170
PMA Member
Yes, most would, for the main fact that if everyone is going to be tromping around out there, it is doing no good for habitat use for them, and they just as well farm it and make money. Although it may be in a CRP program, the bank note on the purchase of the ground and taxes don't stop there either.
Another well known fact is, with the CRP program, there actually is quite a bit of work that goes into it. You have to burn, disc, and spray a certain % every year (one of the 3, not all 3), the farmer has to pay half the bill on everything (seed, chemical, burning, if he disc, he has to use his/her equipment), so its not just a hand out. Also, they must keep their CRP ground in "farmable condition", meaning that they can't just let it grow up to cedars and honey locust. In the past, many offices have overlooked that part, but they are tighting down on them (as they should, CRP is tillable ground set aside, but should be kept in a farmable condition).
There is a lot of out of pocket expense on that type of ground to the farmer, but he does get something in return, for letting his ground set 'idol' for years. That builds habitat for all wildlife. I am ok with my tax dollars going that direction.
Now, should be talk about welfare, wick, and Fema payments? :grin:
Great points Brian!!!! :way: A lot of people do NOT understand the work and expenses involved with a farm enrolled in CRP. I would gladly invite anyone interested in helping me cut thousands of small evergreens, chop thistles, spray multi-flora rose, or maintain fence during the month of August on my "no work" CRP farm In fact, I think if I were to "farm" the ground it would be less work!