The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds producers and private landowners there are several assistance opportunities through some of their key programs. That includes the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which helps you build on existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation.
Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, NRCS can custom design a CSP plan to help meet your goals. It all starts with identifying natural resource problems on your operation and then they can provide technical and financial assistance to solve those problems or attain higher stewardship levels in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.
NRCS will work one-on-one with you 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 ag operations.
CSP does offer annual payments for implementing these practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts. And you can take it a step further, as CSP offers bundles where you can select a suite of enhancements and receive a higher payment rate.
Applications for conservation programs are open year-round, so if interested in applying for assistance, contact NRCS at your local USDA Service Center.