“Farmers under contract with the agency who cannot meet established deadlines will have some flexibility in meeting their obligations,” said Hardisty.

Program contracts will be reviewed by the District Conservationist and modified as needed. Some programs allow for practice substitution or rescheduling of installation dates.

Hardisty adds, “Assistance is also available for those farmers that have established practices which have failed because of drought. We want to talk with producers and encourage them to use program flexibilities and proper procedure to avoid the need for contract cancellation.”

Livestock producers have been especially hard hit and NRCS has regional grazing specialists that can provide suggestions about pasture management, options and consideration for feed sources, and water management.

NRCS encourages farmers that are considering installing any engineered practice (such as wetland levees, pond dams, grassed waterways, water and sediment control basins) to delay construction in drought conditions. All Farm Bill programs allow for alternatives during times of natural crisis. One of the biggest concerns is a lack of soil moisture that would prohibit proper compaction. NRCS can advise landowners and contractors on best moisture levels to achieve the best outcome.

To learn the types of assistance that are available or to review contract guidelines, Hardisty urges farmers to contact their district conservationist as soon as possible.

More information about the drought and specific Farm Bill programs can be found at www.in.nrcs.usda.gov. Pulaski County District Conservationist Celia Tharp can be contacted at (574) -946-3243 ext 3.