The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is gearing up to help farmers throughout the state in their efforts to make a living from farming while protecting the natural resources through conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
As part of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, more commonly called the 2002 Farm Bill, EQIP was reauthorized with some significant changes. Specific geographic priority areas are no longer targeted allowing funding to be spread throughout the state, the total amount a producer can receive though 2007 was raised to $450,000 and the budget authority was increased more than $9 billion through 2007.
Proposed rules for the program have just been published in the Federal Register. Interested parties are urged to submit comments to NRCS before the March 12 deadline. A copy of the rules and where to submit comments can be found on the Internet at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/rules/eqip030130.html.
The EQIP program provides cost-share and incentive payments for the installation of conservation practices such as nutrient waste management facilities, water development practices, gutters on barnyard buildings, field conservation practices, or other practices to keep water clean and reduce soil erosion.
"EQIP has always focused on improving water quality," said Robin Heard, NRCS State Conservationist. "With 60% of the funds directed toward livestock concerns, the progam really can make an improvement in Pennsylvania. This year we are looking at increased support for grazing systems," Heard added.
"Farmers are welcome to go into their local NRCS office and make an application now for assistance," said Barry Frantz, NRCS Resource Conservationist and program manager. "They need to understand that we may need to make adjustments after the rules are finalized but we will sure do what we can for them," Frantz added. The application process will likely be continuous with various closing dates set up to "sweep in" applications.
Adding a delay to the process this year is the fact that NRCS does not know how much cost-share funding will be available. "Our budget year begins in October," said Heard. "Congress has been dealing with the important issue of our Homeland Security, but we expect to get our budget soon," she added. "We hope farmers are making application now and deciding what they want to do on their land. That way, when funding is available and final rules are released, we can finish the ranking process, award contracts and begin work," Heard stated.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture with legislated authority to provide one-on-one technical assistance to landowners and managers, primarily on private lands, through the use of voluntary, incentive-based programs. NRCS is also part of the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership working closely with other federal, state and local agencies as well as private organizations in protecting and improving the natural resources throughout the commonwealth. We work hand-in-hand with local conservation districts who determine natural resource priorities within their counties. To submit an electronic application for EQIP, go to www.sc.egov.usda.gov. For information on NRCS and Farm Bill programs in Pennsylvania, go to http://www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov. For information on conservation districts, go to http://www.pacd.org.
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Cowansville American Legion Post 325 will hold an "all you can eat" homemade breakfast from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. March 15. The cost is $4. The menu includes pancakes, buckwheat cakes, eggs, home fries, sausage, orange juice and coffee.
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The First Armstrong County Council of Republican Women will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. March 11 at Bonello's Steak House. All members are urged to attend.
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Bingo will be held at the Worthington fire hall March 15. All the cards you can play for $25 per person. Specials will not be included. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and games begin at 7:30 p.m. Food may be purchased during the event. The event is sponsored by Forever Psyched Against Cancer and proceeds benefit Relay For Life.
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The next meeting of the Eljer Retirees' Club will be held at 2 p.m. March 13 at the Local 158 Union Building, Kittanning RD5. Dues should be paid to the treasurer.
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Family Life TV is sponsoring a bus tour to Lancaster to see the productions of Abraham and Sarah, A Journey of Love and Daniel, A Dream, A Den, A Deliver. There will also be a Behind the Scenes Tour, a visit to a pretzel factory and shopping at Kitchen Kettle Village. Two meals are included in the price of $199. A deposit is due by March 15. For additional information or to make reservations, call Sue at 724-545-2445 or 724-548-8000.
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Ford City High School presents South Pacific April 3, 4, and 5 in the high school auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale on March 10 and the cost is $7. All seats reserved. For information call the high school office at 724-763-5289.
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The next meeting of the M.A.C.C. Mid-Armstrong Computer Club will be held at 7 p.m. March 12 at the Grace Presbyterian Church, corner of North Jefferson and Arch streets, Kittanning. Everyone over the age of 16 with an interest in computers is welcome.
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The Ford City High School Baseball Boosters will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at the high school cafeteria. Information regarding the baseball trip will be discussed.
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Elderton Area Band Boosters will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in the high school band room. All junior band parents are requested to attend to discuss the ordering of award jackets. All other parents of band students from 4th through 12th grade are welcome.
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The Helping Hand Center of Rural Valley will hold a $2 bag sale on March 11, 12, 13 and 15. Regular hours will be held.
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The Newcomers Club welcomes women new to Armstrong County. The Armstrong County Newcomers Club lets women who have moved to the area meet other women through various social events such as shopping excursions, tourist outings, dinner outings as well as monthly meetings. New members are welcome.
The next meeting will be held at the home of Megan McCue at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Women interested in attending the meeting should call 724-548-5225 or 724-783-6248.
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Team Dynomite will have a St. Patrick's Day dance with DJ Duck from 8 p.m. to midnight March 15 at the Slovak Catholic Union Club, Ford City. Admission is $5. For tickets and information call Annette at 724-545-9289. There will be a cash bar available and munchies will be provided. The proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. The sponsor in the "Relay For Life" is 422 Home Sales.
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The T.S.C.M.A. Anniversary Committee will hold a St. Patrick's Dance from 8 to 11 p.m. March 14 at the Union Township Volunteer Fire Department, Butler County. Those attending should dress casual and wear green. Food and refreshments will be available. The entertainment will be Shalico Cowboys and Charlie's Road Show. Look for a special guest. The cost is $5 per couple and $3 per single.
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The Kittanning Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 863 will have a free juke box from 7 to 10 p.m. March 14.
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There will be a spaghetti dinner held at the Kittanning Township fire hall from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday. The cost is adults, $5; children, $3; and free to 5 and under. Take outs will be available for a charge of 50 cents extra and to order call 724-548-7290. The event is sponsored by the KTVFD Junior Firemen. The fire hall is located four miles east of Kittanning on Route 422.
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The Country Music Association will have a meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 13 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Ford City. Those attending should take a covered dish for the meal. There will be a $2 cover charge at the door. There will be door prizes, music and dancing. This is open to the general public.
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St. Paul's Lenten Special will be served from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at 112 N. Water St., Kittanning. The menu will be cabbage and noodles, large $2.50 and small $1.25; fish sandwiches, $2.50, pop, coffee and water, 50 cents. For take outs or information call 724-543-5402.
