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How does the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Work?
The United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency oversees several voluntary conservation-related programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program. In the past, farmers have joked the CRP, “pays farmers not to farm”. But the truth is the work the farmers do with CRP has far reaching benefits. Programs like CRP work to address a large
5 Conservation Benefits of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
Congress created CRP in 1985 following increased concern over unacceptably high levels of soil erosion as well as other environmental concerns. The 1985 Farm Bill authorized USDA to enroll up to 45 million acres in CRP. By idling environmentally sensitive lands, the Conservation Reserve Program provides substantial conservation benefits by improving water quality, protecting soil,
The Importance of Weed Control in CRP
Weed control is critical to successful CRP establishment. Left unchecked, weeds can quickly overtake your CRP planting and cause the establishment to fail altogether. Since CRP land is typically established using no-till planting, it can be especially vulnerable to weeds. Creating an herbicide plan is one of the first actions you will need to take
Mistakes to Avoid with CRP
Done correctly, the Conservation Reserve Program can be a great way to restore health to marginal land while still earning a profit. In order to reap the program’s benefits, however, you’ll need to successfully establish the native vegetation for your selected Conservation Practice (CP) This is where things can get difficult. Though establishing CRP bears
Establishing CRP: What You Need to Know
For 35 years, CRP has helped farmers and landowners earn money on marginal land while protecting against erosion, water quality, loss of wildlife habitat, and more. With the new administration’s increased focus on conservation and the recently announced enhancements for the Conservation Reserve Program, now is the perfect time to join the program. The question is…
Why CRP is Critical to Saving Our Pollinators
Our world’s pollinators are in trouble. Honeybees, which are currently responsible for 80% of our crop pollination, have seen their population decline by 60% over the past 70 years. Many other pollinators aren’t faring any better. Some species of bumblebees have lost 96% of their population. Monarch butterflies are on the verge of being declared an endangered species. If something doesn’t change,