By Alan Sorensen
The Hill County FSA Committee determined this week that it will extend the weed clipping deadline to Sept. 30 on Conservation Reserve Program acres. This only applies to newly established CRP acreage.
"Fire danger is high right now," said Mike Zook, the FSA county executive director. "The County Committee urges everyone to use common sense when using flails and mowers."
These types of equipment will sometimes spark when they hit rocks in the fields, Zook said.
Clipping weeds on newly established CRP helps eradicate blowing tumbleweeds and eliminate new weed seeds from competing with the new grass plants. FSA has taken a more proactive stance in recent years to eliminating this problem, and has sometimes fined producers who have not completed necessary clippings in a timely fashion.
"Not all new grass stands need to be clipped," Zook said, "but if you are wondering if you should mow them, chances are it's a good idea. At this time, however, they should choose appropriate times to do it, such as after a shower or following a heavy dew."
USDA employees will continue to monitor the situation, and work with the County Committee on the situation.
