Jogeephus":2wi0po62 said:
Just wondering if you thought it was worth it? Taking the cost share money that is, rather than just biting the bullet and doing it yourself. Seems to me, requirements of some programs are such that by the time you do all the things they require, then pay taxes on the money they give you, it might be just as well to do it yourself and claim a deduction - sometimes. I guess it depends on the program and what you are doing. But what do you think?
There is NCRS with some programs but there is also, at least in my area, several State programs. I think some of that comes from the change over from Tobacco. I actually will probably use more state programs than federal. Some of the programs overlap NCRS and cover the same things too. My tax situation is a bit strange at the moment and I will probably run it by my tax guy first, but even paying taxes on the money, it is more income to work with, albeit earmarked for certain things. There is a yearly limit and max limit in some of the programs that needs to be considered.
I am working on the sheep end of it first ( then I hope to add cattle a little later) , they are cheaper to get started in and I have more experience there. I also like to work my dogs and can train on them. I just closed on my farm the 10th.
Fencing, water, native pastures, etc. will work for cattle too. Including the things Dun mentioned there is a program for purchasing "genetic improvement" - buying rams. ( I believe they have something similar for cattle too. ) Requirements to participate in most of the sheep programs are a seminar on sheep, which I just did at Univ. of KY. and intended to do anyway. Also must have 20 sheep to start for some of it. Technically I am a first time farmer, disadvantaged farmer ( female) and who knows what else. Rams must be health and semen tested. A program for native grasses - that one may be federal. The fencing and water, which Dun mentioned, which is my primary interest.
I am equally interested in having NCRS just come out, make recommendations, look at the pasture, look at the
mess they made in the woods cutting off timber, ( wonder what a couple of hogs would do for downed timber ? ) helping me plan overall fencing with managed grazing and water in mind. I don't think hardly anyone, if anyone, around my farm is doing managed grazing so it should be a fun one for the area.
I was raised like some of you, not to take government handouts. I could go on a long soapbox about it, but lets just say I've changed my mind . Anything that I can use to get going, to become more productive faster, I will make use of. If I can do that they'll get it back in taxes in the end. Then again, maybe they've already gotten it in taxes I've paid.