Tomorrow is the deadline for me to decide if I want to go ahead with an application for a government cost share program that would pay me $1000 for work I have recently done on the pond and fencing. When I initially applied back in July my local conservation office informed me that I was approved for the full $1000, but something fell through between the county and state and we had to re-submit the application. One of the problems was that the county application was not requiring a Farm Serial Number (FSA), but the state says there has to be one. Farms that have grown tobacco already have an FSA and it is easy to get one.
The problem is that the FSA is a federal thing and I just don’t know if I want to draw attention to myself. I don’t really have a "farm", just a homestead with a hog operation and a layer operation and some goats. I really do not want anything to do with the NAIS if it gets anymore traction with the new administration, and I wonder if an FSA will open the door for future government intrusion to our homestead?
Then again, $1000 would be nice. Every little bit helps. But at what cost?
My soil conservation officer was guarded with his comments, but I thought that I could read some caution between the lines. He said that he saw no problem with the whole NAIS thing right now, but he doesn’t know what he will be saying in 10 years. He also reminded me that he "is the government" and he can’t really offer an opinion. He did jokingly say, "Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they won’t be coming after you!"
So, what do you all think? Am I being too paranoid? Should I take the money and not worry about it? Or should I regret already drawing this much attention to our homestead?
Tomorrow (12-10) is the deadline for the application, so any advice tonight would be appreciated.
Thanks!
UPDATE:
After much prayer and taking into consideration everyone’s comments here as well as my own intuition, I decided to leave the money alone. I am glad the first application fell through, because I think I might have been sorry down the road had I taken the cost-share. It was annoying to know that I had been approved for the $1,000 but that they just needed more paper work. I can fill out papers for $1,000 any day, but I am afraid that it could have resulted in some strings attached later on.
Thanks for all the helpful comments!
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11 comments
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Trixi on December 9, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I don't think you are paranoid at all. My husband too works for the govt. (military) and we definitely don't want to cause anymore attention to ourselves than need be.
Blessings,
Trixi
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Morning Sunshine on December 9, 2008 at 6:53 pm
nothing is free. even $1000. would be nice, I agree. But, why let them know you exist if you do not have to. One reason I want to move north of the Utah-Idaho border – in Idaho you do not even have to tell the schools that you have children, not to mention that you are homeschooling them!
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Heritage Hill Homestead on December 9, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Boy, that is a tough one. I too am very leary of anything that seems to lead to NAIS. And with the government, everything is usually linked together somewhere along the line. I imagine one day they will be knocking on all of our doors, but until then we can make our own decisions. The $$ would be so nice to help out with farm expenses and improvements too though……….hard to tell someone else what they should do. I think you already have your mind made up.
Marilyn
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GrandmaRosie on December 10, 2008 at 1:39 am
Even though the money is tempting and I am sure it would be a help, I sorta like to keep a low profile where Big Brother is concerned. Just my 2 cents worth.
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faithfarm on December 10, 2008 at 5:05 am
I would have to agree on the side of caution. There is a reason you do not have total peace in the decision to accept the money-trust in that–
Blessings>faithfarm
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Ashley on December 10, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I'm with everyone else … nothing is "free". : Sorry, but I think you're making the right choice.
Ashley
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S on December 10, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I wouldn't take the money……and I would stay on the down-low.
Laura
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faithfarm on December 11, 2008 at 4:06 am
Here is a site that has alot of info you might find helpful.
http://xstatic99645.tripod.com/naisinfocentral/index.html
Blessings>faithfarm
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Schatzi on December 14, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Sorry, I cannot offer advice. Plus I just came to your site today and I think I would be late anyways. I also live in Canada and our government would be a bit different. But if it was me I would rather keep a low profile then take the money…I don't like any government sticking their nose in my business…they know enough already without drawing attention to myself.
Look forward to reading what you decided.
Blessings,
Connie
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Rob on December 18, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Can you afford it.. here in Canada it seems there are always strings attached… not only money but eventually infringement on your religious rights. Will the thousand turn into minus 2?
If you do take it get it in writing any requirements. !
Good for you to be cautious. If you turn it down ..and feeling needy. look at the picture on the dollar and remember what Jesus said… "give to Ceasor that which is Ceasor's" It helps me when I feel a loss of dough ra me!
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Steve on February 1, 2009 at 12:36 am
If it were me I guess I would try and get the money. I think the worst thing they can do is tell you no you can't have it but unless you know of some laws they may try and fine you for.
Then I would say not to try, if the fines equal more that the 1000$
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