In response to extreme weather conditions, the Natural Resources Conservation Service has approved several variances that may be granted to producers due to drought conditions experienced in 2012.

Farm Service Agency programs require compliance with highly erodible land provisions. These provisions require producers to follow an approved conservation system on all highly erodible land planted to an annual crop as determined by the NRCS.

Due to the extreme drought conditions Jasper County has faced, reduced yields for corn, soybeans and all forages are expected. Some producers may decide the best use for the corn is to chop it for silage. In addition, due to the shortage of all forages, producers may find benefit in baling or grazing drought damaged row crops. A possible area of concern could be the amount of residue left on the HEL acres would not be sufficient cover, according to the conservation plan.