Grain prices mixed for the week

Prices paid for grain at the Ellsworth Co-op at the end of the business day, Monday, Jan. 6, were:

Wheat, bu. — $4.39, up 6 cents from Dec. 26.

Milo, bu. — $3.15 down 6 cents.

Soybeans, bu. — $8.32, unchanged.

Corn, bu. — $3.50, down 4 cents. The co-op has locations in Ellsworth, Black Wolf, Farhman, Hitschmann, Holyrood and Kanopolis.

CRP signup underway

Deadline for producers to offer land during the general Conservation Reserve Program signup is Feb, 28.

Farmers and ranchers who enroll in CRP receive a yearly rental payment for voluntarily establishing long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees (known as “covers”) to control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat on marginally productive agricultural lands.

CRP has 22 million acres enrolled, but the 2018 Farm Bill lifted the cap to 27 million acres. This means farmers and ranchers have a chance to enroll in CRP for the first time or continue their participation for another term. By enrolling, producers are improving water quality, reducing soil erosion, and restoring habitat for wildlife.

CRP general signup will be held annually. The competitive general signup will now include increased opportunities for enrollment of wildlife habitat through the State Acres For Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) initiative. In addition, soil rental rates have been statutorily prorated at 90 percent for continuous signup and 85 percent for general signup. The rental rates will be assessed annually. Under continuous signup, producers also receive incentives, including a signup incentive payment and a practice incentive payment.

Information: Ellsworth County FSA Office at (785) 472-3161.

KFB seeks Sesquicentennial Farms

Kansas Farm Bureau plans to recognize “Sesquicentennial Farms” in conjunction with its annual “Century Farm” program. The Century Farm program honors farms with owners or operators related to the original farm owner/operator for 100 years by Dec. 31, 2020. The Sesquicentennial Farms program extends the recognition to 150 years.

Deadline for consideration is May 15. Details for qualification and applications can be obtained at county Farm Bureau offices or on the KFB website, https://www.kfb.org/Get-Involved/Century-Farm-Program.