There is a strong rumor in Washington that the Senate is weakening the current language regarding “Sodsaver” in their version of the farm bill. “Sodsaver” is a provision designed to remove government incentives for conversion of native grassland to cropland. The provision would discourage conversion of marginal soils in arid regions that are drought and disaster prone. Native prairie provides critical nesting habitat for ducks.
Demand for corn acres to supply biofuel plants has intensified the search for more agricultural land for the production of other crops like wheat. This pressure to find more cropland seems to have caused our congressional leaders to look to soften the ”Sodsaver” provision that is critical for waterfowl. Until now, “Sodsaver” had strong support in both houses (particularly the Senate). New pressures from the large agricultural lobbyists have our congressional representatives back-tracking on previous promises to the conservation community, their constituents and the Administration.
In a statement released back in November, the Administration specifically outlined its desire for the inclusion of a strong “Sodsaver” provision in the 2007 farm bill.
As duck hunters and conservationist, we all know the importance of conservation programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The importance of native prairie to nesting ducks, duck hunters, ranchers and, for that matter to all U.S. citizens also cannot be overemphasized. Native prairie is actually more important than CRP. While lost CRP acres can eventually be replanted (of course, at a high cost), once gone, native prairie cannot be replaced. A strong “Sodsaver” is the prairies, only protection, particularly in this current “corn rush” environment.
The current farm bill (2002) provides incentives that encourage farmers to break native sod by substantially reducing the financial risks associated with such activities. The latest USDA figures show a 40 percent jump this year in the conversion of native grasslands into cropland. And who pays you ask? U.S. taxpayers.
We are paying for the destruction of native prairie grasslands.
A Government Accounting Office (GAO) report released in September links farm program payments to the loss of prairie grasslands. The GAO prepared “Impact of USDA Payments and Sodbuster on Grassland Conversions to Cropland,” for Senate and House committees working on the new farm bill.
The study found that farm program payments are twice as high per acre in South Dakota counties with high rates of native grassland conversion. Why, you ask?
These are drought-prone areas. Crop failures are the norm rather than the exception. Price supports and crop insurance are necessary on high quality croplands. However, most of the native grasslands left would make poor cropland. It makes no sense – and the report agrees – for taxpayers to fund growing crops on these lands. That grass is much more valuable for ranchers, wildlife and protecting soil and water quality.
Ironically, when much of the debate over the farm bill has centered on finding cost savings in existing programs, there now is a push to cut a conservation provision that doesn’t cost a dime, but saves millions of taxpayer dollars. The Senate version of “Sodsaver” was scored by the Congressional Budget Office as providing $135 million in savings over 10 years. Does this seem logical?
Prairie grassland nesting grounds are shrinking in the Prairie Pothole Region.
We literally cannot afford to see the Senate take steps backward.
There are 22 million acres of native prairie remaining in the PPR. Only about 1 million acres are protected in perpetuity. The highest priority areas that support the highest breeding densities of ducks need to be protected. In addition to protecting native prairie, such an amendment would also protect a large percentage of the remaining wetlands by default. Approximately 60% of these unprotected wetlands are surrounded by native prairie. As mentioned, these areas tend to be lands unfavorable for farming. Good farm ground has been in production for hundreds of years. The remaining native prairie is in place for a reason. That’s why we say, “Farm the Best, Conserve the Rest.”
Yes, we still need milk, bread and eggs. However, we need ducks, and pheasants, and deer, and fish, and songbirds and clean water. As taxpayers we deserve to have our best interests served. A strong “Sodsaver” and other conservation programs in the farm bill best serve wildlife, farming and taxpayers.
Ducks Unlimited is urging Congress to stay the course for conservation, to do the right thing, maintain support for a strong “Sodsaver” provision in the farm bill that would remove incentives such as crop insurance and disaster payments from all newly converted grassland with no previous cropping history.
Similarly, we are asking the people who care about waterfowl to call their Senators today and ask them to show their leadership for the “Duck Factory.” If not, waterfowl hunting as we know it will change forever.
Call your senators
Check Out:
Administration pushes for grassland protection
New data shows grassland losses mount
GAO Briefing Document