General signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) began last month and will continue through June 14.
Gregg Barrows, executive director of Texas/Dent County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) said during the signup period, farmers and ranchers may offer eligible land for CRP’s competitive general signup at their county FSA office.
“CRP is probably one of FSA’s most recognizable programs,” Barrows said. “The various CRP practices help improve water and air quality, increase wildlife habitat and prevent soil erosion, which benefits us all.”
Landowners enrolled in CRP receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource conserving covers on eligible farmland. Land that is not enrolled in CRP can be offered during signup if all eligibility requirements are met. CRP participants with contracts expiring this fall can make new offers during the signup period. Contracts awarded during this general signup will become effective Oct. 1.
Barrows said all CRP offers are evaluated and ranked using an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) that indicates the advantages of enrolling the land in CRP. The factors that make up the EBI are: wildlife, water, soil, air, enduring benefits and cost. Decisions will be made following the end of the signup period and after analyzing the EBI data on all of the offers.
In addition to the general signup, the continuous CRP program sign up opened May 13, and remains ongoing.
For more information on CRP, contact the Texas/Dent County FSA Office at 417-967-2028 ext. 2, or visit www.fsa.usda.gov/crp.