Bob Helmers has been ranching on the Schleicher/Tom Green County line long enough to have seen his share of both good and bad times. Running his cattle and hunting operations has been challenging at times, but something he is proud of and works hard to maintain.
Helmers has worked with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for many years using the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). He considers NRCS a place he can go to for ideas to solve issues he has concerning conservation. Through NRCS programs, Helmers has strengthened his operation through conservation practices such as brush removal, fencing, and water development.
Along with the grazing and wildlife strategies currently in action on his ranch, Helmers is now implementing other management-based practices through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). He is quick to point out the positive benefit NRCS programs continue to have on his operation, especially when considering the drought conditions that continue in many parts of Texas.
“This program has been very beneficial considering the drought we are in,” Helmers said. “To be able to defer and get some financial benefit from it has been huge. Now, I can treat the land like I need to and still have money to operate. Without it, my operation would not be profitable. I’m getting the best of both.”
He is referring to his current CSP contract and the “CSP Enhancement 528C, Incorporating Wildlife Refuge Areas.” Through this enhancement, a prescribed grazing plan is developed that includes a 12-month (or longer) rest for selected grazing lands. This is done for the purpose of meeting the needs of a drought or disaster plan that will also provide wildlife habitat. In short, it removes livestock to lessen the impact on the land.
For Helmers’ operation, this is exactly what he needed.
How it works
To be able to conserve the land and remain profitable is the goal of every rancher and the CSP program has made that an attainable goal. CSP is for working lands and is the largest conservation program in the U.S. Thousands of people voluntarily enroll in the program because it helps them enhance natural resources and improve their business operation.
For landowners and producers already taking steps to improve the condition of their land, chances are, CSP can help find new ways to meet their goals.
NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines and enhances existing efforts, using new conservation practices or activities, based on management objectives for your operation. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that expands on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations.
CSP offers annual payments to landowners and producers for implementing these practices on their land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts.
“Being able to defer my rangeland during this drought has helped everyone,” Helmers said. “My rangeland, livestock and wildlife have all benefitted,” he said.
The CSP program has been a great fit for Helmers and is something that he plans to continue using. He hopes to be able to implement more enhancements that will allow him to better manage his property. — Wade Day, NRCS public affairs specialist
