Landowners signing up a piece of the $23.5 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds can review a practice list and the cost-share rates electronically, says Steve Chick, state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
You should act quickly, however. "Farmers and ranchers have until April 16th to make their application at any local NCRS office," Chick says. "Application received after April 16 will be held for next year."
To get the practice and cost-share information, go to www.ne.nrcs.gov/programs/EQIP.
EQIP has funds available to landowners for grazing land improvements, animal manure systems, irrigation systems or soil erosion control. Of the $23.5 million, about $4.4 million is targeted towards water conservation practices. Another $3.8 million is targeted towards animal manure systems.
Last year nearly 1,260 contracts were developed with Nebraska landowners in this program.
"NRCS is taking applications for other conservation programs, too," according to Chick. Programs such as the Wetlands Reserve Program ($5.5 million), Wildlife Incentives Program ($570,000) and the Grassland reserve Program ($1.5 million) and the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program for buffer strips are all in an on-going sign-up.
Check with your local NRCS office for more Information.