Producers are reminded that USDA’s four-week general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) ends on June 14.

Producers accepted in the sign-up can receive cost-share assistance to plant long-term, resource-conserving covers and receive an annual rental payment for the length of the contract (10-15 years).

Producers also are encouraged to look into CRP's other enrollment opportunities offered on a continuous, non-competitive, sign-up basis and that often provide additional financial assistance. Continuous sign-up dates will be announced at a later date.

For more information on CRP and other FSA programs, visit a local FSA service center or www.fsa.usda.gov.

June 14 also is the deadline (which was extended from May 31) to apply for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) funding. The CSP provides financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers and forestland owners to make enhancements that protect and improve soil quality and help land become more resilient to weather conditions.

A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if the program is suitable for their operation.

The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, stewardship threshold requirements and payment types. The checklist and more information is on the CSP website at www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp/.