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This program focuses on educating producers about making informed decisions for land conservation and use. With millions of acres set to expire, it's crucial to consider the environmental impacts and economic viability of different soil types. Factors like land ownership, market prices, and farm bill programs influence these decisions. NRCS is actively engaging in surveys, staff training, and public campaigns to support producers in maximizing profits while maintaining environmental benefits.
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CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM Preparing producers for land use and conservation decisions
THE PROGRAM: • CURRENTLY 1,907,143 ACRES IN ACTIVE CONTRACTS IN IOWA. • 63% (OR OVER 1.2 MILLION ACRES) ARE SET TO EXPIRE BY 9/30/2009. • 28 MILLION ACRES ARE SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE BETWEEN 2007 AND 2010 IN THE UNITED STATES.
THINK ABOUT THE LAND • MANY ACRES ARE VERY EROSIVE • WATER QUALITY IMPACTS CAN BE HIGH • CURRENTLY PROVIDING MANY ACRES OF WILDLIFE HABITAT • MANY SOIL TYPES DO NOT PRODUCE ECONOMICALLY VIABLE YIELDS • IF ROW CROPPED, MANY OF THESE FIELDS WILL RQUIRE INTENSIVE AND EXPENSIVE CONSERVATION MEASURES
WHO OWNS THESE ACRES? • ELDERLY • ABSENTEE • RETIRED
WHAT ARE THE FORCES AFFECTING LAND USE DECISIONS? • LAND PRICES • CROPLAND RENTAL RATES • SEVERAL YEARS OF HIGH YIELDS • FARM BILL PROGRAM OPTIONS • PRODUCER GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
HAPPENING RIGHT NOW! • WORKING WITH PARTNERS TO SURVEY CONTRACT HOLDERS • Land use objectives • DEVELOPING STRATEGIES FOR PREPARING STAFF • DEVELOPING PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
NRCS OBJECTIVES • MAINTAIN EVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF CRP, EVEN IF THE LAND IS CROPPED AGAIN • PROVIDE OPTIONS FOR PRODUCERS TO MAXIMIZE PROFITS AND POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS