1-21 IAT NRCS Deadline

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service has extended the deadline for new enrollments in the Conservation Stewardship Program for fiscal year 2014. Producers interested in participating in the program can submit applications to NRCS through Feb. 7, 2014 for fiscal year 2014 funding.

 

NRCS Chief Jason Weller told me that "Extending the enrollment deadline will make it possible for more farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to apply for this important Farm Bill conservation program,". "Through their conservation actions, these good stewards are ensuring that their operations are more productive and sustainable over the long run."

  

NRCS Public Affairs Specialist, Alexis Collins: "The program emphasizes conservation performance — producers earn higher payments for higher performance. Producers enrolled in the program can get financial assistance to install conservation enhancements that make positive changes in soil quality, soil erosion, water quality, water quantity, air quality, plant resources, animal resources, and energy use."

CSP is now in its fifth year and so far, NRCS has worked with producers to enroll more than 59 million acres across the nation. Eligible landowners and operators in all states and territories can enroll in CSP. Local NRCS offices accept CSP applications year round then evaluate applications during announced ranking periods. To be eligible for this year's enrollment, producers must have their applications submitted to NRCS by the closing date of February 7, 2014.