CRP program signup ends Feb. 12

Agricultural producers and private landowners can devote land to conservation purposes and receive annual rental payments under the Conservation Reserve Program if they sign up by Feb. 12.

“The CRP is for producers and landowners enrolling for the first time or continuing their participation for another term,” said Sandy Chalmers, Farm Service Agency state director. “This program encourages conservation on sensitive lands or low-yielding acres, which provides tremendous benefits.”

The program is administered by the FSA of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The program requires farmers and to plant approved grasses or trees with the aim of controlling soil erosion, improving water quality and enhancing wildlife habitat on cropland, according to the FSA.

The annual general signup includes increased opportunities for wildlife habitat enrollment through the State Acres For Wildlife Enhancement initiative.

New cropland enrolled in the program must have been planted for four out of six crop years from 2012 to 2017, according to the FSA. Additionally, producers with land already enrolled but expiring on Sept. 30 can reenroll this year. Successful applicants will be notified starting Oct. 1.

Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the United States. The program marked its 35-year anniversary in December.

For information and assistance in Shawano and Oconto counties, contact Nancy Swenty, acting county executive director, at 715-524-4814, ext. 2, or 920-846-5406, ext. 2, or Casey John Plamann, farm loan manager, 715-524-4814.

The Shawano County Farm Service Center is at 603A Lakeland Road in Shawano, and the Oconto County service center is at 410 1/2 Main St. in Lena.

Visitors are advised to call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service centers will prescreen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel. Visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings during their appointments. Our program delivery staff will continue to work with our producers by phone, email and online tools.