I'm posting this link because I think this story, by Mike Malloy of the AMES TRIBUNE, does a good job of explaining these issues. I also appreciate the TRIBUNE giving this story front-page status. I have yet to hear an actual valid reason for not tying conservation compliance to (generously) subsidized crop insurance. There are no valid reasons given in the story below. _http://amestrib.com/sections/news/politics/dust-wind-and-water.html_ (http://amestrib.com/sections/news/politics/dust-wind-and-water.html) Cindy Hildebrand [log in to unmask] Ames, IA 50010 "Even with insects - some can sing, some can't." (Kobayashi Issa) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the flagship e-newsletter. Sent out twice a month, it features the Club's latest news and activities. Subscribe and view recent editions at http://www.sierraclub.org/insider/