The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will invest about $21 million in additional farm bill dollars to help farmers and ranchers apply science-based solutions to mitigate the short- and long-term effects of drought, according to the USDA.
NRCS’s investment through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) will target areas experiencing either exceptional or extreme drought conditions as shown in the May 5, 2015 U.S. Drought Monitor. Eight states, including Texas, will receive financial and technical assistance to help crop and livestock producers apply conservation practices that increase irrigation efficiency, improve soil health and productivity and ensure reliable water sources for livestock operations.
While Texas has recently received rains across a large portion of the state, 34 counties were still in D3 Extreme Drought or D4 Exceptional Drought status as of the first week in May. Those counties are: Archer, Baylor, Carson, Childress, Clay, Collingsworth, Cottle, Dallam, Donley, Eastland, Erath, Foard, Gillespie, Gray, Hardeman, Hartley, Hutchinson, Jack, Kerr, Kimble, King, Knox, Llano, Mason, Moore, Oldham, Palo Pinto, Parker, Potter, Stephens, Wichita, Wilbarger, Wise and Young.
Farmers, ranchers and landowners are encouraged to visit NRCS Drought Assistance webpage or visit their local NRCS office to find out if they are eligible for this new funding.