MONROE - The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced that the Wisconsin sign-up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) will be Jan. 19 through Feb. 19 for 2010 funding. Jason Thomas District Conservationist for NRCS in Monroe said there are a number of new practices available this year. EQIP is the primary program available to provide assistance with farmland conservation practices.
"More than 70 conservation practices are available, depending upon the type of operation and resource need," said Thomas. "Flat-rate payments are offered for each particular practice, so farmers know up-front what the payment will be. Green County priorities include soil erosion and manure runoff practices."
All eligible applications received by Feb. 19, will be evaluated and ranked for funding. Farmers can sign up at the NRCS office in USDA Service Centers statewide. NRCS anticipates over $14.6 million in funds for Wisconsin. Of that, about 60 percent will go toward livestock practices.
n Manure Storage: Two years prior to applying for manure storage funding, farmers should develop a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) for their operations to aid in the major decisions that come along with building a manure storage system. Applicants for manure storage that have completed a CNMP receive additional points when applications are ranked.
n Field Borders for Bees: Pollinators are an area of emphasis this year. A field border practice with special seeding mixes that are beneficial to pollinators will be available to eligible applicants.
n Forestry: Good woodland management practices continue to be offered in. Private non-industrial forestland, though not commonly considered "agricultural land," is eligible if it has a forest management plan.
n Wildlife Habitat: The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) provides incentive payments to restore rare wildlife and fish habitat. Streams, prairies, oak savanna, and pollinator habitat may qualify to be restored.
For more information, see www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov under Programs, or contact the NRCS office at the USDA Service Center in Monroe at 325-4195.
"More than 70 conservation practices are available, depending upon the type of operation and resource need," said Thomas. "Flat-rate payments are offered for each particular practice, so farmers know up-front what the payment will be. Green County priorities include soil erosion and manure runoff practices."
All eligible applications received by Feb. 19, will be evaluated and ranked for funding. Farmers can sign up at the NRCS office in USDA Service Centers statewide. NRCS anticipates over $14.6 million in funds for Wisconsin. Of that, about 60 percent will go toward livestock practices.
n Manure Storage: Two years prior to applying for manure storage funding, farmers should develop a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) for their operations to aid in the major decisions that come along with building a manure storage system. Applicants for manure storage that have completed a CNMP receive additional points when applications are ranked.
n Field Borders for Bees: Pollinators are an area of emphasis this year. A field border practice with special seeding mixes that are beneficial to pollinators will be available to eligible applicants.
n Forestry: Good woodland management practices continue to be offered in. Private non-industrial forestland, though not commonly considered "agricultural land," is eligible if it has a forest management plan.
n Wildlife Habitat: The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) provides incentive payments to restore rare wildlife and fish habitat. Streams, prairies, oak savanna, and pollinator habitat may qualify to be restored.
For more information, see www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov under Programs, or contact the NRCS office at the USDA Service Center in Monroe at 325-4195.
