Sign up sooner, not later, for Conservation Programs

Many farmers don't realize that most of the USDA conservation programs are open for sign-up at any time, continuously, not just for a few weeks each year. Most of the programs offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are open year-round for applications, according to Peggy Lane, NRCS District Conservationist for Lincoln and Langlade Counties.

"For example, you can make an appointment and sign-up for cost sharing through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) at any time throughout the year," says Lane. Those applications are held until an annual ranking date is announced, then all applications that NRCS has received to date will be ranked for funding that year. Practices available for EQIP: Nutrient Management, Grazing Practices, clean water practices such as roof gutters or diversions, grassed waterways, manure storage structures, and many more.

Frequently, the ranking dates are in the winter, and farmers rush to sign up when the ranking date is announced. However, this is Wisconsin and the snow cover makes it difficult for the NRCS staff to get a good look at the land and add all needed practices. Funding may not be available in the spring to add anything that was missed, but that can be avoided by signing up earlier.

In 2011, Wisconsin farmers contracted for over $17 million in conservation projects through EQIP. The Conservation Stewardship Program will pay over $10 million this year to the 1500 participating CSP farmers. The average payment rate is $18/acre for implementing existing conservation and adopting new practices.

To learn more about these programs call the Merrill office at 715-536-6212 Ext.100 for an appointment to talk about conservation options for your property.