TSP Schedules a Meeting

The TSP schedules a meeting with Pat where they will meet on her land and review the proposed CRP practice. Pat would like for the Rodgers brothers to be present as they currently farm the land and she wants to include them in the process. A date and time are set that works for all of the stakeholders (TSP, Pat and the Rodgers').

A viable conservation plan is one that meets the needs of all of the stakeholders. Long after the TSP has left the scene, the owner or operator is required to meet all of their obligations under the CRP contract. What types of ongoing maintenance are required? What about mow-ing or harvesting of grasses for silage? It is during this initial meeting that the TSP should listen to the needs of the owner or operator and guide them towards an appropriate mix of practices.

Now that the meeting has been arranged, the TSP records the activity to date (in this case, setting-up a meeting) in the Conservation Assistance Notes CPA-6. The TSP should make several copies of the Practice Standard and Specifications (393), and also print a copy of the NRCS-CPA-52 for recording notes in the field.

Meeting and Review of Practice(s)

The TSP meets with Pat and the Rodgers brothers at the farm and carefully reviews the Practice Standard and Specifications (393) and the responsibilities required to implement and maintain the practice during the life of the CRP Contract.

The Rodgers brothers have no problem understanding the seeding and maintenance requirements as they have been farming for over 30 years. The Rodgers' let Pat know that they can implement the Filter Strip. The November time frame for implementation works best for their schedule and provides enough time to order the correct seeding mixtures and any other necessary inputs.

Walking the Land

Pat, the TSP and the Rodgers' now walk over the land to the area of concern. Together they identify where the filter strip needs to go. Following the natural contour of the land between the Image of Corn Field next to Creek field and creek, the width and length are identified. Since there is no grazing on the land, neither permanent nor temporary barriers will be required.

Taking out a digital camera, the TSP snaps pictures to use as a later reference. Why take pictures? It is important to make the most efficient use of everyone's time. Pat and the Rodgers' are busy and they adjusted their schedules to be there for the meeting. At a later date, digital pictures may be useful for recalling the specific location of the filter strip and any resource concerns.