MONROE - The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting new applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP.) Farm and forest landowners may apply by Friday, Jan. 13 for possible 2012 funding. CSP encourages agricultural producers to maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional ones on their operations.
Applications can be made at any time at all USDA Service Centers, but only applications received by Jan. 13 will be ranked for funding in 2012. The program is open to all farmers, regardless of size or type of operation.
In 2011, 587 Wisconsin farmers and forestland owners enrolled in CSP for five-year contracts. For many farmers , CSP offers reward and recognition for the conservation they are already doing, plus a little extra incentive to try a few more or new practices. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, non-industrial private forestland, and tribal agricultural lands.
Jason Thomas, NRCS District Conservationist for Green County, encourages interested farmers to apply now to be considered for funding.
"Farmers who are practicing good conservation should act now," Thomas said. "If you take the time to sign up now, the eligible producer workbook can be completed later, and farmers will see the payments for five years, and benefits of good conservation for generations to come."
Payments are made annually for each of the five years of the contract. CSP is open to small and large operations, with farms already enrolled ranging from just a couple of acres to over 4,000 acres of cropland.
Farmers will need to document their current and proposed conservation practices which will be used to rank applications and determine payments. NRCS field staff will also conduct on-site field verifications of applicants' information.
More information is available by visiting www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov or calling the NRCS office at the USDA Service Center at (608) 325-4195 .
Applications can be made at any time at all USDA Service Centers, but only applications received by Jan. 13 will be ranked for funding in 2012. The program is open to all farmers, regardless of size or type of operation.
In 2011, 587 Wisconsin farmers and forestland owners enrolled in CSP for five-year contracts. For many farmers , CSP offers reward and recognition for the conservation they are already doing, plus a little extra incentive to try a few more or new practices. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, non-industrial private forestland, and tribal agricultural lands.
Jason Thomas, NRCS District Conservationist for Green County, encourages interested farmers to apply now to be considered for funding.
"Farmers who are practicing good conservation should act now," Thomas said. "If you take the time to sign up now, the eligible producer workbook can be completed later, and farmers will see the payments for five years, and benefits of good conservation for generations to come."
Payments are made annually for each of the five years of the contract. CSP is open to small and large operations, with farms already enrolled ranging from just a couple of acres to over 4,000 acres of cropland.
Farmers will need to document their current and proposed conservation practices which will be used to rank applications and determine payments. NRCS field staff will also conduct on-site field verifications of applicants' information.
More information is available by visiting www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov or calling the NRCS office at the USDA Service Center at (608) 325-4195 .