Landowners interested in implementing practices through the upcoming continuous Conservation Reserve Program should visit their local USDA Service Center to begin the field planning process before crop growth makes fields difficult to examine. 

USDA is accepting new continuous CRP applications beginning June 3. The Farm Service Agency recently announced a limited continuous CRP signup, prioritizing water quality practices through the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill reauthorized CRP, one of the country’s largest conservation programs. 

Many practices need to start

Landowners interested in signing up for continuous CRP may begin the conservation planning process immediately, says Kurt Simon, state conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Iowa. Conservation planning for CRP is conducted by NRCS and local partner staff. 

“Many CRP practices require planners to get to the field to ensure the practice is needed. We have a short window to get a lot of conservation planning completed for CRP and other programs,” Simon says. “Interested landowners should visit our county offices soon so we can help them with their conservation needs.” 

This year’s signup will include practices such as grassed waterways, filter strips, riparian buffers, saturated buffers, denitrifying bioreactors and wetland restoration. A full list of eligible practices is available through FSA. 

Visit FSA early to enroll

“CRP allows agricultural producers to set aside land to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat and boost soil health,” says Amanda De Jong, state executive director for FSA in Iowa. “Producers new to the program and those with expiring CRP contracts need to visit our offices to enroll or re-enroll. Visiting our offices early will ensure timely processing of CRP applications.” 

Continuous sign-up enrollment contracts are 10 to 15 years in duration. FSA plans to open more CRP options for the December signup. Producers interested in applying for continuous CRP practices should contact their USDA Service Center beginning June 3. More information about CRP can be found at fsa.usda.gov/crp.

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