USDA - NCS Cost Sharing

[ElectricVette]

I've purchased some property, about 120acres I'm trying to develop into a farmstead.

Most of the land is thick undergrowth with several beaver ponds in the bottom. A small part is open pasture. I'm wanting to develop the ponds as a water source for stock.

I've checked into the USDA-NCS cost sharing program and am considering applying.

I know some on this forum will likely see that as a form of welfare. I don't. I've been paying taxes since I was 14 and have paid in nearly $1 million since then. I don't think I would ever get "my fair share" nor do I intend to try.

My question is this - Has anyone here had experience with this program? If so do you see any draw backs or potential problems?

[Windy in Kansas]

Unless the program has changed over the years if the ponds are stocked with fish the public may be allowed to access them for fishing. That is the one major thing I'd check for.

[agmantoo]

There are some things to consider. When you participate you relinquish at lot of the controls that you now have in your power. The approval seeking of permission to use your land as you want to will increase. If you want to use the water you will be told how you must fence out certain areas and how you make provisions for livestock to access, if permissible, drinking water. You will be told if you can install fences on slopes and hilly land. You will be told how to build the fence and what materials to use. Any other government program that you participate in will be used as leverage to have you to comply. Do something that they do not want and your FHA loan as example may be threatened to cancel. I have a neighbor that has 200+ acres and needs room for grazing and lagoon waste disposal. He is restricted to pasturing his acreage to only a small portion because they do not like the terrain. He is in several othr programs such as milk and timber. He is forced to comply. The only program that I would consider is cost sharing for tree reforeststation. If you later elect to remove the trees you will repay all the funds received plus interest plus administrative fees. I think that for all other uses of the 120 acres I would handle it on my own. You are about to open a can of worms with the low lying land IMO.

[ElectricVette]

Thanks for the input. I've been leaning against the idea. I have some neighbors who have participated in the program and recommended it to me.

The land was practically clear cut by the previous owner. The undergrowth is so thick over about 80% of the land you can not walk thru it. I want to thin it out and the cost of doing so is pretty high. I'll probably just put it off for a couple more years. I need to get the pasture, fences and barn ready anyway.

Thanks,
EV

[ksfarmer]

I have used the cost-share program for terracing, waterways, and a pond for watering cattle. I have had no problems or regrets. Was able to get a lot of work done that I couldn't have done on my own. The pond does have some guidelines I had to follow for 5 or 10 years but those weren't any problem either.
That said, I know there is a whole different set or rules pertaining to "wetlands", so, you might want to check into it closely.

[Jena]

Well, where I was at, you didn't get your application approved unless you were in with the good old boys. Funds were limited and they went to the preferred folks in town.

I applied, never heard another word from them.

Jena

[farmmom]

[QUOTE=ElectricVette;3555957] The undergrowth is so thick over about 80% of the land you can not walk thru it. I want to thin it out and the cost of doing so is pretty high. [QUOTE]

Goats! Nothing clears land quicker or cheaper. I have a friend with 30 acres that was covered in thick underbrush. They obtained 5 goats. They've had them about 6 months. They are able to walk across the large area they fenced in, where before it was impossible. They just cut the fence line.

[BetsyK in Mich]

Go to the Farm Services Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Office in your county (USDA) and ask what they would require of you, etc. The soil conservationist at NRCS may have some ideas you haven't even thought of, depending on what you want to do. If you don't sign anything you are not committed to do anything or follow their recommendations. It never hurts to talk to the folks and get the correct information. I've used NRCS for a rotational grazing program, they helped with the cost of fencing. You will need to be specific especially concerning wetlands. Don't count out the possibilities unless you've really checked it out, I've been more than happy with my involvement with them and the Conservation District.

[palani]

The program will make public the funds you receive. I occasionally visit www.ewg.org to find how much help the neighbors need to stay farming.