What's Up at the USDA Office?
Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
May 31: Deadline to request a Marketing Assistance Loan (MALs) for 2024 farm stored or warehouse stored grain
June 6: Deadline to submit a CRP offer
June 19: Office closed in observance of Juneteenth
July 15: Deadline for Acreage Reporting
Conservation Reserve Program Nesting Season
Primary nesting season has begun across the country, but what exactly does that mean for you?
Managed native grasslands provide important habitat for songbird nesting. These habitats are a declining resource throughout the country. The reasons for these declines are related to the loss of habitat due to development, the decline of pasturelands and hayfields, and the increase of intensive row crop agriculture. In general, grassland birds prefer large blocks of undisturbed grassland to fulfill most courtship, nesting, brood-rearing, feeding, escape, and loafing cover requirements during the nesting season. For many bird species, these habitats provide winter and migration cover as well.
The USDA Farm Service Agency provides primary nesting dates for CRP to ensure that no land management is occurring during the most vital time for songbird and gamebird reproduction. NRCS uses these same dates to provide management recommendations and ensure the work we do is strengthening and preserving populations. These dates for Iowa are May 15 through August 1.
It is a common misconception that Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres are not allowed to be maintained during the nesting season. However, with the correct approval, maintenance can still be completed during the nesting season.
Follow the rules: Mowing or spraying weed infested areas is not allowed on CRP acreage during the primary nesting season without prior authorization from the FSA county committee in consultation with USDA/NRCS. Failure to contact the county FSA office prior to any maintenance on CRP acres during the primary nesting season may result in payment reductions or possible contract termination.
Acres enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program are not eligible for cosmetic or periodic mowing at any time
Participants with maintenance issues that require immediate attention should contact their local FSA office to file a written request for any spot spraying or mowing on CRP acres, with approval obtained prior to performing the activities. Participants in the Conservation Reserve Program can reach out to the Waukon Field Office for assistance or could refer to their completed conservation plan and NRCS job sheets provided during conservation plan development for guidance.
For more information about CRP or nesting season, stop by our office or give us a call anytime.
