Applications are being accepted for certain practices under the continuous Conservation Reserve Program signup with the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. The 2018 Farm Bill reauthorized CRP. Extensions are also available for expiring CRP contracts of 14 years or less. Also, producers with expiring contracts may have the option to enroll in the Transition Incentives Program, which provides two additional annual rental payments on the condition the land is sold or rented to a beginning farmer or rancher, or a member of a socially disadvantaged group. CRP helps agricultural producers by setting aside land and helps reduce soil erosion, provides habitat for wildlife, and improves water quality and soil health.

Last fall, the FSA stopped accepting applications when the 2014 Farm Bill expired, but with the 2018 Farm Bill passing in December the CRP signup was reauthorized. This year’s signup includes grassed waterways, filter strips, and wetland restorations. The signup period ends August 23rd. For more information about applications click here.