources. Yet, environmental groups refuse to
acknowledge this dire need, ignoring the fact that America
has abundant resources of oil, natural gas and a 200 year
supply of coal. Additionally, America has state of the art
technology to harvest these in an environmentally friendly
way.
If we continue down the path of indifference to our
dependence on oil, food and energy prices will continue to
rise to unaffordable levels. Now is the time to take action
and begin increasing our domestic production to protect the
American consumer.
News from the Farm Service Agency
of Coleman County
4/25/2008
APPOINTMENTS
The
Coleman County FSA office is requesting producers to please
make an appointment to sign up for current programs.
Appointments are used to maximize time so that producers may
be assisted more efficiently. We appreciate your patience
and understanding. Please call 325-625-4197 ext #2 to
schedule an appointment.
2008 CROP ACREAGE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The final date to report
2008 fall-seeded crops including small grains (wheat, oats,
barley, etc.) is May 1, 2008. The final date to report
spring seeded crops such as cotton, grain sorghum, CRP,
sudan, and grass acreage planted on cropland is July 15,
2008. The exception to this is for producers who purchased
NAP coverage on their 2008 crops. These producers must file
an acreage report by the earlier of the normal final crop
reporting dates listed above or 15 days prior to grazing or
harvest. If a FSA-578 is not on file for ALL crops and land
uses, you may not qualify for available program benefits.
Participants in CRP must report CRP acreage. Producers who
plan to request wool & mohair loans or LDP’s, must assure
all cropland is reported on all farms in which they have any
interest in.
Failed Acreage Reports must be filed on any crops which will
not be harvested for the purpose it was originally intended
due to disaster conditions. These reports should be filed
prior to the acreage being destroyed or put to another use.
We will need to know the type and amount of seed planted as
well as the type and amount of fertilizer applied.
Producers that intend to plant a crop but are prevented due
to weather related conditions are required to file a form
FSA-576 report of prevented planting acreage. This form must
be completed within 15 days of the final planting date for
the crop to be considered timely filed.
Final Planting Dates for crops in Coleman County are:
Cotton – June 20th
Grain Sorghum – June 20th
Sorghum forage for grazing – June 20th
Sorghum forages for hay – July 5th
Contact our office for final planting dates of other crops
you intend to plant.
2008 WOOL MOHAIR & UNSHORN LAMB PELTS & HONEY
New legislation extended
the date for producers to receive Marketing Assistance Loans
(MAL) or Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) on 2008 crop wool,
mohair and unshorn pelts through April 18, 2008. Producers
may also request 2008 crop honey MAL and LDP from April 1,
2008, through April 18, 2008
To qualify for the payments producers must file page 1 of
form CCC-633EZ with our office before loss of beneficial
interest in the commodity or April 18, 2008 which ever is
earlier. Producers requesting payment must submit a
completed CCC-633EZ page 4 and related production
information on or before April 18, 2008.
Loans must be requested prior to losing beneficial interest
in the commodity and before April 18, 2008.
Beneficial Interest - To maintain beneficial interest in
commodities, the following must remain with the producer:
(1) control of the commodity (2) title to the commodity (3)
risk of loss of the commodity. Producers entering into
verbal or written contracts should contact our office to
ensure they do not lose beneficial interest.
Important: Producers who plan to request wool & mohair loans
or LDP’s, must assure all cropland is reported on all farms
they have any interest in on which sheep or goats are
located.
2008 MEASUREMENT SERVICE RATES
The rates are $30.00 per
farm basic rate; plus an hourly rate of $16 for the first
hour; $8 every 30 minutes after the first hour. Minimum of 1
hour.
BEWARE OF CROP INSURANCE REBATING SCHEMES
The Risk Management
Agency (RMA) has received reports from producers and agents
that some aggressive marketers have been approaching
producers with rebate offers. These schemes promise lower
insurance premiums, refunds, dividends, or items of value
tied to crop insurance purchases. Most of these activities
are illegal.
Producers who are found to participate in illegal rebating
activities will not only lose their crop insurance coverage
but will also lose eligibility in all USDA programs.
Producers and agents can report suspicions of illegal
rebating to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline:
1-800-424-9121.
CROP DISASTER PROGRAM (CDP)
This program covers
quantity and quality losses from natural disasters and
related conditions that occurred in 2005, 2006 and 2007
crops. Producers are eligible to receive benefits from only
one of the years. Only producers who obtained crop insurance
coverage or coverage under the Noninsured Crop Disaster
Assistance Program (NAP) for the year of loss will be
eligible for assistance.
Important: CDP computes losses from the higher of the county
yield or your insurance or NAP yield. The program also pays
for losses in excess of 35%. This means you could qualify
for a payment from CDP even though you did not receive a
payment from Crop Insurance or NAP.
LIVESTOCK PROGRAMS
Producers may request
benefits under the Livestock Compensation Program (LCP) and
the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) for losses in 2005,
2006 or 2007, in counties where eligible disaster
declarations were approved.
In order to qualify for LIP, producers must be able to
provide proof of death of eligible animals due to a declared
disaster other than drought.
The LCP compensates producers for grazing losses suffered
during 2005, 2006 or 2007. Applicants will only be paid for
one of the years. Producers must certify to their number of
“eligible livestock” located in Coleman County on the
beginning date of one of the approved disaster periods in
the county. Contact our office for more details such as
approved dates and eligible livestock.
SODBUSTER, SWAMPBUSTER
Most Farm Service Agency
programs require compliance with sodbuster and swampbuster
provisions. These provisions require producers to follow an
approved conservation system on all highly erodible land
planted to an annual crop as determined by the Natural
Resources Conservation Service.
Be sure to have determinations made on any new land you plan
to plant to annual crops. If you plan to plant a different
crop on your current cropland, check with NRCS to assure the
new crop will qualify under your conservation system.
Swampbuster provisions state that converting a wetland to
make possible the planting of a crop will result in the loss
of all USDA benefits. To avoid this possibility it is
strongly recommended that producers check with NRCS before
starting to work in the fields.
FOREIGN LANDOWNER PROVISIONS
The Agricultural Foreign
Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) requires all foreign
owners of U.S. agricultural land to report their holdings to
the Secretary of Agriculture. FSA administers this program
for USDA. Foreign persons, who have purchased, sold or enter
into a 10 year or more lease agreement for agricultural land
in the county are required to report the transaction to FSA
within 90 days of the closing. Failure to submit the AFIDA
form could result in civil penalties of up to 25% 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. It is the foreign person’s
responsibility to report the land transactions by completing
form FSA-153.
NON-INSURED CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (NAP)
Filing Notice of Losses:
A written notice of loss must be provided within 15 calendar
days after the latter of the occurrence of prevented
planting; end of the planting period; disaster occurrence or
date damage to the specific crop acreage is apparent to the
producer. For NAP purposes, notice of loss must be filed
timely on a CCC-576 form for each weather related event or
natural occurrence that causes damage to or loss of the
specific crop or commodity.
Filing Application for Payment: Producers who filed a notice
of loss must also file an application for payment in the
county office no later than the subsequent crop year acreage
reporting date for the crop following the year in which the
loss occurred.
Acreage & Production Reporting Requirements: All unit
acreage of the eligible NAP crop and each crop in the event
of multiple planting must be timely reported by the
producer. Failure to timely certify unit acreage and
production risk ineligibility for NAP Assistance. Check with
your local FSA office for specific crop reporting dates.
Producers are also responsible for reporting total amount of
unit production for the covered NAP crop by no later than
the subsequent crop year acreage reporting date for the crop
following the year in which the loss occurred.
In order to prove yields for your NAP Actual Production
History (APH), producers must submit verifiable or reliable
records of the prior year’s production. These records could
include scale tickets, settlement tickets, ledger reports
and sales receipts. Check with county office for acceptable
production reports. These records should be summarized and
account for all the crops production. The final date to
submit 2007 production reports is the acreage reporting date
for the 2008 crops.
SPOUSAL SIGNATURES
A husband and wife may
sign documents on behalf of each other for FSA and Commodity
Credit Corporation programs in which either has an interest.
This option is automatically available unless a written
request for exclusion is made to the FSA Office from either
spouse. Exceptions include: claim settlements and lien
filings, CCC-526, Direct Deposit, etc.
CIVIL RIGHTS & DISCRIMINATION PROCESS
As a participant or
applicant for programs or activities operated or sponsored
by USDA, you have a right to be treated fairly. If you
believe you have been discriminated against because of your
race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion,
disability or marital or familial status, you may file a
discrimination complaint. The complaint should be filed with
the USDA Office of Civil Rights within 180 days of the date
you became aware of the alleged discrimination. To file a
complaint write, USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,
Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue.
SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD), USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
AGRICULTURAL LOANS AVAILABLE
Youth Loans: FSA makes
loans to individual rural youth to establish and operate
income-producing projects of modest size in connection with
their participation in 4-H clubs, Future Farmers of America,
and similar organizations. The project must be planned and
operated with the help of the organization adviser, produce
sufficient income to repay the loan, and provide the youth
with practical business and educational experience. To
qualify for a loan, an applicant must (1) be a citizen of
the United States (or a permanent resident; (2) be between
10 and 20 years old; (3) be unable to obtain a loan from
other sources and managing, and operating the project under
guidance and assistance from a project adviser. The project
adviser must recommend the project and the loan, and agree
to provide adequate supervision.
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