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Looking to implement conservation practices to solve problems and attain higher stewardship levels on your working land?
Through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering technical and financial assistance to new and existing customers to help address natural resource challenges on private lands across Montana.
Are you interested and want to start planning?
NRCS accepts applications for financial assistance year-round, but announcement of first round application batching dates usually occurs in the fall. Farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners interested in conservation for their property should start planning with NRCS NOW to be prepared when that date is announced. Stop by your local field office and talk to a NRCS planner.
Would CSP be a good fit?
If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of your land, chances are, CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals. Implementing additional conservation activities means choosing practices that build on what producers are already doing to make progress toward goals for the environment and the economic viability of the farm or ranch.
What are some examples of conservation enhancement activities?
For grazing systems, this could mean conducting a rangeland monitoring program, developing a drought contingency plan, or treating invasive weeds. On croplands, farmers might choose to level up from single-species to multi-species cover crop plantings, no-till seeding, or precision agriculture. There are many options for conservation enhancement activities that NRCS planners can explain and recommend based on your goals.
Does CSP really work?
CSP participants are seeing real results, including enhanced resilience to weather and market volatility, decreased need for agricultural inputs, and improved wildlife habitat conditions. Read how landowners near Dutton, Montana worked with NRCS through CSP participation to install a high tunnel and a pollinator field border.
How do payments work?
CSP contract payments are based on two components:
- Payments to maintain the existing level of conservation, based on the land uses included in the contract and an NRCS assessment of existing stewardship at the time of enrollment, and
- Payments to implement additional conservation activities.
Changes to the payment component for existing conservation has been adjusted to reflect conservation values more accurately on rangelands. This increased payment rate may make implementation of additional conservation activities more feasible for grazing operations.
Ready? Get more information!
Visit your local NRCS field office for more information and to begin planning. Go to https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator to find your local service center. More information is also available at www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov by scrolling down to State Programs and Initiatives.
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