We have several announcements for you:
- We will be having our tree sellout this Wednesday and Thursday (May 29 and 30) from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the District shed (3/4 mile north of the I-90 and Cliff exit on the west side of the road).
- A variance has been granted to extend the cool-season seeding date to June 5.
- The application deadline for Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) 2013 funding has been extended to May 31. Interested landowners should go to their local NRCS office to sign an application and are encouraged to not wait until the last minute. WRP is a voluntary program for landowners to enroll eligible wetlands and adjacent land into a 30-year or perpetual easement in order to restore the land for wildlife habitat.
- The NRCS will hold a National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) batching period for producers and landowners in the Skunk Creek watershed. Any application received by June 21, 2013, will be considered for FY-13 funding. The Skunk Creek watershed includes lower parts of Lake and Moody Counties, the northeast corner of McCook County, and a large portion of Minnehaha County. This includes Jensen Creek, Buffalo Creek, Colton Creek, and Willow Creek as tributaries within the Skunk Creek watershed. Conservation practices such as ag waste systems, filter strips, and terraces can be installed using EQIP funds.
- Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) began May 13, and General CRP began May 20. FSA has new rental rates. County average is $176.47 (+20% = $211.76) with low of $131 (+20% = $157.20) and high of $218 (+20%=$261.61). Marginal pasture land remains the same — seasonal = $62 and permanent = $66.
