EQIP deadline is Aug. 19

August 19 is the last day to sign up for 2017 Environmental Quality INcentives Program (EQIP) funding consideration.

Interested in SWCD cost-share in 2017 or 2018?  Some sources of SWCD cost share also require a producer to sign up for EQIP now prior to developing a structural plan for your farm, even if construction is not planned until 2018.  

EQIP is a voluntary program that provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers to plan and implement operational and management practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, and air resources on agricultural land and private forestland. Some projects that could receive funding include manure storage, feedlot improvements, livestock grazing, soil erosion fixes, nutrient management, cover crops, honeybee/pollinator plots, irrigation, tree plantings, riparian practices, and energy audits. 

The applications are due by Aug. 19. The application is not a contract and simply puts landowners in the pool for consideration and eligibility review.  If any landowners are thinking of doing a farm or forest improvement project through either SWCD or NRCS in 2017 or a structural improvement in 2018, it is critical to submit application to the NRCS by Aug. 19.

Stop in or call the NRCS office in Long Prairie (320-732-6618, ext. 3) or the Todd County SWCD (320-732-2644) for more information.