Thursday November 16 Ag News

Rural Mainstreet Index Indicates Economic Weakness:
More Than One-Half of Bankers Boosted Farm Loan Collateral Requirements

The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index dipped from October’s weak reading and remained below growth neutral, according to the November monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.  

Overall: The index, like all indices in the survey, ranges between 0 and 100, slipped to 44.7 from 45.3 in October. 

“Since peaking in 2013, farm commodity prices have declined by approximately 17 percent and U.S. farm income has fallen for four straight years. Not surprisingly, Creighton’s overall Rural Mainstreet Index has risen above growth neutral only three times in the past three years,” said Ernie Goss, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University's Heider College of Business. 

Bankers were asked this month how their bank has responded to the downturn in farm income. More than half, or 53.1 percent, reported increasing collateral requirements for farm loans. More than one in five, or 22.5 percent, indicated their bank had rejected a higher percent of farm loan applications. However, approximately one-third, or 34.7 percent, reported no change in farm loan terms and requirements.

Farming and ranching: The farmland and ranchland-price index for November fell to 36.5 from 39.3 in October. This is the 48th straight month the index has fallen below growth neutral 50.0.

Bankers were asked to project 2018 earnings for livestock producers. Approximately 9.2 percent projected negative cash flows for next year. This is roughly one-half of projections of negative cash flows for 2017 estimated in November 2016.

The November farm equipment-sales index sank to 26.2 from October’s 29.3. This marks the 51st consecutive month the reading has dropped below growth neutral 50.0.
 
Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The Nebraska RMI for November declined to 45.6 from October’s 45.9. The state’s farmland-price index dipped to 36.8 from last month’s 39.7. Nebraska’s new-hiring index stood at a strong 59.6, but down slightly from 60.0 in October.

Iowa: The November RMI for Iowa slipped to 45.1 from 45.6 in October. Iowa’s farmland-price index for November increased to 36.6 from October’s 36.0. Iowa’s new-hiring index for November expanded to 58.7 from October’s 56.9.

Each month, community bank presidents and CEOs in nonurban agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of a 10-state area are surveyed regarding current economic conditions in their communities and their projected economic outlooks six months down the road. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming are included. 

This survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. It gives the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, former chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey in 2005.



COPIC Medical Foundation gift of $75,000 to enhance UNMC training for rural first responders, health care providers

The COPIC Medical Foundation of Denver has made a $75,000 gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation to support the Simulation in Motion-Nebraska (SIM-NE) program that was successfully launched this year by the University of Nebraska Medical Center and various partners.

The SIM-NE program brings critical training directly to rural emergency medical service (EMS) providers and health care providers at critical access hospitals in the communities they work. The program makes use of four, 44-foot-long custom simulation vehicles that are outfitted with realistic equipment and high-fidelity patient simulators.

The vehicles can simulate real-life emergency rooms and ambulances and are equipped with mannequins that simulate human patients by speaking, breathing, reacting to treatment and more. They are currently based in Norfolk, Lincoln, Kearney and Scottsbluff and travel the state to provide emergency medical training at no charge.

“Seeing the responses of the EMS providers, nurses, and allied health personnel as they receive training using the latest state-of-the-art equipment to simulate rare but very serious medical conditions is a tremendous reward,” said Brian Monaghan, SIM-NE project director. “The gift from COPIC Medical Foundation helps to ensure we’re able to continue to improve the program and provide training to even more people.”

SIM-NE is made possible through a partnership of educational institutions, academic departments representing a number of disciplines, charitable organizations, and public agencies that are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Nebraskans. With the equipment, technology and skilled training used by SIM-NE, the university is helping to better prepare medical professionals in rural areas and critical access hospitals.

“It’s very gratifying that the knowledge and skills gained during these training sessions will improve the care of our neighbors and friends who may need assistance in an emergency situation,” said Paul Paulman, M.D., professor of family medicine and the project’s primary investigator. “We’re pleased that COPIC Medical Foundation truly understands the importance of education in saving lives.”

A leadership grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust provided initial resources to the university to start the SIM-NE program and to purchase its first simulation-enabled vehicles while providing a three-year, step-down plan of program support.

Monaghan said continued private support and partnerships, such as that with COPIC Medical Foundation, is critical to keep the program going and to reach the communities where it’s needed most.

Rural emergency medical service agencies and rural critical access hospitals can request training at unmc.edu/SIM-NE. For more information, contact Monaghan at sim-ne@unmc.edu or 402-559-4863.



 'Year of Farm Bureau' Century Celebration to Launch

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) will launch a year-long tribute to their approaching century of success Dec. 5 and 6 in Des Moines for the 99th IFBF Annual Meeting.

The theme, "Born to Lead. The Will to Succeed," speakers, educational sessions and new activities are designed to highlight the continued innovation and strength of IFBF.

In honor of the approaching century milestone, IFBF members have an opportunity to participate in one of two new ag education tours which will take place on Dec. 4. Members can tour either Hawkeye Breeders in Adel or the Monsanto Learning Center in Huxley. Buses for both sites leave from IFBF headquarters in West Des Moines.

"These tours will provide our members insight into the cutting-edge technology that is used to develop improved plant and animal genetics and will highlight the diversity of agriculture we have here in Iowa," said Barb Lykins, IFBF director of community resources.

The 2017 IFBF annual meeting officially begins Dec. 5 with a kickoff of the organization's centennial celebration, which will occur in 2018. The meeting will again be held at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Des Moines, formerly known as Veterans Auditorium. The first session of educational seminars this year will discuss how farmers are taking on the challenge of improving Iowa's water quality by taking a watershed approach. Other sessions will look at connecting with consumers through social media and creating economic opportunities through rural entrepreneurship. The seminars will begin at 10 a.m. on Dec. 5 and will be repeated at 2:30 p.m. The IFBF voting delegate session will begin Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday will also feature several competitions and recognitions for IFBF young farmer members and an evening dinner and gala. That night's entertainment by SIX, a musical group from Branson, Mo., will round out the evening, while an ice cream social for all Iowa Farm Bureau members as well as district director candidates and president receptions will be held at 8:30 p.m.

"On Wednesday, we will celebrate the successes and hard work of our members at our annual award presentation and Navy Seal Commander Rorke Denver, who has run every phase of training for the U.S. Navy SEALs and led special-forces missions in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and other international hot spots, is our keynote speaker.

"Denver's message of overcoming adversity and finding strength through unity is fitting for IFBF farmers who work hard to continuously improve the land and water and how they grow the nation's food, fuel and fiber," says IFBF President Craig Hill, whose annual meeting remarks help kick off Wednesday's gathering of members. "As we get ready to launch our centennial kickoff, it's a time to remember the importance of standing together as an industry; despite many challenges for farmers these days, Farm Bureau's innovative programs, support and guidance continues to bring purpose and pride to generations of farm families. It is farming, more than any other calling, which always has and always will be the cornerstone of economic strength for our great state and for that, we should be proud."

For more information, a detailed agenda or to register to attend the 2017 IFBF annual meeting, check out www.iowafarmbureau.org.



Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding House Passage of Major Tax Reform Legislation

“We appreciate the work of the U.S. House of Representatives to advance the first major piece of tax code reform in more than 30 years. Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) moves us closer to establishing a federal tax code that works for Nebraska’s farm and ranch families.”

“From the beginning, we’ve pushed for lower tax rates, and the preservation of many important tax provisions that assist small businesses, like farms and ranches. This bill does that.”

“We thank Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, Congressman Don Bacon, and Congressman Adrian Smith for their support of this important first step to major tax reform. We especially want to thank Congressman Smith for his work in the House Ways and Means Committee which has been working on these needed reforms for many years.”

“It’s our hope the Senate will put aside political differences, and follow suit to advance legislation that reflects many of the key provisions included in the House bill.”



Cattlemen: House-Passed Tax Bill "Step in the Right Direction"

Craig Uden, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and fourth-generation Nebraska cattle producer, today released the following statement in response to U.S. House approval of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:

“House approval of this comprehensive tax-reform legislation is a step in the right direction, but we will continue to work hard to make sure that final legislation doesn’t include provisions that would create undue and unfair burdens for certain segments of our industry.

“Specifically, this bill would immediately double the death-tax exemption and put the tax on the path to extinction in five years. That’s a major victory for family ranchers and cattle producers. The bill also fully preserves the step-up in basis, allows businesses to immediately and fully expense the cost of new investments, increases Section 179 small-business expensing limits, and expands cash accounting. These are all victories for cattle producers.

“Unfortunately, the House-passed bill would also significantly limit the ability of some businesses from deducting their interest expenses. This could be a big problem for some members of the cattle-production business. We’ve worked closely with Members of Congress to address this issue, and we’ll continue to work tirelessly to fix this problematic provision as this legislation moves forward in the Senate and toward a House-Senate conference committee.”

Over the past two months, NCBA has executed a media campaign in support of tax reform provisions that would benefit cattle and beef producers. The campaign is centered at CattlemenForTaxReform.com, and the campaign’s videos have been viewed more than a million times on Facebook.



Secretary Perdue Statement on House Passage of Tax Cuts & Reforms

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today hailed the House of Representatives’ passage of historic tax cuts and reforms as an important step toward providing much-needed relief to Americans, creating jobs, and boosting the economy. Perdue issued the following statement:

“We haven’t had an overhaul of the burdensome federal tax code since the mid-1980s and it is well past time to provide needed relief to workers and families. The people of agriculture dedicate their lives to putting food on the table for their fellow citizens and they deserve to keep more of what they earn from their labors. I applaud President Trump for his leadership in driving the debate and clearing a path for historic and significant tax cuts and reforms, just as I am pleased to see the sense of urgency with which Congress is moving toward a solution. The result will be more money in people’s pockets, more jobs created, and a more vibrant American economy.”



Farm Bureau Praises House Tax Bill Passage
Zippy Duvall, president, American Farm Bureau Federation

“Today’s passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) by the House of Representatives puts us one step closer to a tax code that works for all farmers and ranchers. Lower rates combined with the preservation of small business expensing, like-kind exchanges and the business deduction for state and local taxes are just a few of the things we are pleased to see in this legislation. We look forward to working with the Senate to build on this success in the coming weeks.”



Statement by NCFC President Chuck Conner on House Passage of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act

“It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives today approved a tax reform bill that will raise taxes on farmers and their co-ops across the country. By moving forward legislation that would eliminate the Section 199 deduction, the House’s action today means that $2 billion annually will flow out of rural America at a time when farmers and their local communities are struggling through the fourth year of stagnant prices.

“As the Senate Finance Committee continues to mark up its own tax reform package, we urge them to ensure that producers and their co-ops will not see their tax burdens increased while other sectors, from banking to technology, enjoy lower tax bills.”



NFU Alarmed by House Passage of Tax Reform Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives today voted 227-205 to approve the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a bill that would provide tax cuts and breaks to corporations and wealthy Americans at an estimated cost of $1.5 trillion.

National Farmers Union (NFU), a staunch opponent of regressive taxation, increased federal debt, and any legislation that jeopardizes farm program funding, urged House members to vote against the legislation and scored the vote. In response to the vote, NFU Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Communications Rob Larew released the following statement:

“NFU is alarmed by the House’s decision to pass highly flawed tax reform legislation that has disastrous implications for American family farmers and ranchers. The policies put forth by this bill would increase the tax burden on family farmers and the middle class, and they add a massive $1.5 trillion to our national deficit. On top of that, they potentially put funding for vital farm safety net programs on the chopping block and jeopardize passage of the Farm Bill.

“We urge the Senate to reconsider their current legislation, as it has comparable implications for family farm agriculture. Farmers Union will continue to advocate for simplified, progressive tax reform that recognizes the needs of family farmers and ranchers.”



U.S. Farm Exports Hit 3rd Highest Level on Record

U.S. agricultural exports totaled $140.5 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2017, climbing nearly $10.9 billion from the previous year to the third-highest level on record, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today. As it has done for well over 50 years, the U.S. agricultural sector once again posted an annual trade surplus, which reached $21.3 billion, up almost 30 percent from last year’s $16.6 billion.

“U.S. agriculture depends on trade. It is great to see an increase in exports and we hope to open additional markets to build on this success,” Perdue said.  “I’m a grow-it-and-sell-it kind of guy.  If American agricultural producers keep growing it, USDA will keep helping to sell it around the world.”

China finished the fiscal year as the United States’ largest export customer, with shipments valued at $22 billion, followed closely by Canada at $20.4 billion. U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico reached $18.6 billion, a six-percent gain from last year, while exports to Japan grew 12 percent, to $11.8 billion. Rounding out the top 10 markets were the European Union ($11.6 billion), South Korea ($6.9 billion), Hong Kong ($4 billion), Taiwan ($3.4 billion), Indonesia ($3 billion) and the Philippines ($2.6 billion).

U.S. bulk commodity exports set a volume record at 159 million metric tons, up 11 percent from FY 2016, while their value rose 16 percent to $51.4 billion. The surge was led by soybean exports, which reached a record 60 million metric tons, valued at $24 billion. Exports of corn, wheat and cotton all grew as well, with the value of cotton exports climbing 70 percent, to $5.9 billion, wheat exports up 21 percent, to $6.2 billion, and corn exports up six percent, to $9.7 billion.

A number of other products saw significant export increases as well. U.S. dairy exports grew 17 percent to $5.3 billion, beef exports were up 16 percent to $7.1 billion, and pork exports rose 14 percent to $6.4 billion. Overall, horticultural product exports increased three percent to nearly $33.9 billion, largely driven by an eight-percent increase in exports of tree nuts, which reached $8.1 billion, the second-highest total on record. Processed food and beverage exports rose two percent to $39.2 billion.

Exports are responsible for 20 percent of U.S. farm income, also driving rural economic activity and supporting more than one million American jobs both on and off the farm. USDA continues to work to boost export opportunities for U.S. agricultural products by opening new markets, pursuing new trade agreements, enforcing existing agreements, and breaking down barriers to trade.

Complete FY 2017 (Oct. 2016-Sept. 2017) agricultural export data are available from the Global Agricultural Trade System (GATS) database: https://apps.fas.usda.gov/gats/.




Exports and Domestic Beef Disappearance
Josh Maples, Asst. Professor, Dept of Agr Econ, Mississippi State University
 
The latest trade data released last week showed that the impressive export totals continued through the month of September. Total beef and veal exports were 13.95 percent higher in September 2017 than in September 2016. Year-to-date available, total exports are up 14.46 percent over the first nine months of 2016. In total pounds, exports are up about 263 million pounds YTD over last year.

The largest increase was again in exports to Japan. U.S. beef exports to Japan were up nearly 40 percent over September of last year. Japan imported 85 million pounds of U.S. beef in September. On the year, exports to Japan are up 29 percent over 2016 levels. Exports to Canada and Mexico both grew about 8 percent over September 2016. Exports to mainland China totaled a little over one million pounds in September which made China the 15 largest importer of U.S. beef for the month.

The continued increase in beef exports is taking some of the beef that would have otherwise ended up on the U.S. market out of the country. With beef production increasing, generally either domestic consumption has to increase, exports have to increase, or a combination of the two. In 2017, a combination of the two has been the answer. Larger than expected export totals have kept the beef disappearance per person in the U.S. from increasing by as much as the increase in beef production would suggest.

Domestic disappearance is a measure of how much beef is used on the domestic market. It accounts for production, beginning and ending stocks, imports, and exports. If we assume that 2017 export totals will end up at the current YTD rate of 14.5 percent higher than 2016, that would suggest exports will be 371 million pounds higher this year than last year on a carcass weight basis. If this occurs, not only would 2017 be the year with the largest export totals on record, it would also represent the largest annual pounds increase since 2011. How does this impact disappearance? Without the 14.5 percent increase in exports this year, domestic disappearance would be a half pound greater for every person in the U.S. on a retail weight basis. Looking ahead, forecasting exports for 2018 and beyond has important implications for price projections. Will stronger than expected export growth continue into the new year? If it does, it would continue to partially temper the impact of growing production on domestic beef disappearance.



Biodiesel Leadership Weighs In With President Trump on RFS, Calls out Contradictions in Refiners' Arguments

Today the executive leadership of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) sent a letter to President Trump regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In the letter, the NBB’s governing board members thank the president for his leadership and support of the RFS program, explain the industry’s capacity to produce biodiesel and highlight some of the contradictions made by the refining industry.

On the contradictions by some in the refining industry:

"We also understand that some refiners are continuing to complain loudly about the RFS, about RIN prices and about what they see as the adverse impacts on their businesses. Yet strong Q3 refiner earnings reports seem to directly contradict those concerns. For example, PBF Energy, whose executives had earlier made strong statements about the potential negative impact of RIN prices on the company’s earnings, just-reported Q3 revenue of $5.5 billion—a whopping 22 percent increase compared to the same period in 2016. The executives’ prior statements were clearly overstated.

“It is also important to know that many of the refinery owners who are begging for Congress to provide relief by changing or killing the RFS were fully aware of this law when they purchased their companies and when the RFS was completely factored into their purchase prices. It is not as if the 10-year-old RFS law constitutes some big surprise. Other companies in this space have invested in blending and distribution infrastructure or employed other compliance strategies to minimize their costs.” 

On the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) July proposal:

“What is equally important to understand is that the base numbers contained in EPA’s original, July proposal—4.24 billion gallons for advanced biofuels and 2.1 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel—are themselves so low that, if finalized, they will halt the growth of the biomass-based diesel industry. The 4.24-billion-gallon number is a reduction from the previous year’s 4.28 billion gallons, which sends a starkly negative signal to the industry as a whole.

“Similarly, the 2.1-billion-gallon volume for biomass-based diesel is a static number—the same as the previous year—again sending the wrong signal to an industry poised for robust, sustainable growth. The RFS program is fulfilled by both domestic and imported biodiesel, but the domestic industry alone can generate 2.6 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel right now. In other words, even if you excluded all imports, domestic producers alone are immediately ready to generate substantially more than the 2.1 billion-gallon volume in EPA’s July proposal.”

The NBB’s governing board members reiterated their ask of at least 4.75 billion gallons for advanced biofuels for 2018 and at least 2.5 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel for 2019. The governing board includes members from a diverse group of states: Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.



House Letter to EPA Demonstrates Widespread Support for Cellulosic and Advanced Biofuels

Growth Energy applauds Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Congressman Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), and 16 of their House colleagues for calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase the blending targets for cellulosic biofuels and biodiesel in the final 2018 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs).

“We extend our sincere thanks to champions in Congress who are working hard to ensure that the RFS continues to deliver savings and health benefits to communities in all regions of the country,” Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said.

“Thanks to the RFS and ethanol in our national fuel supply, we are all breathing cleaner air every day. Starch-based ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent compared to conventional gasoline, and advanced biofuels, like cellulosic ethanol, could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100 percent or more.

“Increasing the volumes for cellulosic and advanced biofuels is essential to ensure that producers and stakeholders will have the certainty they need to continue to invest in cellulosic technology.”



Corn-based Compound Used for Ice and Snow Control on Roadways
   
Road crews around the country are preparing for winter weather by running preparedness drills and stocking up on road treatment products. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) added a new product to their lineup for dealing with ice and snow on the roadways, one that includes a corn-based compound.

"We added another road treatment option to our winter operations," says MODOT St. Louis Maintenance Engineer, Mark Croarkin. "The corn-based portion of the product is a carrier for Magnesium Chloride.  There are similar products that result in an approximately 2% Magnesium Chloride treated salt that use other base materials.  These products typically cost a little more to mix, but they can be more effective."

Croarkin says the corn-based product MODOT started using goes by IceBan® M20 or IceBan® 300.  "If I was trying to quantify I would estimate the IceBan® treated material is about 25% more effective overall," says Croarkin. "The benefits we have seen depend on the temperature; the colder the storm the better results."

According to AJP Corporations website, "Ice Ban® is a natural liquid concentrate residue from the wet milling of corn and the production of alcohol. Ice Ban® is environmentally friendly, non-toxic to vegetation, and actually delivers valuable nutrients to the soil and may enhance vegetation growth. Ice Ban® is less corrosive on metal than other ice melters. In fact, it actually inhibits corrosion caused by chloride salts. Testing indicates that Ice Ban® is less corrosive than water. Ice Ban® freezes at temperatures lower than most other ice melters. Ice Ban® contains more molecules than other ice melters and has the potential to melt more ice."

The corn-based compound is designed to keep roads ice-free longer. "For us, this is another tool in our toolbox to treat roadways," Croarkin said.



USDA Offers Assistance to Protect Privately-Owned Wetlands, Agricultural Lands and Grasslands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages people and groups wanting to protect critical wetlands, agricultural lands and grasslands to consider enrolling their property into conservation easements. This year, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) plans to invest $250 million in technical and financial assistance to help private landowners, tribes, land trusts and other groups protect these valuable lands.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) focuses on restoring and protecting wetlands as well as conserving productive agricultural lands and grasslands. Landowners are compensated for enrolling their land in easements.

“Protecting these lands preserves America’s heritage, natural resources and open space,” NRCS Acting Chief Leonard Jordan said. “Easements are also important tools for people who are trying to improve the management of their land.”

The 2014 Farm Bill created ACEP, merging together several easement programs into one. Last year alone, the program has protected nearly 300,000 acres through easements.

Wetland Reserve Easements
Through ACEP wetland reserve easements, NRCS helps landowners and tribes restore and protect wetland ecosystems. Wetlands are one of nature’s most productive ecosystems providing many ecological, societal and economic benefits.

“Seventy-five percent of the nation's wetlands are situated on private and tribal lands,” Jordan said. “Wetlands provide many benefits, including critical habitat for a wide array of wildlife species. They also store floodwaters, clean and recharge groundwater, sequester carbon, trap sediment, and filter pollutants for clean water.”

Wetland conservation easements are either permanent or for 30 years. Eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can successfully be restored, croplands or grasslands subject to flooding, and riparian areas that link protected wetland areas. As part of the easement, NRCS and the landowner work together to develop a plan for the restoration and maintenance of the wetland.

Agricultural Land Easements
Through ACEP agricultural land easements, NRCS provides funds to conservation partners to purchase conservation easements on private working lands. This program helps keep working lands working, especially in areas experiencing development pressure.

Partners include state or local agencies, non-profits and tribes. Landowners continue to own their property but voluntarily enter into a legal agreement with a cooperating entity to purchase an easement. The cooperating entity applies for matching funds from NRCS for the purchase of an easement from the landowner, permanently protecting its agricultural use and conservation values. Landowners do not apply directly to NRCS for funding under this program.

Easements are permanent. Eligible lands include privately owned cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and forestlands.

More Information
Landowners and tribes interested in wetland reserve easements and partners interested in agricultural easements should contact their local USDA service center. Applications for ACEP are taken on a continuous basis, and they are ranked and considered for funding several times per year.