NRCS Programs
What is EQIP?
EQIP is the Environmental Quality Incentive Program. The batching period for applying for 2023 EQIP funding is September 22, 2023. Assistance from NRCS can be for structural practices for cross fencing, livestock water developments, windbreaks, and grass plantings; as well as no-till practices. This also includes precision application and prescribed grazing for nutrient management. The NRCS takes EQIP applications on a continuous basis, please stop in and let us help you with the application process today.
Farm Bill Program – NRCS offers financial and technical assistance through conservation practices, activities and enhancements to help agricultural producers make and maintain improvements on their land. Within the Farm Bill there are a few different programs, those being the following.
EQIP (Evironmental Quality Incentive Program)- This program has a lot to offer. It is a program that is here to help you achieve where you strive to be. Things such as tree planting, pipeline, grass seeding, nutrient management, no-till, cover crops, and more can potentially be funded through this program.
CSP (Conservation Stewardship Program) – CSP can be a big opportunity to assist you in doing more conservation practices, as well as recognizing what you are already practicing as a producer.
CRP (Conservation Reserve Program)- This program provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality.
ACEP (Agricultural Conservation Easement Program)- This can help landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands, grasslands, and working farms and ranches through conservation easements.
RCPP (Regional Conservation Partnership Program) – This promotes coordination between NRCS and its partners to deliver conservation assistance to producers and landowners.
NRCS also provides programs for the following: Technical Assistance, Easements, and Landscape Planning
Additional Programs
OHF (Outdoor Heritage Fund) Program – The Outdoor Heritage Fund began in 2013 and was established to provide grants to state agencies, tribal governments, political subdivisions, and nonprofit organizations, with higher priority given to projects that enhance conservation practices. Since its inception, OHF grants have proven valuable to a variety of projects on both private and public land. The OHF is funded from oil and gas production tax revenue and though that money supports projects such as access to public and private lands for sportsmen, farming and ranching stewardship practices for stronger soil and cleaner water, fish and wildlife habitat improvements and creation and maintenance of outdoor recreation areas. If you are interested in more information or feel this program would fit your conservation practices please shoot us an email, give us a call or stop in the office to see if you qualify.
ND Windbreak Renovation Initiative – If you are interested in reviving old windbreaks please contact Liz Smith, Forest Stewardship Manager at (701) 537-3584. Your information will be reviewed by a forester and you will soon after know if you are elegable for this cost-share. You can also contact the Ward Soil Conservation District office.
There are many opportunities with partnerships with assistance opportunities. Please feel free to click on the links below to see if any of these partners could help you fullfill your conservation practices today!