Apply Now for EQIP and CSP Funding

By Scout Nelson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in South Dakota has announced the final date for submitting applications for two major conservation programs.

Operators and landowners must submit their applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) by October 3, 2025, for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funding. While applications are accepted year-round, October 3 is the cutoff date to be considered for FY26.

Both EQIP and CSP offer voluntary financial and technical assistance for conservation efforts on eligible agricultural land. EQIP helps farmers establish initial conservation practices, offering targeted funding through programs like Conservation Implementation Strategies (CIS).

Key areas for EQIP include wildlife management, high tunnels for specialty crops, and the National Water Quality Initiative. Jennifer Wurtz, NRCS EQIP Program Coordinator in Huron, encourages producers to begin conservation planning now.

CSP, a similar program, provides a five-year payment structure for producers aiming to enhance their existing conservation practices. It can be applied across cropland, rangeland, farmsteads, and forestland.

For more information or to apply, visit your local USDA Service Center.

Photo Credit: usda