Kathy Lewison, County Executive Director of the Vernon County Farm Service Agency, wants to remind area farmers that General Sign-Up #49 for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) started Dec. 1 and runs through Feb. 26, 2016.

Eligible land must meet cropping history and ownership criteria to be eligible for CRP.  You may submit a bid on eligible land up to the maximum bid based on the three predominate soils on the acreage being offered.  All bids are evaluated on a national basis.  The factors that have the biggest influence on the bid being accepted are the location, the cover being offered to be established, and the rental rate you offer in your bid.

Submitting an offer for the CRP sign-up takes some time and calling in advance to make an appointment is required and very helpful so background information can be obtained and processed prior to your appointment.

The Vernon County Farm Service Agency is holding informational sessions to explain the eligibility criteria, offer process, maintenance requirements and to answer any questions regarding enrolling in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).  If you are considering enrolling land into CRP, you may want to attend one of these sessions.  The times and dates of these sessions to be held at the Vernon County FSA Office are:

• Wednesday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m.

• Friday, Jan. 22, 1:30 p.m.

If interested in attending one of these sessions, call the Vernon County FSA office to reserve your spot.  Reservations are required due to limited space and the availability of printed handout materials.

Please call the FSA office at 608-637-2183, ext. 2 for additional information.  Reasonable accommodations will be made, upon request, for individuals with disabilities, vision impairment, or hearing impairment to attend or participate in meetings or events sponsored by the Farm Service Agency. 

The Vernon County Farm Service Agency is located at 220 Airport Road, Viroqua.