03/14/05 CRP seeding suspended

Washington Ag March 14, 2005 It's so dry in Washington that for the first time in the 20 year history of the Conservation Reserve Program the USDA is suspending CRP spring grass seeding and shrub planting in eastern Washington. James Fitzgerald, Farm Service Agency State Director, says due to the extremely dry winter and the forecast for continued dry weather throughout the spring, we cannot in good conscience require producers to plant this spring. He says the likelihood that the plantings would fail is too high and would require the extra expense of replanting. The USDA says producers who are scheduled to plant this spring and believe they have a reasonable chance of success, may request a variance from the suspension rule. Agricultural producers and taxpayers share the cost of establishing vegetative stands on Conservation Reserve Program ground. Fourth District Congressman Doc Hastings hopes the USDA will buy some asparagus. Hastings: "Yes we asked Secretary Johanns to make another purchase for nutrition programs specifically for schools of asparagus. They have done that in the past and that has helped take some of the pressure of the asparagus industry. So I am hopeful they will do that again" Hastings says the bonus purchase would help alleviate pressure on asparagus growers from duty-free Peruvian imports. I'm Bob Hoff.