Fall Tillage Can Cost Far More Than Fuel

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Fall tillage can cost farmers far more than higher fuel costs. it can cause farmers to lose tens of thousands of dollars in conservation security program PAYMENTS. Paul Sweeney, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Assistant state conservationist for operations, explains:

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(Transcript) "Some producers who till this fall or apply fall anhydrous will lose eligibility for the Conservation Security Program. Under CSP, Iowa farmers can receive up to $45,000 annually for up to 10 years for the conservation work they have done and will do in the future. Tillage breaks down soil quality which reduces soil organic matter and the Soil Conditioning Index. This index is used to determine CSP eligibility and contract payment amounts."

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The conservation security program rewards producers for conservation practices. this year nearly two thousand Iowa Producers were offered contracts totaling thirteen million dollars. For 2006, thousands of farmers in the south skunk and grant-little maquoketa watershed can sign up for csp payments later this fall. farmers with questions are encouraged to contact their local NRCS office.

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