Programs
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
The Continuous Signup provision of the Conservation Reserve Program has been very popular in Preble County. This program offers cost-share and an annual rental payment for practices such as grassed waterways, filter strips, riparian buffers, wetlands, warm season grass field borders, and whole field wildlife habitat. The whole field signups are not continuous, but you may continuously sign up for any of the other practices. Depending on the type of practice chosen, cost share will typically be 50% of the state average cost to install the practice plus another 40% incentive. Rental rates are determined based on the soil types that will be taken out of production. The Farm Service Agency will administer the contracts, but NRCS and SWCD will handle the technical work for the project (survey, design, conservation plan, etc.). If you would like to increase the wildlife habitat on your farm, or have erosion concerns in the cropland area, contact the office for more information on this program
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
This program started in 2008 to reward farmers for good environmental stewardship and provide incentives for addressing additional resource concerns on agricultural working lands. Those farmers who have practiced good conservation for many years helping to protect our streams, lakes, creeks and other natural resources, may now be rewarded for their efforts. Applications are accepted continuously for CSP. Each participant must enroll all of the land that they own/control for the life of the contract (5 years). Applications will be reviewed and scored using a “Conservation Activity Evaluation Tool”. This tool will analyze the current conservation measures being taken and ensure that priority resource concerns are addressed. The applicant must then choose from a list of practices, or “enhancements” that they would like to implement on all or some of their operation. Payments will be based on how the application scores in the evaluation, and will vary from year to year.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
This program offers financial incentives for practices on all types of operations, such as manure storage facilities, fencing, erosion control structures, conservation tillage, high tunnels, forestry practices, and much more. Applications can be accepted continuously for EQIP. The primary goal of EQIP is to address resource concerns. If your operation does not have a resource concern, the application will be considered ineligible. Eligible applications will go through a ranking process that considers the number of resource concerns addressed and the practices planned, among other criteria that may vary from year to year. If the application scores well enough, funding will be granted to give the producer financial incentives to complete the project.
Looking For More Information?
To find out more about these and other Farm Bill Conservation Programs, visit the NRCS website here or contact us.