Farm Bill explored in pair of local sessions

Two informational meetings will be held this month in Buena Vista County on provisions of the new 2008 Farm Bill. The meetings will cover the current Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP) as well as the new revenue component known as the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program. The meetings will be held on Tuesday morning, January 13th and 27th. Both meetings will be held at the AEA Meeting Room at 824 Flindt Drive in Storm Lake beginning at 9 AM.

The meetings are intended to assist landowners and operators in their decision whether to enroll in the newACRE program or stay with the current DCP. FSA County Executive Director Rex Wittrock will review general provisions of the DCP and ACRE programs. ISU Extension Ag Business Field Specialist Tom Olsen will then discuss revenue features of the ACRE program. A web-based calculator will be presented which projects revenue and payments under the ACRE.

Both meetings will provide the same information. The purpose of two meetings is to increase the opportunity to get out this important farm bill material. Landowners and producers can attend either meeting-or both meetings if they would like. For more information you may contact the Buena Vista County FSA office (712) 732-1200 or ISU Extension Office 732-5056, or Tom Olson at 662-7131.