11/10/05 Idaho CSP meetings set for late Nov.

A series of informational meetings are scheduled for later this month to help farmers and ranchers in the Clearwater and North Fork of the Clearwater watersheds learn more about the new Conservation Security Program. NRSC state conservationist Rich Sims says producers will get a self-assessment workbook at the meetings. SIMS "Because we have so many people signing up for the program we need to have the producers to help us with proving as much information about their operation as they can." Money is available for agricultural operations in all sizes including cattle ranches, fruit orchards and grain producers. SIMS "Over the last two years we've been able to put 4.6 million dollars in the hands of farmers who have implemented their conservation plan, have done the stewardship work already and 1.6 (million) of that was in Idaho County last year." Meetings will be held on November 22nd in Weippe, Lewiston, Orofino and Ferdinand. November 29th meetings are slated for Orofino, Lapwai and Kamiah followed by October 30th sessions in Craigmont and Moscow, December first in Kendrick and Deary and December fifth at Moscow. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott