EQIP and WHIP cutoff dates extended

Kansas

"The signup cutoff date has been extended from Jan. 9, to Jan. 30, for both the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008," said Eric B. Banks, state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

"Fall is a busy time of the year for many producers," said Banks, "and in particular this year with late fall harvest in many parts of the state, as well as the anticipation of 2008 farm bill program rules. This extension will give those who want to signup a little more time." Although applications may be submitted anytime for the programs, they will be gathered on the extended date for ranking.

Producers with agricultural land, rangeland, or forestland with any concerns listed below should apply at their local NRCS office and work with the staff on a conservation plan. The office is located at your local U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center (listed in the telephone book under United States Government or on the Internet at offices.usda.gov).

"Self-assessment worksheets are required again this year if farmers or ranchers apply for 2009 EQIP funding," said Banks. If a producer or rancher has already completed a worksheet, a new one will not need to be submitted.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Kansas EQIP eligible priority natural resource concerns are as follows:

--Air Quality--Objectionable Odors

--Domestic Animals--Inadequate Stock Water

--Fish and Wildlife--Threatened and Endangered Species, Declining Species, and Species of Concern

--Plant Condition--Noxious or Invasive Plants; Productivity, Health, Vigor (Forestland, Rangeland, Pastureland, Hayland)

--Soil Condition--Organic Matter Depletion

--Soil Erosion--Streambank

--Water Quality--Excessive Nutrients/Organics in Ground and/or Surface Water;Excessive Suspended Sediment and Turbidity in Surface Water; Harmful Levels of Pesticides in Ground and/or Surface Water

--Water Quantity--Aquifer Overdraft; Inefficient Water Use on Irrigated Land; Inefficient Water Use on Non-irrigated Land; and Insufficient Flows in Water Courses

"In Kansas socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers may receive a higher payment rate through EQIP for structural and vegetative practices," said Banks.

The FY 2009 Kansas WHIP wildlife priorities are as follows:

--Threatened and endangered species and species in need of conservation

--Grassland Birds

--Natural Communities

Producers wanting to address any of the wildlife concerns listed above and apply for WHIP are required to complete an application worksheet and develop a conservation plan with the NRCS staff.

Ranking and allocation distribution for EQIP and WHIP will be determined at a later date. This does not affect the application process. Applicants can expect funding decisions to be completed in the spring of 2009.

Producers may apply for EQIP and/or WHIP at their service center. Information is about 2009 EQIP and WHIP is available at the service center or on the Kansas NRCS website www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov/programs.

12/15/08
1 Star WK\14-B

Date: 12/9/08

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