I love acronyms. In government you can't survive without them. There's a relatively new ag program with an acronym that makes sense, and it's one that you might be interested in (if you haven't checked into it already).

It's the Technical Service Provider (TSP) program. Becoming a TSP can provide you with an Opportunity for Profit (OFP). And an OFP is something all retailers want in today's financial landscape of shrinking margins.

Your customers are now beginning to write nutrient management plans (NMPs) for their farms. Some NMPs may be mandatory, some not. Some customers might be seeking to create a buffer on their land. Others might be interested in preserving a wetland. There are literally hundreds of reasons these customers need a TSP to help them through the process of writing an NMP to gain approval for it.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) doesn't have the staff to meet the needs of its farmer-customers. So become a TSP. All you have to do is go to your local NRCS office or go to the NRCS Web site and check out the process. Spend a couple of hours applying, and you'll likely be certified (if you qualify) in a couple of weeks. As a retail dealer, your experience alone (in most cases) should assure you of qualifying. There are more than 1,100 TSPs certified now and another 1,000 waiting for certification.

As spokesperson Rich Duesteraus of the National Association of Conservation Districts says, “It may be a niche you want to add to your business.” In fact, USDA tells you on its Web site how much you can be paid for helping your customers write conservation plans.

A TSP certification through NRCS equals an OFP. Check it out.

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