Deadline nears for conservation fund sign-up

    Farmers and ranchers interested in preventing erosion, improving soil health, conserving water and wildlife, or making other natural resource conservation improvements to their property, are encouraged to apply now for funding from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
    Producers interested in receiving funding should sign up before Nov. 19.
     According to John Wilson, acting state conservationist for NRCS in Nebraska, there are several options available to producers.
     “These programs provide funding on cropland and rangeland, as well as for animal feeding operations and establishing or enhancing wildlife habitat and wetlands. NRCS staff can help landowners and operators identify their options,” Wilson said.
     The most widely applied conservation programs in Nebraska are the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program.
    Those program goals are to provide a financial incentive to encourage landowners to install conservation practices that protect natural resources, resulting in cleaner air and water, healthy soil and more wildlife habitat.
     “Participation in our conservation programs is totally voluntary. We offer assistance that can help make farming and ranching operations more sustainable while conserving the natural resources like soil and water on which all Nebraskans depend, “ Wilson said.
     Individuals interested in applying for these conservation programs may do so at any time, but applications need to be submitted by Nov. 19 to be considered.
     For more information about conservation programs and other assistance available, call a local NRCS field office or visit www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.