RUSHVILLE —
Julia A. Wickard, State Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Indiana, has announced that sign-up for the Planting Transferability Pilot Program (PTPP) began Feb. 19, 2013 and ends April 5, 2013. USDA will not accept any late filed applications. The PTPP is a pilot project that permits Indiana producers to plant approved vegetables for processing on base acres under the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP) or Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE).
“PTPP offers producers the opportunity to diversify their crop production and better use their base acres. This program supports Indiana farmers with additional sources of revenue and the production of healthy fruits and vegetables. The Indiana FSA staff works daily to provide this and other programs to eligible producers. We encourage producers to visit their local offices to sign up for the PTPP, as well as other programs to add value to their farming operations,” said Wickard.
PTPP allows producers to plant approved fruits or vegetables for processing on a farm’s base acres. Approved plantings include cucumbers, green peas, lima beans, pumpkins, snap beans, sweet corn or tomatoes. Without the PTPP, planting of these crops on base acres would be prohibited. Base acres on a farm will be temporarily reduced each year on an acre-for-acre basis, for each base acre planted with an approved fruit or vegetable on that farm. Indiana has 9,000 acres approved for PTPP in 2013.
Eligible participants must agree to produce one of the approved crops for processing and provide the county FSA office with a copy of the contract between the producer and processing plant. Participants must agree to produce the crop as part of a program of crop rotation on the farm to achieve agronomic, pest and disease management benefits, and to provide disposition evidence of the crop. Participants must complete form CCC-749, which is available at FSA county offices or online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov and file it with their county FSA office.
For more information on PTPP or other farm programs, visit your local FSA county office or the Farm Service Agency website at http://www.fsa.usda.gov.
- Rushville Republican
Agriculture
Planting transferability pilot program available
- Agriculture
-
-
USDA announces farm payments scheduled to resume
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia announced recently that farm payments, which had been temporarily suspended due to sequestration, are scheduled to resume, May 8. This includes payments for the 2011 Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE), the Noninsured Crop Assistance Program (NAP) and the Milk Income Loss Contract Program (MILC).
-
Wet winter, spring make nitrogen carryover unlikely
WEST LAFAYETTE - Extra nitrogen left in the soil after drought reduced corn yields last year has likely been lost with excess soil moisture in the winter and spring, a Purdue Extension agronomist says.
-
Farming in the Classroom
Marlene Fudge and Barbara Powers recently visited Mays Elementary to teach the students about cattle.
-
Drought behind them, farmers now deal with too much water
Last year, farmers didn’t have nearly enough rain for their wilted, drought-ravaged crops. So far this year, they have too much of it - so much that they can’t get into their fields to work them for planting.
-
Alfalfa weevil starts to emerge; growers need to scout fields
Indiana has had enough warm, spring days for alfalfa growers to start seeing alfalfa weevil emerging in their fields. So producers should be scouting for the pest now instead of waiting to see obvious damage before doing anything about it, a Purdue Extension entomologist says.
-
Public invited to poultry workshop May 11
Many involved in the 4-H poultry program are very excited to see what this fair season brings. In 2009, there were only 15 birds (all chickens) shown at the fair and shown out of homemade cages, Rubbermaid tubs and crates. In 2010, Jason Branson took on the role of poultry superintendent. He knew there would be some growth as the years progressed, but even that first year in this position, entries grew to 109 birds.
-
Flowers for sale
Rush County 4-H Jr. Leaders have beautiful geraniums available for $1.50 per plant while supplies last. Colors are red, white, pink, fuchsia, and salmon. They can be picked up from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 2, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 3 in the Livestock Pavilion at the Rush County Fairgrounds.
-
Garden crops: Seed versus transplant
Some vegetables are best started from seed directly in the garden, while others are best planted as young plants (transplants). Fast-growing, cool season crops such as lettuce, radish and spinach are really best suited to direct seeding into the garden.
-
Homemakers celebrating 100 years
In counties throughout the state, homemaker clubs come in all shapes, sizes and interest areas to fit the particular needs of what today’s homemakers are looking for. County by county, local clubs are joining in the 100 year celebration.
-
Livestock producers should watch for, control poison hemlock
While poison hemlock isn’t likely to be as prominent a problem this year as it was in last year’s drought-stressed pastures, Purdue Extension specialists still encourage livestock producers to be on the lookout for the toxic plant.
Poison hemlock is often found along roadsides, edges of cultivated fields, stream banks and pasture fencerows. Its most defining characteristics are purple spots or blotches on the plant’s hairless, ridged stems. If eaten, all parts of the plant can be fatally toxic to cattle, horses, swine, sheep and goats. - More Agriculture Headlines
-
USDA announces farm payments scheduled to resume




