The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that it will extend the deadline for new enrollments in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for the 2014 fiscal year. Eligible landowners and operators in all states and territories can submit applications to NRCS through Feb. 7.
Extending the enrollment deadline will make it possible for more farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to apply for this important farm bill conservation program, NRCS Chief Jason Weller said in a USDA press statement.
More than 59 million acres across the nation have been enrolled in the program, which is in its fifth year. The program emphasizes conservation performance, allowing producers to earn higher payments for higher performance. In CSP, positive changes in soil quality, soil erosion, water and air quality, plant resources, animal resources and energy use are made through conservation enhancements, according to Farm Progress.
To determine if the program is suitable for the landowner’s operation, view the CSP self-screening checklist that highlights basic information about program eligibility requirements, stewardship threshold requirements and payment types.