The Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Stewardship Program deadline has been extended to June 14 and will provide about $175 million in funding for enrollment of up to 12.6 million additional acres this year.
Although applications are accepted all year, farmers, ranchers and forestland owners interested in CSP should submit applications by June 14 to their local NRCS office to ensure they are considered for this year’s funding.
“CSP is different than our other financial assistance programs,” said Colorado NRCS Acting State Conservationist Randy Randall. “It offers payments to producers who maintain a high level of conservation on their land and agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship. It’s about conservation activities on the entire operation, focusing on multiple resource concerns.”
Many of the CSP enhancements improve soil quality, which helps land become more resilient to extreme weather. Several other improvements are available for producers, including intensive rotational grazing, intercropping and wildlife-friendly fencing.
Because of the extreme weather in 2012, more interest and participation in the cover crop enhancements is expected this year, according to NRCS experts.
A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if the program is suitable for their operation. For the checklist and additional information, visit the CSP website or the local NRCS office.
