Issues

Latest News

August 2010

	Final Rule Issued on Cotton Program/CCC-Approved Warehouses (62k pdf) 08/20/2010 USDA's Commodity Credit Corp. is amending a previous final rule that implemented the '08 farm bill provisions for the cotton program. The correction removes definitions that are no longer used concerning Northern Europe prices for cotton. CCC also is making clarifying changes to the regulations for the cotton program and for CCC-approved warehouses. CCC is clarifying the payment calculation for upland cotton that is eligible for the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program (EAAP) and clarifying the definition of ‘‘active shipping order.’’
	USDA Reminds Producers of Approaching CRP Sign-Up Deadline 08/16/2010 Producers are reminded that they can offer eligible land for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) competitive general sign-up (enroll) until close of business on Friday, Aug. 27, '10. (see fact sheet - 278k pdf)
	NCC Applauds Bill Preventing Burdensome Pesticide Permitting 08/06/2010 The NCC fully supports the concept embraced in legislation introduced by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Lincoln (D-AR) and Ranking Member Chambliss (R-GA) that would overturn the decision of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of NCC, et al, v. EPA.

July 2010

	USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program General Sign-up 07/26/2010 A general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) will begin on Aug. 2, '10 and continue through Aug. 27, '10. During that period, farmers and ranchers may offer eligible land for CRP's competitive general sign-up at their county Farm Service Agency office. (see fact sheet - 278k pdf)
	Southeast Cotton Producers to See Mid-South Operations 07/13/2010 Southeast cotton producers will see cotton operations in the Mid-South on July 18-22 as part of the NCC Producer Information Exchange program.

June 2010

	USDA Report Boosts US '10 Cotton Acreage Estimate 06/30/2010 In its June acreage report, USDA estimated '10-11 US cotton plantings at 10.91 million acres, up 19.20% from '09. Upland planted area is estimated to have increased 18.80% to 10.70 million acres while ELS cotton producers planted 209,000 acres, up 47.80% from '09. USDA’s June number is up 404,000 acres from their initial '10 estimate released in March.
	NCC Statement on U.S.-Brazil Framework Agreement 06/18/2010 The NCC expressed appreciation for Administration efforts to conclude a framework agreement with Brazil in the WTO dispute involving the export credit guarantee programs and certain provisions of the cotton program.
	Senate Approval Urged on Resolution Preventing Greenhouse Gas Regulation Under Clean Air Act 06/08/2010 The NCC is urging Senators to vote yes on adoption of S. J. Res. 26, a resolution to disapprove EPA regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
	USDA Announces Final Rule for Conservation Stewardship Program 06/03/2010 Producers are reminded that the ranking period for '10 CSP acres will end on June 25, and eligible producers must have filled out the basic NRCS application prior to that date. NCC staff created a summary of the program.
	NCC Summary of Conservation Stewardship Program Final Rule 06/03/2010 The NCC summarized the Conservation Stewardship Program final rule carried in the Federal Register.

Farm Bill Information

2008 SURE Payment Deadline Announced 08/02/10
USDA announced that producers have until Sept. 30, to submit an application for payment under the '08 Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program.

NCC: Stable Farm Policy Vital for Healthy U.S. Cotton Industry 06/24/10
The NCC told a House Agriculture Committee subcommittee today that stable farm policy is essential for the U.S. cotton industry.

NCC Chairman Testifies on Farm Policy (46k pdf) 06/24/10
In June 24 testimony, NCC Chairman Eddie Smith told the House Agriculture Committee's General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Committee that stable farm policy is essential for the US cotton industry. (See NCC release)

NCC Creates Conservation Information Website 06/18/10
The NCC has created “Conservation in Cotton Production,” a website portal intended to raise its producer members’ awareness and use of federal conservation programs.

Easement Programs for Cotton Producers 06/15/10
The NCC has made available a fact sheet for cotton producers on Easement Programs.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for Cotton Producers 06/15/10
The NCC has made available a fact sheet for cotton producers on the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) for Cotton Producers 06/15/10
The NCC has made available a fact sheet for cotton producers on Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA).

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for Cotton Producers 06/15/10
The NCC has made available a fact sheet for cotton producers on the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for Cotton Producers 06/15/10
The NCC has made available a fact sheet for cotton producers on the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

Conservation Stewardship Program Activity List for Planners (29k pdf) 09/22/09
During the week of Sept. 21, USDA issued an updated CSP Activity List For Planners.