DC Talking Points January/February, 2008 Farm Bill Update On December 26 the President signed into law H.R. 2764, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008.  The bill provides funding for NRCS programs and extends the 2002 Farm Bill until March 15, 2008. The bill also puts on hold any Farm Service Agency (FSA) activities to close or relocate county or field offices.  The House resumed legislative business the week of January 14th, and the Senate reconvenes the week of January 21st, so the House-Senate conference committee can then continue Farm Bill negotiations. Contribution Agreements NRCS is accepting proposals for Contribution Agreements, and will begin evaluating proposals once their full 2008 budget is received, which is anticipated by the end of January.  Tillage Transect Results Preliminary results from the last Indiana Tillage Transect are in.  While a more thorough report will be forthcoming, initial results indicate that No-Till Corn jumped from 19% in 2004 to 27% in 2007 and Soybeans went from 61% in 2004 to 69% in 2007.  A conservative estimate of the soil loss reduction on Indiana cropland as a result of these no-till increases is over 1,000,000 tons annually. NRCS Staffing Updates Three District Conservationist positions have been advertised, one in Clinton County (Frankfort), one in Cass County (Logansport), and one in Henry County (Newcastle).  These positions all close February 7th. Three Ag Engineer positions have been advertised, one at the NE Area Office in Ft. Wayne, one at the NW Area Office in Lafayette, and one at the SW Area Office in Vincennes.  These positions all close February 22.