Free Farm Bill seminar scheduled on anniversary of law to help farmers, fish and wildlife

LITTLE ROCK, May 16, 2003 - Conservation groups, state agencies and farm service organizations team up to conduct a free seminar, on the first anniversary of the signing of the 2002 Farm Bill, helping farmers and other land managers take full advantage of the conservation programs and financial benefits it provides. The seminar, sponsored by the Arkansas Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Federation and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, will be held in Little Rock, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. Representatives from USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency will provide guidance to landowners interested in signing up for the 2002 Farm Bill's widely-expanded conservation programs during the seminar at the University of Arkansas' Cooperative Extension Service building, located at 2301 S. University Ave., one block north of the UALR campus.

"In the 2002 Farm Bill, there are many conservation programs that benefit wildlife while giving substantial income supplements to farmers," said David Long, the agricultural liaison for the Game and Fish Commission. "It's a win-win situation in which farmers can voluntarily retire marginal cropland to create wildlife habitat, and will reap significant supplemental income for their efforts. In fact, income from some of these incentive programs can be more than the crop income farmers currently are realizing."

While Farm Bill programs are available to assist farmers with marginal farmland, the primary focus of the 2002 Farm Bill is conservation opportunities for farmers and ranchers on their working lands.

"The 2002 Farm Bill is the single greatest investment in conservation on America's private land in history," said Kalven L. Trice, state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Arkansas. "We have many programs available to assist landowners and mangers of all types, from row croppers to those involved in animal agriculture to foresters. The 2002 Farm Bill provides opportunities for the conservation of soil, water and other natural resources through various programs."

The seminar is open to the public, according to Terry Horton, executive director of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation. "The two-hour program will cover virtually every conservation program and related financial incentives the 2002 Farm Bill provides for Arkansas' landowners," Horton said. "The Conservation Reserve Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program will be fully explained. We want farmers to learn how they can help wildlife and obtain much-needed supplemental income. The biggest key to wildlife success in Arkansas is providing habitat on privately-owned lands. It's great that the farmers can receive income for helping fish and wildlife resources."

It is not necessary to register before attending the seminars, but it would be appreciated to help organizers plan for refreshments and seating. Contact the Arkansas Wildlife Federation at (877) 945-2543 or (501) 224-9200 in Little Rock.

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