By Scout Nelson
Farmers and ranchers in South Dakota have until Nov. 1 to submit paperwork for two popular conservation programs: the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
These programs provide financial and technical support to producers who wish to implement conservation practices while continuing agricultural production. In 2023 alone, 647 contracts were awarded through CSP and EQIP in South Dakota, covering over 1 million acres.
“CSP and EQIP are voluntary programs that allow farmers and ranchers to choose practices that meet the unique needs of their operations,” said Andrew Tonnies, policy associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “They offer something for everyone, whether you are planting cover crops for the first time or expanding on niche practices that enhance wildlife habitat.”
The programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and while both aim to promote conservation, they differ in structure. CSP contracts span five years and require producers to implement several conservation practices.
Applicants need to demonstrate ongoing conservation efforts and be open to adopting additional practices. In contrast, EQIP contracts typically last one to three years and focus on addressing a specific resource concern, such as water quality or soil health, through a single project or practice, including structural improvements like fencing for rotational grazing.
“These programs will receive a continued increase in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act in 2025,” said Tonnies. “This means more opportunity for producers to implement practices that are good for water quality and soil health.”
Producers interested in applying should contact their local NRCS office which can be found at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center.
Photo Credit: usda-nrcs
Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy