With crop harvest underway, it would be a good time to review conservation compliance requirements as mandated by the 2008 Farm Bill and previous Farm Bills.

Conservation compliance with highly erodible land and wetlands still remain in effect in order for farmers to receive program benefits. Compliance plans still need to be followed.

This requirement has been in place since passage of the first Farm Bill in 1985. The provisions still remain with adoption of subsequent Farm Bills.

Producers should review their compliance plans from time to time to ensure that the right mix of high residue and low residue crops are being rotated.

Tracts are selected randomly to be reviewed for this year. The review will consist of a comparison of the actual application of conservation practices and treatments with the planned practices that is documented in the approved conservation plan. Each producer should have a copy in their files.

In a normal year, it is imperative the residue from the grain crop (high residue crop) be maintained on the soil surface into November to meet compliance requirements. We have seen a tremendous benefit to soil erosion reduction with the incorporation of conservation tillage such as strip-till into some of the local growers farming systems.

In fact, wind erosion has almost become non-existent on those fields that have the residue maintained on the soil surface throughout the year.

By leaving the stalks from the cotton crop, there is also a benefit to reduced wind erosion. Of course compliance with the stalk destruction program for the Boll Weevil program needs to be followed also.

The consequences of not following the compliance plan for highly erodible land on your particular farm is the loss of program benefits.

It may take substitute practices to regain eligibility for these benefits. Also, one to two years may be needed to regain eligibility.

Not only does the above requirements emphasize the importance of planning for next years crop, it also reinforces our soil stewardship ethic.

These practices help to prevent erosion by wind and water. They also assist in maintaining soil tilth; that is, the condition of the soil. The soil needs to be maintained or enhanced so it can be productive for future generations.

A wetland violation can be even more drastic. Wetlands have to meet three criteria: must be a hydric soil, must have a prevalence of hydrophytic vegetation, and must have wetland hydrology. Kleberg County does have some areas that may meet these criteria. If a wetland is converted, program benefits can be with held until such time the violation is corrected or brought back into compliance.

Anyone having questions about their compliance plans or upcoming spot checks for conservation compliance checks should contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service office in at 401 East King Avenue, St.#100 in Kingsville or call (361) 592 - 0309 Ext.3. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employee.