How FDCE Tailors Native Seed Blends to Match Conservation Goals
No two CRP projects are exactly alike. From pollinator habitat and wetland buffers to erosion control and wildlife restoration, each Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract comes with specific objectives, and those goals all begin with one of the most important components: the seed mix.
At FDCE, we specialize in crafting custom native seed mixes designed to support the unique environmental and regulatory needs of every CRP project. Whether you’re restoring marginal farmland or establishing a pollinator corridor, a tailored seed blend ensures successful establishment, long-term resilience, and USDA compliance.
Here’s how we build the perfect mix for your land.
Why Customization Matters
CRP seed mixes aren’t one-size-fits-all. The right combination of native grasses and forbs will vary based on:
- Program requirements (e.g., CP42 Pollinator Habitat, CP21 Filter Strips)
- Soil type and site conditions
- Climate and growing zone
- Landowner goals, such as habitat creation or erosion control
- Seeding timing and establishment schedule
A customized mix increases the likelihood of successful germination, plant diversity, and long-term ecological value, all while helping ensure your project meets NRCS and FSA standards.
Types of CRP Objectives FDCE Supports with Custom Seed Mixes
Pollinator Habitat
For CP42 and other pollinator-friendly practices, we include a diverse range of native wildflowers and forbs with varying bloom times to support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season. These mixes are built for biodiversity, color, and staggered flowering cycles.
Erosion Control and Water Quality
To stabilize highly erodible land (HEL) or buffer waterways, FDCE designs mixes with deep-rooted native grasses such as big bluestem, switchgrass, and sideoats grama. These grasses anchor soil, reduce runoff, and filter sediment and nutrients before they reach waterways.
Wildlife Habitat
Whether it’s nesting cover for ground birds or forage for deer and upland game, we incorporate regionally appropriate grasses and forbs that create the ideal structure and food sources for target species. FDCE seed mixes support initiatives like CP33 (Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds) and CP38 (State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement).
Restoration and Reclamation
For sites recovering from intensive agricultural use or other disturbance, we prioritize hardy native species that establish quickly, improve soil health, and set the stage for long-term ecological succession.
What Sets FDCE’s Custom Seed Mixes Apart
Top-Tier Seed Quality
We source only the highest-quality native seed, tested for purity and stratified to promote strong germination. All seed is tested for Palmer amaranth to ensure no invasive contaminants are introduced.
Micronutrient Boost with BOOST
Every seed mix is treated with FDCE’s proprietary BOOST micronutrient blend, which increases seedling vigor and improves early-stage survival rates.
Tailored to Your Land
We analyze your site’s soil type, slope, drainage, sunlight, and other factors to create a blend that thrives under your specific conditions.
Designed for Compliance
Our seed mixes are designed to meet USDA and NRCS standards, with documentation provided for use in conservation plans and cost-share reimbursement.
Proven Success
With over 400,000 acres established and a 97% success rate, FDCE’s approach is built on experience, precision, and proven results.
The FDCE Advantage: Full-Service Support
We don’t just deliver seed, we partner with you from start to finish. Our turnkey services include:
- Site evaluation and seed selection
- Herbicide planning and application
- Specialized planting using FDCE-engineered equipment
- USDA-compliant reporting and documentation
Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or re-establishing an expired contract, our custom seed mixes and full-service support give your CRP project the strongest foundation possible.
Ready to Build Your Perfect Mix?
Creating the right seed mix is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your CRP land. With FDCE, you can trust that every seed counts, because every acre matters.
Contact us today to start planning your custom CRP seed mix with a team that understands your goals, your land, and the science behind success.