CRP signup underway at USDA centers

    Ag producers and private landowners interested in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) began signing up for the program Monday, and signup continues until Feb. 12.
    The competitive program  administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation.
     “This signup for the Conservation Reserve Program gives producers and landowners an opportunity to enroll for the first time or continue their participation for another term,” FSA State Executive Director Nancy Johner said.
    “The program encourages conservation on sensitive lands or low-yielding acres, ” he said.
     Through CRP, farmers and ranchers establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat.
    New cropland offered in the program must have been planted for four out of six crop years from 2012 to 2017. Additionally, producers with land already enrolled but expiring on Sept. 30 this year, can re-enroll.
    The acreage offered by producers and landowners is evaluated competitively; accepted offers will begin Oct. 1.
    CRP signup informational resources, including an educational video and the opportunity to sign up for online, live question and answer sessions, have been posted at nebras kapf.com/crp-signup/.
    Question and answer forums are set for Jan. 19 at 12 noon MT; Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. CT; and Jan. 21 at 12 noon CT,  hosted by several Nebraska natural resource and wildlife partners.
     Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the U.S. The program marked its 35th year in December 2020.