Iowa farmers and private landowners who want to be considered for funding through USDA's Conservation Stewardship Program in fiscal year 2021 have until Feb. 19 to apply.

While USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service accepts CSP applications throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the Feb. 19 application cutoff to ensure they are considered for 2021 funding.

Through CSP, NRCS helps agricultural producers build their business while implementing conservation practices that help ensure the sustainability of their entire operation.

The program provides benefits, including ways to increase crop yields, decrease inputs, improve wildlife habitat and increase resilience to weather extremes. CSP is intended for working lands including cropland, pastureland, nonindustrial private forestland and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of a tribe.

Last year, NRCS obligated nearly $17.5 million to Iowa farmers through 395 CSP contracts that will help treat natural resource concerns on about 188,000 acres.

All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with NRCS, Farm Service Agency, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

Source: Iowa NRCS, which is responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and its subsidiaries aren't responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.