Deadlines approach for USDA commodity safety net programs

NATIONWIDE — Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the risk coverage or price-loss coverage programs for the 2022 crop year have until Tuesday, March 15 to sign a contract.

The two programs provide income support to farmers experiencing substantial declines in crop prices or revenues.  

Producers must enroll through a signed contract each year. And if you have a multi-year contract on a farm and make a change for 2022, it is necessary to sign a new contract.

Producers who do not complete enrollment by the deadline will not be enrolled in the programs for the 2022 crop year and will not receive a payment if the program is triggered.  

In addition, Tuesday, March 1 is the deadline for the livestock indemnity program. The deadline for the USDA cover crop program is March 15.

Producers are eligible to enroll farms with base acres for the following commodities:  barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seeds, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long-grain rice, medium and short-grain rice, safflower seeds, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seeds and wheat. 

For more information, visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/arcplc_program/index, or contact the local USDA service center.

Wayne Tomorrow! debuts new video

HONESDALE, PA — “Wayne Tomorrow! 2021 Cultivating a Vibrant Future” made its debut recently on the group’s YouTube channel and on social media.

The video spreads the word about Wayne Tomorrow! and its community impact network (CIN).

There are comments from the three Wayne County commissioners and Wayne County Community Foundation executive director Ryanne Jennings. There are cameos by many of the members of the CIN, which has been meeting monthly for more than eight years.

James Hamill, CIN member and public relations director at the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, narrated the video and was responsible, along with production manager Zane Shupp, for the work.

You can view the video at https://youtu.be/3wPYLvAZkM0 or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WayneTomorrow.

Learn more about Wayne Tomorrow! at https://www.waynetomorrow.com/.

Delaware Valley Elementary kindergarten registration packets due March 31

DELAWARE VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT — If you live in the Milford/Matamoras area and your child will be five years old on or before Thursday, September 1, you’ll need a kindergarten registration packet for the 2022-2023 school year.

Contact Susan Rustin, student management secretary for Delaware Valley Elementary School (DVES), to get a packet.

You will need your child’s name, date of birth, your mailing address and your contact phone number.

The packets must be turned in to the DVES office by Thursday, March 31.

Appointments will be scheduled on Tuesday, May 10, to complete the registration process.

To get your packet, call Susan Rustin at 570/296-1823 or email her at srustin@dvsd.org with your child’s name, date of birth, your mailing address and a contact phone number.

Demonstration planned for renewable energy funds

ALBANY, NY — New York Renews (NYR), a coalition of over 300 environmental advocacy groups—including local group Catskill Mountainkeeper—has organized a March 8 demonstration in Albany to demand that New York State budget $15 billion for renewable energy programs, green jobs and climate justice.

NYR is coordinating buses, vans and carpools from major areas across New York State for those who need transportation.

Mountainkeeper testified earlier this month in support of this $15 billion investment, which is critical for New York’s State’s transition to a renewable energy future.

Sign up at https://bit.ly/3JGrwNf.

Delaware Valley Hospital visitation reopened for non-COVID patients

WALTON, NY — United Health Services Delaware Valley Hospital announced that due to the reduced numbers of COVID-positive cases in the surrounding area and hospital, visitation hours have been extended, effective immediately. Visiting hours will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days per week.

Patients who do not have COVID-19 may now have up to two visitors at a time. Visitors must be 18 years of age and over, must wear a mask at all times and will be screened for symptoms and possible COVID-19 exposure before entering the building.

Patients with COVID-19 can have virtual visits. If you have a special concern or situation, call 607/865-2100.