# Presentation: 871820

## Self Assessment Workbook

**Notes:**
We have copies of the workbook for you to go through with me during this presentation and to take home with you to complete at your convenience. The workbook IS for you to complete, keep and bring with you for discussion during the interview process.  If you pass the Self Assessment Workbook process, you should next begin the task of assembling the CA Records Workbook. After completing the Records workbook and program application, you may then schedule an appointment with your NRCS field office to review all completed Workbooks and supporting documentation.

## Self Assessment – Workbook Structure

**Introduction**
**Step 1: Land & Producer Eligibility**
**Step 2: Treatment Assessment**
**Step 3: Begin Benchmark Inventory**
**(Page iii)**

**Notes:**
The workbook has been simplified and clarified since last year’s program.  We won’t discuss every workbook question in this presentation.  I have some  sample questions from the workbook that have been changed or may cause some confusion. At the end of the today’s meeting, we will be available to answer questions you may have regarding your operation and how you answer Workbook questions. Note we will help explain Workbook questions, but it is your responsibility to answer the questions for your operation.

**“****This Self-Assessment is required for all CSP applications and must be completed by the participant prior to the published cut-off date for the application to be considered for funding.”****    (Page 1)**

- List the location of the land, or portion of land, you wish to enroll in CSP:
- NAME of LAND: (Example – Smith Farm) _________________________________________________
- ZIP CODE: __________________ 	  WATERSHED: ____________________________________
- LOCATION: (township, range, section, parish, etc.) __________________________________________
- ________________________________________________	____________________________
**    ****Signature ****	****	****	****	****	****Date**

**Notes:**
There are several tasks that potential applicants must complete prior to the cut-off date for applications to be complete and considered eligible. This self assessment workbook is one of the required tasks.

## Self Assessment Workbook Introduction (Page 3)

**Notes:**
Let’s look at the workbook and this part of the self assessment process. The red arrow indicates where we are in the application process. Note that some eligibility related questions and tasks are assumed to have already been completed.

## Workbook Organization

_**First - Series of Questions (Page 6)**_**:**
**Yes, No or NA answer options**
_**Second - Answers Reviewed (Page 8)**_**:**
**Generally you must answer “Yes” or “NA” to all questions.**
**A “No” answer to any question **_**may**_** indicate you are not eligible for CSP at this time.**
**Note: Applicants may also reduce the amount of land offered which may not be eligible and “re-answer” questions again.**

## Self Assessment Step 1

- Answer questions honestly to the best of your knowledge
- Answer questions as they apply to your entire operation
- Self Assessment is an assessment and a “screening” process
- Begin to think about what documents, records or evidence you may have or need to develop to show NRCS your operation and conservation management activities and to verify eligibility.
- Workbook will be available on-line at:_[http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp)_

**Notes:**
Let’s look at step 1, Land and Producer Eligibility Questions. This is a partial reiteration of some of what was presented in the CSP program overview. 

## Land and Producer Eligibility Questions   (Page 6)

| 1. | Do you share in the risk of producing crops or livestock on this operation?
Note: 
	Landlords who receive only cash payments for renting  the land are not currently eligible to apply for CSP on that acreage.  |  YES |  NO |  NA |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2. | Are you entitled to share in the crop or livestock available for marketing from the agricultural operation? |  YES |  NO |  NA |
| 3. | Do you have control of the land you intend to enroll in CSP for the life of the proposed 5- to 10-year contract period? 
Note:
	A lease is not required, but tenants must be able to provide written evidence or assurance of control from the landowner(s).  You may use the “Control of Land Certification” form in Appendix A to provide this evidence. |  YES |  NO |  NA |
| 4. | Is your average adjusted gross income less than or equal to $2.5 million, or if greater than $2.5 million, did at least 75% come from farming, ranching, or forestry?
Note:
To participate in CSP, your average Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for the 3 tax years immediately preceding the year the contract is approved cannot exceed $2.5 million, unless at least 75 percent of the income was derived from agriculture.  
You must complete the AGI determination form “CCC-526, Payment Eligibility Average Adjusted Gross Income Certification” in Appendix B, prior to application. |  YES |  NO |  NA |

**Land and Producer Eligibility Questions   (Page 6)**

## Slide 8

| 5. | Is the land you wish to enroll in compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions of the 1985 Farm Bill as amended?
Note:
	The Food Security Act of 1985, as amended, requires that persons who produce agriculture commodities protect all cropland classified as being highly erodible from excessive erosion and all wetlands from conversion.  The provisions have been amended in the 1990, 1996, and 2002 Farm Bills. 
If you have not participated in a USDA program, you must complete a “Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification” form AD-1026 in Appendix C and submit it to your local USDA Service Center.  |  YES |  NO |  NA |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 6. | Is the land you wish to enroll in CSP currently in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) or Grassland Reserve Program (GRP).
Note:
Land enrolled in CRP, CREP, WRP, WREP or GRP cannot be a part of the CSP contract but should be included in your agricultural delineation. In addition, land accepted in a recent CRP sign-up for contract development is not eligible.
For example: You would like to enroll a 40-acre parcel that has a 2 acre CRP buffer. You will include all 40 acres in your delineation. However, only the 38 acres that are not enrolled in CRP will be eligible for payment in a CSP contract. |  YES |  NO |  NA |
| 7. | Is the land you wish to enroll private agricultural land or Tribal land?
Note:
Public land (owned by federal, state or local government) is not eligible for CSP payments but should be included in your delineation if the land is under your control. |  YES |  NO |  NA |

## Question 1

*Producer Eligibility*
*Question 1 -*
**	****“****Do you **_**share in the risk of producing crops or livestock on this operation?**_**”**

## Question 1

*“**Share in the risk” –* **p. 37**
**	****“****An owner, operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper who materially participates and shares in the risk of producing any crop or livestock; and is entitled to share in the crop or livestock available for marketing from a farm (or would have shared had the crop or livestock been produced).” **

**Notes:**
A landowner that cash rents his/her farm is not eligible to participate.

## Question 2

*Question 2 -*
**	****“****Are you entitled to share in the crop or livestock available for marketing from the **_**agriculture operation?**_**”**

## Question 2

*“**Agriculture Operation” –*
**	****“****Agricultural land, and other lands determined by the NRCS Chief, under the control of the participant and operated with equipment, labor, accounting systems, and management that is substantially separate from any other unit.” FSA farm boundaries may be used.  Farms can be aggregated into one contract, but only one application per sign-up period will be accepted.” **

**Notes:**
A landowner that cash rents his/her farm is not eligible to participate.

## Question 3

*Question 3 -*
**	****“****Do you have **_**control of the land you intend to enroll in CSP **_**for the life of the proposed 5 to 10 year contract period?”**

## Question 3

*“**Control of the land” –*** **
**	****“****The CSP participant does not need to own eligible land, but must demonstrate control of the land for the life of the CSP contract through ownership, a lease, or proof of a long-standing relationship as determined by NRCS.****  ****If the applicant is a tenant, the applicant must provide NRCS with the written evidence or assurance of control from the landowner.”**** **
**Note: “A lease is not required, but tenants must be able to provide written evidence or assurance of control from the landowner(s). You may use the “Control of Land Certification” form in Appendix A as evidence.”**

**Notes:**
If the long-standing relationship is not known by NRCS than the written assurance is necessary.

## CONSERVATION SECURITY PROGRAM (CSP)

**Control of Land Certification**
- Land Unit Description(s)
- Farm Name, Number, Tract Number, or other legal description:
- _____________________________________________________________
- _____________________________________________________________
- _____________________________________________________________
- _____________________________________________________________
- _____________________________________________________________
**For the above described land unit(s) that I own, I hereby certify that my Tenant,**
**________________________________________,**
**will have control of this land for the purpose of satisfying the terms and conditions of a**
**Conservation Stewardship Contract, for the proposed contract period of ______ years.**
**_______________________________________ _________________**
**Landowner Signature****	****	****Date**

## Question 4

*Question 4 -*
**	****“****Is your average adjusted gross income less than or equal to $2.5 million, or if greater than $2.5 million, did at least 75% come from farming, ranching, or forestry?”**

## Question 4

*“**Average Adjusted Gross Income” –* **	****“To participate in CSP, your average adjusted gross income (AGI) for the 3 tax years immediately preceding the year the contract is approved cannot exceed $2.5 million.  You may participate if your AGI exceeds $2.5 million and at least 75% of your AGI was derived from farming, ranching or forestry operations.”**

**Notes:**
A landowner that cash rents his/her farm is not eligible to participate.

## Question 5

*Land Eligibility - Question 5:*
**	****Is the land you wish to enroll in compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions of the 1985 Farm Bill as amended?***
**Note:**
**	****The Food Security Act of 1985, as amended, requires that persons who produce agriculture commodities protect all cropland classified as being highly erodible from excessive erosion and all wetlands from conversion.  The provisions have been amended in the 1990, 1996, and 2002 Farm Bills. **
**If you have not participated in a USDA program, you must complete a “Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification” form AD-1026 in *****Appendix C***** and submit it to your local USDA Service Center. **
*** Last year this was question #6**

## Question 6

*Question 6 -*
**	****Is the land you wish to enroll in CSP currently in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Conservation** **Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) or Grassland Reserve Program (GRP).***
_**NOTE: Question 6 must be answered “NO” or “NA” to be eligible for CSP.**_
**Note: ****Land enrolled in CRP, CREP, WRP, WREP or GRP cannot be a part of the CSP contract but should be included in your agricultural delineation. In addition, land accepted in a recent CRP sign-up for contract development is not eligible.**
**For example: You would like to enroll a 40-acre parcel that has a 2 acre CRP buffer. You will include all 40 acres in your delineation. However, only the 38 acres that are not enrolled in CRP will be eligible for payment in a CSP contract.**
- *Revised question for 2006

## Question 7

*Question 7 -*
**	****“****Is the land you wish to enroll private agricultural land or Tribal land?”***
**Note:****Public land (owned by federal, state or local government is not eligible for CSP payments but should be included in your delineation if the land is under your control.**
- *Revised question for 2006

## Question 7

**“****Private Agricultural Land” –**
**“**Agricultural land means cropland, rangeland, pastureland, hayland, private nonindustrial forest land if it is an incidental part of the agricultural operation, and other land on which food, fiber, and other agricultural products are produced. Areas used for strip-cropping or alley-cropping and silvopasture practices will be included as agricultural land. This includes land of varying cover types, such as cropped woodland and cropped marshes, which are being managed primarily for the production of food, fiber or other agricultural products, through a low input system.”

## Workbook Answers:    (Page 8)

_**Answers - Land and Producer Eligibility**_

## Step 1 - Determine Initial Eligibility

**If your answers indicated you might not be eligible for CSP, you may consider reducing the area you wish to offer for enrollment. **
**Any questions?**
**Proceed to Step 2. **

## Ready for Step 2?

**Wait!**
**First – Make sure you have “delineated” your agricultural operation.**

## Ag Operation Delineation  (Page 9)

**Ag operation delineation is needed before the most basic eligibility land use questions can be determined:**
**(This question should already be answered!)**
- “IS MY AG OPERATION IN A CSP WATERSHED?”

## Ag Operation Delineation

**The **_applicant_** will delineate the agricultural operation based on **_Rule guidelines_** as the initial step in the application process.**
**RESPONSIBILITY (CPM 518.60a)**
**Includes **_all_**:**
_**Agricultural lands**_**;**
_**Incidental parcels **_**(e.g. field borders, turn rows, natural or wildlife areas);**
_**Other lands **_**(e.g. farmsteads, feedlots, equipment storage areas); and**
_**Ineligible lands,**_ i.e., **CRP, WRP, GRP, public land, forest land, and idle land;**
**	**

## Ag Operation Delineation

- _Agricultural Operation (CPM 518.60a)_** **
- _ALL_** agricultural land, incidental parcels, other lands, and ineligible land, whether contiguous or non-contiguous, under the **_control_ **of the **_applicant_**, and constituting a cohesive management unit that is operated with equipment, labor, accounting system, and management that are substantially separate from any other.  The minimum size of an agricultural operation is a field.**

## Ag Operation Delineation

**Definition:**
**Possession of the land by ownership, lease, or agreement; and **
**Authority to act as **_decisionmaker_** for the management and operation of the land. **

## Ag Operation Delineation

## Ag Operation Delineation

_**Eligible Applicant**_**  **
**Control for proposed contract period**
**Share in the risk of producing and entitled to share in marketing**
**Owner, operator, landlord, tenant, sharecropper may apply**
-  **Cash rent landlords and owners could not be applicant**

## Ag Operation Delineation

**Other land, incidental forest land, incidental parcels included**

## Ag Operation DelineationReminders:

**Producer Responsibility to Delineate the Agricultural Operation.**
**Different from what is “offered” in the CSP application.**
**Now that the Ag. Operation is defined, next *****think about***** what might be “offered” when answering the following questions in Step 2.**

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use TypesStep 2 – More detailed questions   (Page 10)

**	****Generally, your agricultural operation will be classified as Cropland or Pasture or Rangeland:**
**Cropland ****(Includes: Hayland and Cropped Woodland & Marshes)**
**Pastureland and Rangeland**
**	****The Self Assessment Workbook questions ****are also separated into these two basic land use categories.**

## Cropland Questions:  (Page 12)

**Cropland has the following topic areas:**
**Nutrients and Pesticides**
**Sediment**
**Drift**
**Volatilization**
**Salinity**
**Soil Quality**
**Irrigation**

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

*“**WRITTEN RECORDS” –*
**	****“****Field diaries and logs which may include *****names, rates, and dates of application of all fertilizers, manures, composts and pesticides*****.”  **
_***Note***_*** ******-****** ******You must have a minimum of 2 years of written records to qualify for CSP.  NRCS may ask for specific information to be provided in the “Self Assessment Workbook” and the “Records Workbook.”***

**Notes:**
Note that you need to have 2 years of written records that you can show at your planning appointment, if you wish to successfully complete the application process.

Please bring in completed handouts when you come in for your appointment.

## CA CSP Records Workbook

**Use to document your agricultural operation, records, and management decisions.**

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

*Cropland*
*Nutrients and Pesticides: **Question 1 - ***“Have you taken soil samples and tested soils to determine the level of plant available nutrients in the soil?”***
***Revised question for 2006**

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

*Question 2 -*
**	****“****If you apply fertilizers, do you use a schedule or a Nutrient Management Plan to apply fertilizers, animal manure, or agricultural by-products?”***
***Revised for 2006**

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

*“**Nutrient Management” –*
**	**Note: A Nutrient Management Plan provides recommendations on the amount, form, placement and timing of plant nutrients to obtain optimum yields while minimizing the risk of surface and groundwater pollution. The plan should address all sources of nutrients utilized.** **

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

*Question 3 -*
**	****“****If you apply pesticides, do you use a schedule or a Pest Management Plan to conduct pest control activities on your cropland?”***
***Revised for 2006**

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

- Note: A Pest Management Plan provides recommendations on the chemical (pesticides), biological (beneficial insects, controlled grazing), or cultural (brush management, burning), control of pests (insects, weeds, plant diseases or rodents). It outlines the use, amount, form, timing and application of the control method to obtain optimum yields while minimizing the risk of surface and groundwater pollution.

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

*Question 4 -*
**	****“****Do you have two years of written records or documentation of your nutrient and pest management activities?”***** Revised 2006**

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

**Note:**
**Records should include crop type, projected yields, soil analysis, dates and application rates of all nutrients used. Records should also include the target pest, crop type and type of pesticide used, dates and application rates or the cultural or biological control method used  and dates implemented, including spot treatments.**

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

*Other**Cropland **Questions:*
*   **(Page 13)*

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

*Other**Cropland **Questions:*

- New for 2006

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

*Other Cropland Questions:*

**Question 11 addresses Soil Salinity issues**
**Questions 12-15 cover Soil Quality related topics**
**Question 16-18 cover irrigation application related topics****	**(Irrigation related questions have been simplified)
- _And again, at the end of the Cropland section, answers are reviewed:     _(pg.16)

- (Page 16)

##   Minimum Treatment for Land Use 				Types       (Page 17)

_**Pasture & Rangeland Questions**_**:**
**16 Total Questions**
**Three general topic areas:**
**General livestock management**
**Nutrients and Pesticide Issues**
**Irrigation related questions**
**Same format as cropland**

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

_**Question 1**_**:**
**“****Do you follow a Grazing Management Plan that includes a grazing schedule and rest periods for all acres grazed?”**

- Note:
- A Grazing Management Plan provides the kind, class and number of animals that are supported based on the available forage supply. The grazing plan includes deferment, timing and duration of grazing.

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

*Question  2-*
**	****“****Do you have adequate grazing and roughage supply to meet your livestock needs on a monthly basis?”**

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

*Question 3 – *
**“****Do you have a grazing management contingency plan to adjust livestock number for changes in forage production due to drought, flooding, wildfire and other natural events?” **

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

*Question 4 – *
**“****Are you using watering facilities, salting locations, fences or herding techniques to improve grazing distributions within pastures?”**

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

*Question 5 – *
**“****Do you have two years of written documentation or records of your grazing activities?”**

- Note:
- Records should include: Total grazing acres, forage production per pasture, number of livestock, grazing schedules, existing fences and watering facilities.

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

- 6. Are you managing livestock access to rivers, streams and other water courses?
- 7. Are livestock prevented access to sinkholes and other direct paths to groundwater to protect water quality?
- 8. Do you manage access roads, stock trails and other critical areas to limit surface water runoff and to prevent erosion?

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

- 9. Have you taken adequate steps to safeguard ground water from contamination by properly protecting active or abandoned wells?
- _Examples of measures to protect wells_:
- • Install sanitary well caps, tightly secured with a screened vent
- • Use pitless adaptors (a special pipe fitting that connects a water line to a well casing and provides a sanitary and frost-proof seal)
- • Prevent surface runoff from reaching the area immediately surrounding the well

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

* **There are 7 more Range/Pasture related questions:*
**Nutrients and Pesticides**
**Irrigation**
- _And again, at the end of the Cropland section, answers are reviewed:_

- Page 20

## Minimum Treatment for Land Use Types

**Questions **
**about **
**the **
**Self **
**Assessment?**

## Step 3: Benchmark Inventory!(Page 21)

**After answering all the self assessment questions, this Workbook offers a few “Benchmark Inventory” worksheets and examples of forms to begin recording your existing management activities and agricultural operation. This is optional.**** **
**Use of the “CA Records Workbook” is the preferred way to document your operation. The Records Workbook is covered in more detail at the second CSP Workshop.**

## Step 3 – Benchmark Inventory

## Next?

**The Self Assessment Workbook will provide you with a good indicator of whether CSP is the right program for you at this time.**
**If you believe some or most of your of your operation is eligible, then complete the following:**

## Next?

**Complete the “Application Checklist” on page 27 in  the Assessment Workbook.**

## Next?

**Use the CA Records Workbook to document your agricultural operation and existing management.**

## Next?

**Complete the CSP program application form and Appendix (CCC-1200) and make sure all your “basic eligibility” certifications are complete and up to date.**

## Next?

**Review:**
**Basic Eligibility Questions – Okay!**
**Ag. Operation Delineation – Done!**
**Self Assessment Workbook – Done!**
**CA Records Workbook – Done!****     ****(Including supporting documentation)**
**CCC-1200 & Appendix Application – Done!**
**Ready to schedule interview!**

## Application Process After Interview Completed

**1. Watersheds are selected at the national level. In 2006, 3 selected in CA.**

**2. Producers complete:**
_**Basic Eligibility Questions**_
_**Self-assessment Workbook**_
_**Ag. Operation Delineation**_
_**CA Records Workbook**_
_**CCC-1200 Application**_

**3. Interviews:**
** ****Review of Workbooks/Documentation**
**Benchmark Inventory and Conservation Plan**

_**4. Decisions & Options:**_
_**What will be “Offered”**_

**5. Finalize CSP eligibility by determining **_**Tier**_** and **_**Category.**_

- 6. 2006 _**Payments**_ calculated, including basic payment, existing practice maintenance payments, and enhancement payments.

**For funded producers, the CSP plan is finalized for the contract period.  **
**Payment is scheduled to be paid by end of fiscal year or sooner.**

_**VERIFICATIONS: **_**NRCS visits farms to verify resource conditions, discuss the plan with the producer, and make any necessary contract adjustments.**

- 7. Sign-up Ends – Applications submitted to NRCS national headquarters. NHQ determines who will be selected, based on available funds.

## Self-assessment Verification

**To validate information provided by the applicant during CSP sign-up process:**
**Made as soon as practical after contract approval**
**Degree of verification based on NRCS’s knowledge of operation**
**Process in place if discrepancy found**

## The End

**Questions?**