Because Montana farmers historically have fallowed, contract acres with restrictions make up less of Montana's cropland than in most other states. Having more unrestricted acres may facilitate pulse crop plantings in-state, and because traditional chickpea producing states now have disease problems, Montana may be in a good position to become a dominant chickpea producer. The potential of peas, lentils and chickpeas to improve Montana cropping systems is significant, he says. James B. Johnson, MSU Extension economist, said producers can roughly calculate whether they have land available for a restricted crop by starting with the number of active crop acres, and subtracting CRP acres and acres eligible for income transfers from market transition payments. Any remaining acreage is open to planting without restriction.
Producers can receive income transfers without planting anything, if they so choose.
In addition to planting rules, producers also need to follow those rules that assure viable conservation compliance plans. Before planting fruits and vegetables on contract acres, check with your local Farm Service agency office. There are particular rules related to farm and producer history, says Price. You are the 947th person to access this page.