05/03/05 CSP sign up half past

05/03/05 CSP sign up half past

Washington Ag May 3, 2005 In order to avoid potentially costly application omissions, conservation officials are urging Washington producers in 12 qualifying watersheds to apply sooner, rather than later, for the Conservation Security Program, or CSP. After all, NRCS state conservationist Gus Hughbanks, says the sign up period is past the halfway point. Hughbanks: "We would like to encourage people to get in there early because there are a number of documents that may be required. There may be some additional things that a farmer or rancher has to do. So I would certainly hope they would have all that stuff ready to go before the end of the sign up period." Which ends May 27th. Hughbanks recommends producers get started by completing the CSP Self-Assessment Workbook. And if there is still one offered in your area, attend an NRCS informational workshop. He says interest in CSP has been variable depending upon familiarity with USDA programs. Hughbanks: "Where we have not had a traditional clientele we are still kind of low in our numbers there. So as you would expect we are getting a higher response on the east side of the state than we are on the west side. So far anyway.." Get more information at your local USDA Service Center or at the NRCS website. I'm Bob Hoff.
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