In response to Texas’ ongoing drought, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Salvador Salinas has announced that NRCS in Texas has additional funding available for agriculture operators wishing to address plant health conditions on their land through the agency’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

“With so much of Texas suffering from a lack of rainfall, this funding will help farmers and ranchers apply conservation practices to reduce the impacts of drought, while improving soil health and productivity,” says Salinas.

Through this additional EQIP funding, the NRCS will work with landowners in providing assistance to establish and improve plant health on their private lands. Applications will be accepted in NRCS field offices until June 14. Priority for funding will target 129 counties that are designated as extreme drought (D3) or exceptional drought (D4), according to the current U.S. Drought Monitor map. Priority counties will be adjusted as the drought changes.

Salinas suggests that landowners consult with local NRCS district conservationist to develop a conservation plan, which is an effective strategy for pasture and rangeland recovery, along with helping mitigate the effects of Texas’ current drought conditions.

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Landowners interested in participating are encouraged to contact their local USDA-NRCS field office located in the nearest USDA Service Center. For additional information about EQIP, or to find the NRCS service center nearest you, visit http://www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov/.

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