PROGRAM INFORMATION

EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program): For 2008 funding, the cutoff date for ranking applications is Dec. 14, 2007 so stop by your local NRCS office and get signed up.  Cost-share is available for pivots, surge valves, sub-surface drip systems, terraces, diversions, livestock pipelines, cross-fencing, etc.  There will be incentive payments for converting irrigated land to dry cropland or wildlife land, as well as no-till incentive payments.  For more information, go to http://www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/EQIP.

NSWCP (Nebraska Soil & Water Conservation Program): Cost-share for conservation practices addressing irrigation and rangeland improvements, erosion control, trees, etc.  Applications can be taken at your local NRCS office.

Energy Efficiency (Improvement Grant:  Cost-share for improving energy efficiencies on irrigation systems.  Includes cost-share for pivots, sub-surface drip irrigation, well and pump upgrades, etc.  Contact Kelley Kinney at Rural Development in Kearney, (308) 237-3118, ext. 4.

2008 CSP (Conservation Security Program):  Secretary Johanns announced the release of additional funding for this program.  It is yet to be determined to what extent the funding will be.  If a sign-up for new contracts, the area affected in the Tri-Basin NRD would be the Republican basin in Kearney County and roughly the eastern two-thirds of the Republican basin in Phelps County.  This area was projected in 2006, but later dropped.  You can visit your local NRCS or look at 2006 information at http://www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov/CSP.html.

WRP (Wetlands Reserve Program):  This program provides an opportunity to receive financial incentives to restore, protect and enhance wetlands.  Visit your local NRCS office or go to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp/.

WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program):  This program provides financial assistance to develop wildlife habitat.  Visit your local NRCS office or go to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip/.

CCRP (Continuous Conservation Reserve Program):  Planting a windbreak in cropland?  Get cost-share, incentive payments and 10-15 years of annual payments.  Visit your local FSA office or click on Programs at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/ne and follow the Conservation Reserve Progam link.

CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program):  Incentives for converting irrigated cropland to grass.  Cost-share plus 10-15 years of annual irrigated soil rental rate payments.  The eligible area is roughly in the Rock Falls area of southwestern Phelps County, along the Platte River from a mile or so east of Highway 183 westward, and in the CNPPID area.  Visit your local FSA office or go to http://www.dnr.ne.gov/CREP/CREP.html.

Corners for Habitat:  Cost-share and annual payments for wildlife habitat.  Contact Charlie Brooks at the Tri-Basin NRD in Holdrege, (308) 995-6688 or toll-free at 1-877-995-6688.

Pheasants Forever:  Cost-share and annual payments for wildlife habitat.  Contact your local chapter.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Oct. 1 : CNPPID Board of Directors meeting, 9 a.m.
Oct. 8: Columbus Day - Government offices closed.
Oct. 9:  TBNRD Board of Directors meeting, 1:30 p.m.
* Times are tentative

ACROSS THE TRI-BASIN NRD

Nov. 30, 2007 Deadline:   EQIP's Irrigation Reports & NRD's Water Use Reports

With the 2007 irrigation season ending, it is time for EQIP producers to turn in your irrigation reports.  Irrigation water management is a requirement as part of your EQIP contract.  Some of you are also required to complete an annual Water Use Report with the Tri-Basin NRD.  This year the local NRCS and the TBNRD have combined the two reports into one for your convenience.  You can no submit one report to either your local NRCS or the TBNRD.  In early June, these reporting sheets were sent to all EQIP producers.  We ask that these sheets be completed in their entirety.  As for the EQIP irrigation reporting, you may still substitute that portion of the form with your agronomist's forms, CNPPID's schedule, or any other forms that provide the necessary information.

These reports must be submitted to your local NRCS office or the Tri-Basin NRD by Nov. 30, 2007.  If you have any questions about completing this combined form, feel free to contact Curtis Scheele at (308) 995-6121, ext. 3.  Or you may also call Tammy, Rich, or John at the Tri-Basin NRD, toll-free at 1-877-995-6688 or local calls at (308) 995-6688.

Stage of Growth:

Corn (Full dent to black layer stage): If corn is not at black layer, it is getting close.  Black layer is when corn is physiologically mature, not requiring any more moisture.  At black layer, the average kernal moisture content is 30-35 percent.  This can vary considerably between hybrids and environmental conditions.

Soybeans (R-6 full seed to R7 beginning maturity stage): Soybeans planted after wheat harvest are later, around the full seed stage.  A lot of soybeans are at or approaching the beginning maturity stage (physiological maturity).  Soybeans need no more water at the R7 stage.

Irrigation:

Irrigation is done.  Crops are working their way to maturity.  Periodic rains this year have been a blessing.  Producers are having an excellent week enjoying Husker Harvest Days.  Pipe is being picked up.  Producers are cleaning up their irrigation records and completing their annual water use reports so they can get them turned in, RIGHT?  Combines are getting ready for harvest.

Lake McConaughy is at 25.7% capacity versus 20.7% a year ago. Inflows in the North Platte River at Lewellen are at 675 cfs versus 833 cfs a year ago. Flows in the South Platte River at Roscoe are at 23 cfs versus 0 cfs a year ago.   You can track these flows on Central's web site.

Rainfall:
Rainfall amounts come from NeRAIN which can be found at http://dnrdata.dnr.ne.gov/NeRAIN/index.asp?&.

EVAPOTRANSPIRATION (ET) and GROWING DEGREE DAYS (GDD) INFORMATION
(Crop ET data comes from CNPPID's web site)

Additional ET Information Sites:

KRVN radio broadcasts
KRVN.com
Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District
Water Use Hotline: 1-800-993-2507

Check out these web sites:

"He is happiest, king or peasant, who finds his happiness at home ." - Elbert Hubbard, U.S. author (1856-1915)

If you would like to receive this newsletter via e-mail, or have any questions, comments or ideas, feel free to contact Curtis Scheele at the NRCS office in Holdrege or your local NRCS office at the addresses or phone numbers listed below.

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