Volume 27 ~ Issue 2
A Partnership in Conservation
SCD, NRCS, and FSA Serving Montrose, Gunnison, Ouray, and San Miguel Counties
A Partnership in Conservation
SCD, NRCS, and FSA Serving Montrose, Gunnison, Ouray, and San Miguel Counties
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Western Colorado Farm & Ranch Innovation Expo
FREE Admittance
Vendor Registration Information |
River Trailer Makes a Splash
The SCD IRA District Conservation Technician, Hayden Shields, (behind the trailer) teaches families at Montrose Func Fest about watersheds, soil erosion, and water conservation.
Hayden has also been working with producers on NRCS projects. |
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Gunnison-Dolores Watershed Meeting and Field Tour
Colorado Soil Health Program (CSHP) SitesCSCB District Conservation Technician Aleksy Cybulski (center wearing sunglasses) and CDA Southwestern Soil Health Specialist Toby McPartland (left in straw hat) attended Field Tour to CSHP enrolled field.
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CompostThe Tour also included 3 different compost products, methods, and applications: Johnson-Su, liquid concentrate compost, and fungal rich Vermicompost.
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Drought Resistant ForagesThe Field Tour attendees take a closer look at sanfoin and Kernza forages. Hunter Doyle, Intermountain West Agronomist, spoke on The Land Institute trials in the Uncompahgre Valley.
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Compost Seminar and Field Tour
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Innovative Composting PracticesGuests learned Soil Health 101, Biochar Technique and application, Worm Trenching and Johnson-Su Bioreactor Composting, and visited Dirty Sturdy's Mountain Compost in Ridgway.
Thank you to San Miguel County for sponsoring this event! |
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USDA Now Accepting Applications for Available Funds to Help Cover Organic
Certification Costs
Through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will cover up to 75% of organic certification costs at a maximum of $750 per certification category. FSA is now accepting applications, and organic producers and handlers should apply for OCCSP by the Oct. 31, 2024, deadline for eligible expenses incurred from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024. FSA will issue payments as applications are received and approved.
OCCSP was part of a broader organic announcement made by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on May 15, 2024, which also included the Organic Market Development Grant program and Organic Transition Initiative.
Eligible Applicants, Expenses and Categories
OCCSP provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of organic agricultural commodities for expenses incurred obtaining or maintaining organic certification under USDA’s National Organic Program. Eligible OCCSP applicants include any certified organic producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent.
Cost share assistance covers expenses including application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement and arrangement requirements, inspector travel expenses, user fees, sales assessments and postage. OCCSP pays a maximum of $750 per certification category for crops, wild crops, livestock, processing/handling, and state organic program fees (California only).
How to Apply
To apply, producers and handlers should contact FSA at their local USDA Service Center and be prepared to provide documentation of organic certification and eligible expenses. OCCSP applications can also be submitted through participating state departments of agriculture. For more information, visit the OCCSP webpage.
More Information
USDA offers other assistance for organic producers, including the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI), which includes direct farmer assistance for organic production and processing and conservation. For more information on organic agriculture, visit farmers.gov/organic.
To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.
Additional Information on Eligibility, Expenses, and How to Apply
OCCSP was part of a broader organic announcement made by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on May 15, 2024, which also included the Organic Market Development Grant program and Organic Transition Initiative.
Eligible Applicants, Expenses and Categories
OCCSP provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of organic agricultural commodities for expenses incurred obtaining or maintaining organic certification under USDA’s National Organic Program. Eligible OCCSP applicants include any certified organic producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent.
Cost share assistance covers expenses including application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement and arrangement requirements, inspector travel expenses, user fees, sales assessments and postage. OCCSP pays a maximum of $750 per certification category for crops, wild crops, livestock, processing/handling, and state organic program fees (California only).
How to Apply
To apply, producers and handlers should contact FSA at their local USDA Service Center and be prepared to provide documentation of organic certification and eligible expenses. OCCSP applications can also be submitted through participating state departments of agriculture. For more information, visit the OCCSP webpage.
More Information
USDA offers other assistance for organic producers, including the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI), which includes direct farmer assistance for organic production and processing and conservation. For more information on organic agriculture, visit farmers.gov/organic.
To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.
Additional Information on Eligibility, Expenses, and How to Apply
Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has introduced new rules to make it easier for farmers and ranchers to get and use farm loans. These changes will help them make more money and invest in their farms. FSA is working to make these loan programs easier to access and use, especially for those who need it most.
Key updates include a new low-interest program for those struggling financially, flexible repayment options to help build savings, and reduced requirements for loan security. These changes are designed to make it easier for farmers to manage their finances and invest in their future.
The new rules were developed with feedback from farmers and are expected to improve the loan program's performance and benefit borrowers.
Information and Program Fact Sheet
Key updates include a new low-interest program for those struggling financially, flexible repayment options to help build savings, and reduced requirements for loan security. These changes are designed to make it easier for farmers to manage their finances and invest in their future.
The new rules were developed with feedback from farmers and are expected to improve the loan program's performance and benefit borrowers.
Information and Program Fact Sheet
USDA Launches Online Debt Consolidation Tool to Increase Farmer and
Rancher Financial Viability
WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the launch of the Debt Consolidation Tool, an innovative online tool available through farmers.gov that allows agricultural producers to enter their farm operating debt and evaluate the potential savings that might be provided by obtaining a debt consolidation loan with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) or a local lender.
“Providing producers with options to structure their debt in a manner that affords them every opportunity to meet the goals of their agricultural operation is the best way to ensure the nation’s farmers and ranchers build financial equity and resilience,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.
Read the rest of the article here
“Providing producers with options to structure their debt in a manner that affords them every opportunity to meet the goals of their agricultural operation is the best way to ensure the nation’s farmers and ranchers build financial equity and resilience,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.
Read the rest of the article here
Colorado NRCS Announces NEW IRA-ACEP Application Batching and NEW
Application Signup Cut-Off Dates for FY 2025
Inflation Reduction Act - Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (IRA-ACEP)
Colorado Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist, Clint Evans, announced the 2025 application cut-off dates for eligible entities and landowners to participate in the Inflation Reduction Act - Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP-IRA) for both the Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) in Colorado. There are two application batching dates offered for complete and eligible applications to compete for available funding. The two application batching dates are, Friday, October 4, 2024, and December 20, 2024, by 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time (MST).
CLICK HERE for more information.
Colorado Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist, Clint Evans, announced the 2025 application cut-off dates for eligible entities and landowners to participate in the Inflation Reduction Act - Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP-IRA) for both the Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) in Colorado. There are two application batching dates offered for complete and eligible applications to compete for available funding. The two application batching dates are, Friday, October 4, 2024, and December 20, 2024, by 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time (MST).
CLICK HERE for more information.
Changes Around The Office
The Montrose USDA Field Office has a new team-member!
Hayden Shields, CSCB IRA District Conservation Tech
Hayden is the new IRA District Conservation Technician at Shavano Conservation District supporting the Inflation Reduction Act and related programs. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources at Colorado State University and is excited to make use of it at Shavano CD.
Hayden's experience comes from roles as both a grounds worker and ranger at local parks throughout Colorado, where he has become intimately familiar with the delicate balance between people and wildlife. He strives to find that balance for every one of our producers, when he's not having fun hiking and camping.
Hayden's experience comes from roles as both a grounds worker and ranger at local parks throughout Colorado, where he has become intimately familiar with the delicate balance between people and wildlife. He strives to find that balance for every one of our producers, when he's not having fun hiking and camping.
Virtual AgroForestry
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Questions? Want to attend but can't make it to your region's session? Contact Annica McGuirk, NACD Forestry Program Manager
This work is made possible by a grant from the USDA Forest Service, National Agroforestry Center, under the authority of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978. |
2025 Drought Resiliency Program Request for Proposals
CAWA’s Drought Resiliency Program develops effective strategies for agricultural water users and managers to adapt to reduced water supplies.
CAWA seeks to support shovel-ready projects that need support for implementation and evaluation.
Apply by December 13, 2024.
Apply for Drought Resiliency Program
CAWA seeks to support shovel-ready projects that need support for implementation and evaluation.
Apply by December 13, 2024.
Apply for Drought Resiliency Program
Current Water & Precipitation Conditions
Click on the icon below for reports, graphs and maps
PrecipitationColorado Precipitation Graphs and Maps |
SnowColorado SNOTEL Graphs and Maps |
Snow Water by BasinInteractive Snow Water Graphs and Maps by Selection of Basins within Colorado |
Dates to Remember
Deadlines, Meetings and Events |
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Sept 10 Shavano District Board Meeting, 6:30pm
Oct 8 Shavano District Board Meeting, 6:30pm
Oct 14 Columbus Day - Office Closed
Oct 31 Organic Certification Cost Share Program Application Deadline
Nov 11 Veteran's Day - Office Closed
Nov 12 Shavano District Board Meeting, 6:30pm
Nov 14 Western Colorado Water Summit
Nov 15 2025 Acreage Reporting Deadline for Fall Seeded Crops
Nov 15-16 Western Colorado Farm & Ranch Innovation Expo
Nov 28 Thanksgiving - Office Closed
Dec 1 2025 NAP Deadline for insurance coverage for perennial hay and pasture crops (Native Grass, Alfalfa, Mixed Forage, Alfalfa Grass Mix)
Dec 10 Shavano District Board Meeting, 6:30pm
Dec 2-5 Colorado Association of Conservation Districts Annual Meeting
Dec 25 Christmas Day - Office Closed
Additional Partner Organization Events |
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Partner Contact Information
Montrose USDA Service Center102 Par Place
Montrose, CO 81401 970-249-8407 Farm Service Agency..........................................................Ext.2 Natural Resources Conservation Service.................Ext.3 Shavano Conservation Service......................................Ext.3 |
Colorado State Forest Servicecsfs.colostate.edu
Montrose Field Office 535 S Nevada Ave Montrose, CO 81401 ph. 970-249-9051 Gunnison Field Office 106 Maintenance Dr. Gunnison, CO 81230 ph. 970-641-6852 |
West Region Wildfire CouncilServing Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Ouray, and San Miguel Counties
www.cowildfire.org 160 Amelia Street Ridgway, CO 81432 ph. 970-615-7300 |