The CRP signup is happening right now. The program offers a yearly rental payment for volunteer conservation, and offers many benefits, from water to wildlife. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue says it's a critical tool to conserve natural resources. Nationally, it has prevented more than 9 billion tons of soil from eroding, according to the USDA, as well as reducing runoff and sequestering greenhouse gases.

Deadline for enrollment is Feb. 28, 2020.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Max Armstrong, veteran farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.

Photo: NRCS (Lynn Betts)