John R. Whitaker, State Executive Director for USDA’s Iowa Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants to schedule maintenance and management activities on CRP acres outside of the primary nesting season.  Iowa’s primary nesting season begins on May 15, 2013, and continues through August 1, 2013.

“Acres enrolled in CRP are not eligible for cosmetic or periodic mowing at any time.  Mowing or spraying weed infested areas is NOT allowed on CRP acreage during the primary nesting season without prior authorization from the County Committee in consultation with NRCS,” said Whitaker.

Participants with maintenance issues that require immediate attention should contact their local FSA office to file a written request for any spot spraying or mowing on CRP acres, with approval obtained prior to performing the activities.   

Whitaker added that CRP participants could refer to their completed conservation plan and NRCS Job Sheets provided during conservation plan development for guidance.Failure to contact the county FSA office prior to any maintenance on CRP acres during nesting season may result in payment reductions or possible contract termination.

For questions or more information about maintenance and management activities of CRP acres, please visit your local FSA county office or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov