Natural wildlands are good at caring for themselves (as long as they’re protected from outside dangers such as pollution, human-caused wildfires, etc). Wind, rain, animal grazing, and other events help maintain a balance. In grasslands, for example, these natural disturbances remove excess woody vegetation and allow flowering plants to reseed and thrive.
While CRP aims to recreate natural habitat by establishing native CRP seed, it requires a more hands-on approach to stay on course. This is where mid contract management comes into play.
Mid contract management (MCM) aims to mimic the effects of nature’s on-going disturbances, keeping your land in the proper state. Without MCM, grassland practices would suffer from overgrowth, preventing flowering plants from growing. Meanwhile, woody vegetation would start to take root, and given enough time, the land would likely turn into a forest.
How MCM Works
Mid contract management consists of a number of actions strategically taken to restore and maintain your CRP establishment. The specifics of what is done depends on the practice you’re enrolled in, the current state of your land, and other factors.
Examples of actions taken during MCM include:
- Removing duff and woody vegetation
- Burning
- Spraying
- Interseeding
- Grazing
- Haying
- Mowing
- And more
CRP’s cost-share is applicable to most MCM options, though not grazing or haying.
When MCM Happens
All CRP practices require enrollees to perform MCM at least once during their contract’s duration. This takes place over the span of three years; executing the MCM practice on a different third of the contract each year in most cases.
For newly established CRP with 10-year contracts, MCM takes place during years 4,5, and 6. For 15-year contracts, it’s years 5, 7, and 9. Extensions can be given if conditions are not favorable during a specific year. Other restrictions regarding when you can perform MCM actions may apply depending on your location.
Making Mid Contract Management Simple
MCM is a critical part of CRP, second only to the initial establishment of your project. Selecting the appropriate options and performing them correctly takes planning and care, not to mention specific equipment.
At FDCE, we perform systematic MCM execution that follows the USDA’s prescribed practices in the appropriate order.
We provide many of the components suggested for MCM including tilling, spraying, and interseeding. We also have a fleet of custom equipment needed for MCM management. All of the work performed is properly documented and submitted to FSA for cost-share reimbursement.
With FDCE, you can rest assured that your MCM will be handled correctly. Contact us today.