NOVEMBER 2000 VOL. 1, NO. 11

November 2000 Vol. 1, No. 11

Delaware Nutrient Management Notes

Cost Share Funds are available

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT COST-SHARE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE NOW

Those who apply nutrients to 10 acres or greater are eligible for cost assistance for developing a nutrient management plan by private nutrient consultants. Legal mandates will be met early with voluntary participation.

• Rates include up to $5 per acre for 3 years of nutrient management planning developed by a private consultant.
• Rates include soil test reimbursement up to $7.50 per 20 acres of sampled soil taken by a private consultant.
• Rates include annual manure test reimbursement up to $25 per 500 animal units (50,000 chickens).
• Funds may be limited and are based on a first-come-first-served basis.
• Funds are prioritized by the Delaware Nutrient Management Commission for any practical reason.

• Must transport nutrients at least seven miles to qualify for cost share.
• Farm to farm: Load rate cap of $2.50 per ton; $.15 per ton-mile; $20 per ton cap.
• Farm to alternative use: Load rate cap of $2.50 per ton; $.15 per ton-mile; $20 per ton cap.
• Alternative use project to "off" the Peninsula: $.08 per ton-mile with cap of $10 per ton.
• Any combination of relocation cost share not to exceed $20 per ton transported.
• Eligible senders need an Animal Waste Management Plan or Nutrient Management Plan and must have excessive nutrients (Fertility Index Value greater than 200 by Mehlich 1 soil test) or inadequate land for manure application.
• Eligible receivers need a Nutrient Management Plan demonstrating nutrient need (Fertility Index Value less than or equal to 150 by Mehlich 1 soil test) and adequate land for manure application.

What do early participants have to say about the Delaware Nutrient Management Program?

"We've practiced nutrient management planning for 20 years"  

R.C. Willin, Willin Farms, Inc., Seaford, Delaware

"You need a reasonable objective achievable through a workable plan," says R. C. Willin of Seaford, Delaware.  "You need to have a plan--to know what your expectations are.  You identify how to reach those yield goals, then implement the plan.  Otherwise you aren't really sure what you're doing out there.  It's environmentally responsible, but economically responsible too.  Farmers cannot afford to use inputs that are not justified."

"It's a darn good program.  It shows the non-farmers out there that someone not connected with the farm has certified we're doing things right."  

Dickie Smith, Farm Manager, Townsend's Inc., Millsboro,  Delaware

"The cost-share program will be a big financial help to farmers.  We don't overload the soil with nutrients.  We always have taken soil samples.  We have the manure analyzed.  We're using what the crop uptake needs are.  I keep these records anyway.  None of us have anything to hide.  It will make people aware that we've been trying to do what's right and keep the environment safe."

GET INVOLVED WITHOUT DELAY

Nutrient management cost-share programs are on a first-come-first-served basis. Funds are available for both relocation of manure and for nutrient management planning. Apply at your local Conservation District office. Applications will be processed by the Nutrient Management Program, and you will be notified on the status of the application.

                        Kent                                            New Castle                                        Sussex

          (302) 697-2600 (Ext. 3)                        (302) 832-3100                         (302) 856-7215 (Ext. 3)

                                                                                    or

                                                                  (302) 834-3560 (Ext. 3) 

Prepared by Bill Rohrer, Steve