USDA speaker, cost-sharing program topics of Friday event for farmers

Area farmers are invited to an educational event highlighting USDA surveys and a new cost-sharing program for nutrient management.

The event, organized by the soil and water conservation districts in Buchanan and Andrew counties, begins at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, at the East Hills Library, 502 N. Woodbine Road.

Andrea and Mitch Rice will give details of a new pilot program being offered for up to $10,000 in cost-share funding to local farmers for nutrient management.

Brad Summa, director of the USDA's Heartland Regional Office, will discuss the correlations between USDA surveys and programs, how the results affect policy decisions and the importance for local farmers to respond.

For more information on the cost-share program and how to apply, contact Julie Schock at 816-364-3662 ext. 3 or julie.schock@swcd.mo.gov or Brandee Davison at 816-324-3196 ext. 3 or brandee.davison@swcd.mo.gov.