By Cora Fox, [email protected], Center for Rural Affairs
The 2018 sign-up deadline for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is quickly approaching.
The nation’s largest working lands conservation program, CSP, rewards farmers for their conservation efforts, and helps them implement additional conservation measures on their land. With contract payments starting at $1,500, CSP has helped thousands of farmers across the U.S. plant cover crops, implement buffer strips, develop wildlife habitat, and more.
Interested farmers and ranchers must submit their applications by March 2, 2018, to be considered for this year’s sign-up. To apply, producers should stop by their local NRCS office and submit the initial application materials.
Last year, we interviewed farmers who have used the program. We heard CSP is a great way to try conservation methods.
One farmer said, “CSP enhancement activities contribute toward the goals of resource conservation.” He said it reduced nutrient loss and improved water quality.
Another uses CSP to maximize conservation practices. He said CSP is most beneficial “for accomplishing overall maintenance and improvements of our land.”
For more information, or if you would like to share your story, contact me at 402.687.2100 ext. 1012 or [email protected], or visit our website at cfra.org.
