Farm Service reminds farmers to sign up for land conservation benefits

The USDA’s Wisconsin Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers and landowners that a general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) will continue only through Friday, Aug. 27.

During the sign-up period, farmers may offer eligible land for CRP's competitive general sign-up at the Sheboygan County FSA Office located at 650 Forest Ave. in Sheboygan Falls.

"Individuals interested in signing-up for CRP are encouraged to contact the Sheboygan county FSA office to schedule an appointment with our staff before the Aug. 27 deadline," said Sis Dueholm, county executive director.

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.

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.

Individuals interested in the CRP general sign-up are encouraged to call the Sheboygan County FSA office at (920) 467-9917, ext. 2, first to schedule an appointment. For additional information, individuals can also visit http://www. fsa.usda.gov/crp.

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