Tillage Costs This Fall Could Be Long-Term

September 16, 2005

With diesel prices about double last year’s, tillage and field operations costs will cut deeper into producers’ bottom line this fall. But according to the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the costs of fall field operations for some Iowa producers could be much more long term.

“Fuel savings is just one important reason to carefully examine the need for fall field operations,” said Barb Stewart, Iowa NRCS State Agronomist. “According to Iowa State Extension estimates and recent fuel prices, it would cost more than $1,200 in fuel to chisel 400 acres. Applying fall anhydrous would cost another $600.”

But according to Stewart, field operations like these this fall could eventually cost some Iowa producers tens of thousands of dollars in the long term. “It is possible that some producers who till this fall or apply fall anhydrous will lose eligibility for the Conservation Security Program (CSP),” said Stewart.

Under CSP, Iowa farmers and producers can receive up to $45,000 annually for up to 10 years for the conservation work they have done and promise to do in the future. This year, more than 1970 Iowa farmers were offered contracts worth about $13 million. This averages to nearly $6,600 per farmer.

More than 10,000 farmers in the South Skunk, Middle Iowa Watershed and the Grant-Little Maquoketa Watershed located in parts of two northeast Iowa counties are included in the CSP signup to be announced this fall. To see a map of 2006 CSP Iowa watersheds, go to www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov.

According to Stewart, farmers who decide to till ground this fall could jeopardize their eligibility for the program this year and in future years. This is because tillage breaks down soil quality, reducing the soil organic matter which is measured by the Soil Conditioning Index (SCI). The SCI is used to help determine CSP eligibility and contract payment amount.

Another crucial management factor used to determine CSP eligibility is nutrient use. Farmers interested in CSP, should closely examine how fall anhydrous ammonia will fit into their total N application and be sure this amount won’t exceed acceptable limits. Fall anhydrous application also impacts soil quality, which in turn can reduce SCI scores.

“With all the extra fuel costs associated with fall field operations as well as the negative environmental impacts, it is harder to justify some fall field operations,” said Stewart. “And with the additional risk of losing CSP eligibility or reducing potential CSP payments, the financial risk is even greater.”

-30-

Contacts:
Barb Stewart, State Agronomist, NRCS, 515-323-2260
Laura Greiner, State Public Affairs Specialist, NRCS, 515-323-2207

News

Tillage Costs This Fall Could Be Long-Term