The SL6 program is usually designed for fencing off streams and
ponds and application of lime and fertilizer. The specifications
for certain practices, such as fencing that has gone through some
rapid changes, can be very outdated in the ASCS-SCS system. County
committees have a fair amount of control in what practices are
accepted. Talking to the local NRCS (SCS) and Soil and Water
Conservation District personnel can be used in getting local
specifications changed. Changes already made elsewhere can speed up
changes locally. New York has up to date specifications for this
practice that are detailed enough so that a farmer can use them for
building instructions. Iowa State ASC committee approved inclusion
of practice SL6 (Grazing Land Protection) into the state ACP
program. Wisconsin has adopted an intensive rotational grazing
package for ASC cost-share. Vermont has ASCS cost share dollars
available for graziers. California cost shares water development if
it increases grazing distribution; high tensile electric fence if
used for cross fencing or the protection of riparian areas; and
approval is being sought for the protection of wetlands and to
minimize non-point source pollution.
Thanks to John Harper, Mark Reynolds, Dick Dale, Fred Magdoff, Nate
Leonard, Dick Richardson, Julie Elfving and Tory Shade for your
helpful comments.
Jerry Jost, Kansas Rural Center, Lawrence, Kansas.