CROPS

MFA is your partner in conservation programs
By Dr. Paul Tracy

In last September’s Today’s Farmer, I discussed the Natural Resources Conservation Service Technical Service Provider (TSP) program. Some things have changed since last fall, so it is a good time for an update. My experiences, comments and opinions concerning TSP programs have been primarily derived within the state of Missouri.

Since September, there have been many clarifications concerning TSP programs. Private-sector TSPs and NRCS employees are still learning their roles in this partnership, but, in my view, over the past 6 months there has been a great improvement in cooperation and communication among groups.

The major change in 2006 compared to 2005 TSP programs is that NRCS is allowing conservation plan recipients to select the TSP of their choice. In 2005, TSPs were selected based upon statewide contract bids. Thus, the number of TSPs was relatively small. The non-local nature of TSPs last year caused some logistical problems. This year, as the number of TSPs expands, we may face some uniformity, standardization and quality control issues.

Within an organization like MFA Incorporated, standardization will not be a major issue. We have developed a network to address our farmer-member needs. We are also diverse enough to deliver expertise in agronomy services, livestock management and information management—all key components of TSP programs. Therefore, we offer a complete, standardized, uniform and auditable TSP program.

Within MFA’s agronomy services division, much effort has been spent preparing for TSP activity. That preparation has been threefold.

First, we have developed relationships with key NRCS personnel at the county, area and state office levels. They have been exceptionally helpful in this phase of the partnership.

Second, we have provided TSP training to several key employees. Currently, MFA Incorporated has more than 100 certified crop advisers who possess the basic skills needed to become TSPs. Of those, 13 currently hold certification to provide some level of TSP service. Several more employees anticipate certification in the near future. As support to our retail locations, MFA Incorporated also maintains corporate TSP certification.

Finally, we are currently actively providing TSP services. Several of our members received NRCS contracts this spring. Many of those members are utilizing our network to help manage their plans.

MFA Incorporated is currently certified to provide technical services in:

• Comprehensive nutrient management plan (CNMP) plan approval

• CNMP plan development – feed management

• CNMP plan development – land treatment

• CNMP plan development – nutrient management

• Land treatment – tillage and erosion

• Nutrient management – organic and inorganic

• Pest management

Currently, we are considering expanding certification into other categories such as prescribed grazing.

As I mentioned in September, the agricultural industry plays an indirect role in NRCS conservation planning programs on a daily basis. In fact, many of the fee-based agronomy services we currently provide (soil testing, precision agronomy, crop scouting, etc.) will be mandatory to qualify for future conservation programs.

I use the Conservation Security Program as a prime example. The program is watershed based, and unlike incentive programs, CSP is reward based. Currently, crop producers who have used premier agronomy service programs have been much more successful in attaining CSP funds. Many feel that “green” programs like CSP will dominate the next farm bill.

It is important to note that our agronomy services are not being built around government programs. Certainly, many of our members do not participate in those programs. However, by using our premier agronomy services, you will benefit by becoming more efficient at managing your land resource base. An added benefit is that if you enroll in these programs now, you will be more qualified to receive future conservation contracts like the CSP —if that is your desire.

MFA Incorporated is seriously committed to helping our members fulfill conservation program requirements. Steve Cromley joined MFA’s agronomy services staff in February 2006. Cromley will be our primary point source for managing TSP programs. Cromley comes to us from the University of Missouri, where his primary responsibilities were to teach nutrient management plan development.

The bottom line is that you have a choice in how a TSP partnership is built. Make that choice based upon trust, stability, longevity, comfort and performance. If you have any questions on conservation planning TSP programs, please contact your local NRCS office and/or your MFA agronomy services provider.