Public and private cost-share programs give farmers the option to test new technology and conservation practices with lower financial risk before footing the bill of whole-scale implementation.
For the Wiggers Farm Partnership in Winnsboro, La., utilizing cost-share programs available through NRCS, especially the Conservation Stewardship Program, has enabled them to make compounding changes to irrigation equipment, soil improvements and more.
Pump power
One of the most impactful changes Drew Wiggers and his family made was converting diesel-powered well pumps to electricity. The Wiggers farm encompasses two, 1,000 acre fully irrigated properties where they primarily grow corn and soybeans.
Irrigation on both properties is completely reliant on groundwater. With many well pumps to be converted, using CSP funds to help complete the initial conversions assured Wiggers that the remaining pumps were worth the extra investment.