Strain: USDA Changes; AFBF Convention in Arizona

by Don Molino

Speaking on the Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain pointed out a lot of changes will be taking place from the US Department of Agriculture this year. 

One of those is the new Conservation Farm Land Transfer Policy.  Strain says it’s designed to allow the next generation of farmers to take land out of a conservation program early if it’s being transferred to the next generation of farmers.

“As of January 9th, “said Strain, “USDA will offer early termination opportunities for certain conservation reserve programs…which will allow the next generation of new farmers better opportunities to succeed.”  Normally, termination of a CRP contract requires re-payment of all previous payments plus interest.

The Commissioner says he also hopes we’ll soon have a new Secretary of Agriculture in Washington.  He points out a number of people are still on the short list and he’s looking forward to working with him or her in the future.

Dr. Strain will be traveling to Phoenix later this week to attend the American Farm Bureau Convention to address the delegates in a town hall meeting to discuss “all that’s going on in the world of agriculture.”

Strain is serving this year as president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.