Livestock-Producers Field Day planned

Water quality and livestock management continue to be linked together in many discussions. Access to water in available streams is extremely important to livestock producers as management plans are considered. And in managing that cool season grass, to use or not to use the now high (high! high!) priced fertilizer is an urgent question.

Some of the latest developments in dealing with these issues will be addressed in a livestock producer's field day on September 18 sponsored by the Marmaton WRAPS organization, the Kansas Rural Center, K-State Research and Extension and the Bourbon County Conservation District. Information discussed will highlight positive actions a livestock operator can take to reduce livestock impact on water quality while maintaining profitability.

A program labeled "Calm Cattle, Cow Chips and Clean Water" has been planned to begin at 4 p.m., on September 18, hosted by O'Brien Cattle Co. at 724 Cavalry Road (3 mi. north of Hepler on Hwy 3, then one half mile west; or one mile south of the Hwy 3 and 39 junction, and one half mile west).

Discussion topics during the tour will include:

* utilizing tall fescue in non-confined cattle feeding sites;

* livestock water quality using riparian fences/riparian zone protection;

* low stress handling of cattle using a "bud box"; and

* livestock watering tire tank construction and installation demonstration.

Those set to address the group concerning these issues include Gary Kilgore, Professor Emeritus, K-State Research and Extension; Kerry O'Brien, O'Brien Cattle Co.; Jason Sutterby, O'Brien Cattle Co.; Dale Kirkham, Kansas Rural Center Coordinator; and Herschel George, K-State Research and Extension Watershed Specialist.

To reserve a spot on the tour and a hamburger as well, call Kara at (620) 756-1000.

PROGRAM NOTE: We appreciate the cooperation and patience of all those completing acreage reports at our office over the past few weeks. We were able to get most of those needed reports taken, and most farms enrolled in the new Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) at the same time. Again, thanks for your diligence and you patience in getting this done for the year.

We will be moving ahead with the preparations and development of new programs for 2009 this late summer and fall. One of the issues most immediate in scope is eligibility for the supplemental disaster programs offered by the new farm bill. Producers not already completely covered by crop insurance have the opportunity to "buy in" for 2008 for $100 per crop. The "buy in," however, must be completed by September 16, 2008 as specified in the legislation.

Non-insurable crops like hay and grazing must also be covered by our Non-insured Assistance Program (NAP) to secure the additional coverage for other crops. The buy in includes all crops, so most area producers will need to cover this requirement in order to be eligible for other crops.

As you may know, our information detailing just what the level of benefits under this program will be is somewhat scarce.

We are getting some additional information, but not much yet. We will be in better position to answer questions going into the 2009 year. The NAP sales closing date for hay and grazing is December 1, so producers should watch for these details over the next couple of months to be adequately informed to make these program choices.