The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently updated rental rates and created new incentives for producers and landowners to enroll environmentally sensitive agricultural land into perennial cover for 10 to 15 years through the federally funded Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
“CRP is a great alternative for producers,” said Kevin Robling, Secretary for South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. “Enrolling land in CRP creates quality wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities which, in turn, strengthens our local economies as well as our state’s deep-rooted hunting heritage.”
Participants receive annual rental payments and 50 percent cost share to establish the perennial cover, which can be grasses or forbs to control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat. There are options for haying and grazing in accordance with a conservation plan, but it could adjust payment amount.
“CRP has a proven track record of benefitting long-term soil health and improving water quality by reducing soil erosion and runoff. It can also increase profitability on marginal lands,” said Hunter Roberts, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “It’s good for producers and for South Dakota’s natural resources.”
A cropping history of four out of six years from 2012 to 2017 is required to enroll cropland. Land currently enrolled, but expiring on Sept. 30, 2021, is also eligible to be re-enrolled this year. The deadline for the General CRP sign-up is July 23, 2021 and accepted offers will begin Oct.1, 2021.
Source: sd.gov
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: South Dakota, Business