|
|
Landowners urged not to miss out on conservation funds
Those interested in applying conservation measures need to sign up for program dollars now Nebraska With harvest wrapping up across the state the Natural Resources Conservation Service reminds farmers and ranchers that now is the time to sign up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Those interested in EQIP are encouraged to sign up before Dec. 14. EQIP is a voluntary conservation program available to private landowners and operators. Through EQIP, farmers and ranchers may receive financial and technical help with conservation practices on agricultural land. According to Steve Chick, NRCS State Conservationist, there are several options available to producers under EQIP. "EQIP offers cost share and technical assistance to apply conservation measures on cropland, rangeland, for animal feeding operations and in establishing or enhancing wildlife habitat. NRCS staff can help landowners and operators sort out their EQIP options," Chick said. An option included in this year's EQIP sign up is an incentive payment for farmers who convert from gravity to pivot irrigation. Other incentives for cropland include transitioning to organic agriculture, converting irrigated acres to dryland, using no-till, and creating wildlife habitat cover. On rangeland EQIP can provide cost share dollars to install a planned grazing system, which may include cross fence, a pumping plant, watering systems and pipeline. Over the past ten years EQIP has become the most widely applied conservation program in Nebraska with more than 5.9 million acres under contract. The goal of EQIP is to provide a financial incentive to encourage landowners to protect their natural resources, resulting in cleaner air, water and more wildlife habitat. "EQIP provides a good option for working lands. These contracts protect natural resources on lands still in production and generating income. That's a win-win situation for all Nebraskans," Chick said. NRCS will continue taking EQIP applications after Dec. 14, but producers are strongly encouraged to apply before then. Those interested in applying for EQIP should contact their local Natural Resources Conservation Service office to find out what EQIP has to offer. For more information about EQIP and other conservation programs offered by NRCS visit www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov/programs. Date: 12/4/07
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
