By james art Nebraska farmers and ranchers interested in conservation programs have until Nov. 15 to submit initial applications.
The Conservation Management Program and Environmental Quality Promotion Program provide financial and technical assistance to producers interested in implementing conservation practices while maintaining agricultural production.
In 2023, 1,360 CSP and EQIP contracts advanced the conservation of nearly 1.2 million acres in Nebraska.
“CSP and EQIP are voluntary programs that allow farmers and ranchers to choose practices that meet the unique needs of their operations,” said Andrew Tonis, policy fellow at the Center for Rural Affairs. “They offer something for everyone, whether you’re planting cover crops for the first time or expanding niche practices that improve wildlife habitat.”
Administered by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the two programs differ in several ways.
CSP contracts last for five years and require producers to implement multiple practices in their operations. Applicants must demonstrate that they are currently engaged in conservation and are willing to implement additional practices.
EQIP contracts typically last one to three years and are designed to solve a specific resource problem with a single practice or project. The program also offers assistance with structural practices such as fencing for rotational grazing.
“These programs will receive a continued increase in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2025,” Tonis said. “This means more opportunities for producers to implement practices that are good for water quality and soil health.”
Producers interested in applying for either program should contact their local NRCS office as soon as possible. A list of local offices can be found at nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center.