Deadline for CRP sign-up is Aug. 27

The USDA’s Wisconsin Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that a general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) began Aug. 2, and will continue through Aug. 27, 2010. During the sign-up period, farmers and ranchers may offer eligible land for CRP's competitive general sign-up at their county FSA office.

“Wisconsin’s farmers and ranchers play an important role in improving our environment, and for nearly 25 years, CRP has helped to build sound conservation practices that preserve the soil, provide clean water, and restore wildlife habitat,” said Sis Dueholm, Sheboygan County FSA director.

Individuals interested in signing up for CRP are encouraged to contact the Sheboygan County FSA office at 920-467-9917, ext. 2 to schedule an appointment. Time is running out so call soon.

CRP is a voluntary program that assists farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers to use their environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. Producers enrolling in CRP plant long-term, resource-conserving covers in exchange for rental payments, cost-share, and technical assistance. CRP protects millions of acres of America's topsoil from erosion and is designed to improve the nation's natural resources base.

Participants voluntarily remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production by entering into long-term contracts for 10 to 15 years. In exchange, participants receive annual rental payments and a payment of up to 50 percent of the cost of establishing conservation practices.

By reducing water runoff and sedimentation, CRP also protects groundwater and helps improve the condition of lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. Acreage enrolled in the CRP is planted to resource-conserving vegetative covers, making the program a major contributor to wildlife population increases in many parts of the country. As a result, CRP has provided significant opportunities for hunting and fishing on private lands.

Land currently not enrolled in CRP may be offered in this sign-up provided all eligibility requirements are met. Additionally, current CRP participants with contracts expiring this fall covering about 4.5 million acres may make new contract offers. Contracts awarded under this sign-up are scheduled to become effective Oct. 1, 2010.

For additional information, individuals can also visit http://www.fsa. usda.gov/crp.

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