District Conservationist Talking PointsAugust 2007 Farm Bill Update The House of Representatives passed its version of the Farm Bill July 27th.  Senate Ag Committee Chairman Tom Harkin issued a statement that the House version of the Bill “did serious damage to conservation.”  The Senate will now work on their language for the Bill, and USDA Secretary Mike Johanns has said he will work with the Senate Agriculture Committee to secure changes to the legislation. Clean Water Indiana Update Comments were due to the State Soil Conservation Board by July 27th on the best use of increased Clean Water Indiana funds.  The Board is expected to make a decision on the funds at their August 14th board meeting. Programs Update Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program- Approximately $416,000 received and 32 contracts have been funded.  There are 97 applications in backlog for approximately $1,000,000.  Environmental Quality Incentive Program- Approximately $11,000,000 received and 650 contracts have been funded.  All applications with planning and cost estimates completed were funded. Wetlands Reserve Program- Received $9,119,448.00 and 41 contracts have been funded for 4216 acres.  Conservation Security Program- There is no signup for 2007 and none planned for 2008.  There are no new funds available.  Two rounds of payments have been made on past-year contracts, and a third and final round of payments is anticipated.  Ground and Surface Water Program received approximately $235,000 and 15 contracts were approved. Office Consolidations Farm Service Agency has been holding a series of public meetings in the ten counties under consideration for FSA office consolidations.  Once these meetings are completed and FSA has made final decisions about their office consolidations, NRCS will then analyze the best options for NRCS operations.  Any decisions to consolidate NRCS operations will be made in consultation with the local DCs and SWCDs involved.