USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) opened signups for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grasslands on March 16.
The signup will run through May 15.
“Through this CRP grasslands signup, farmers and ranchers can protect grasslands, rangelands and pastures, while maintaining the land as working grazing lands,” said Richard Fordyce, FSA administrator.
“The program emphasizes support for grazing operations and plant and animal biodiversity, while protecting land under the greatest threat of conversion or development.”
Through the program, participants are able to conduct common grazing practices such as haying, mowing, or harvesting seed.
Participants will receive an annual payment and may receive up to 50 percent cost-share for establishing approved conservation practices.
Contract lengths are either 10 or 15 years. The 2018 Farm Bill set aside 2 million acres for CRP grass enrollment.
Applications will be ranked by factors such as current expiring CRP land, threat of conversion or development, existing grassland and predominance of native species cover.
To enroll in the program, visit fsa.usda.gov/crp.
