The USDA has announced that farmers and landowners will be able to sign up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for 2022 starting at the end of January. Enrollment for the General CRP will be open from January 31 through March 11, and for the Grassland CRP from April 4 through May 13. General CRP […]
Conservation Reserve Program Sign-Ups Begin for 2022 Read More »
Establishing your Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) project on your eligible farmland is the first step in taking advantage of the extensive benefits associated with the program. There are a number of eligibility requirements you and your land must meet in order to participate in CRP, but once the initial phase of planting and growing has
Rules for Maintaining Your CRP Acres Read More »
When beginning your contract with the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), you may have questions regarding which types of farming practices are best suited for maximizing the benefits of the program. Through the Clean Lakes, Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR) Initiative established by the CRP, CP-43 Prairie Strips is a new project designed to assist you with
Why Choose Prairie Strips Over Traditional Strip Designs? Read More »
One of the most important benefits of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is the improvement of water quality in farmlands participating in the program. While traditional agricultural practices can damage our country’s water supply by the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals, CRP has been shown to improve water quality through numerous research and
What is CRP doing for your water? Read More »
Specific rules apply regarding harvesting the hay from, or allowing grazing on, land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The clearest way to assess the rules is to first identify whether conditions are considered ordinary or drought. Both haying and grazing may be permitted for one of two reasons: To improve the quality or
Rules for Haying and Grazing CRP Land Read More »
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is well known for its wildlife habitat preservation, but one of the most vital species the program protects is the honey bee. For decades, the honey bee population has been in decline due to disease, pesticides, lack of sufficient nutrients, and reduced natural habitat. Through essential projects such as the
CRP and the Honey Bee Read More »
Chemical carryover caused by some new herbicides has become an increasingly frequent and potentially expensive problem for new CRP participants. If you used herbicide on the previous years’ crops, it may affect when you can plant your new CRP project. Some crop herbicides available on the market today have longer and longer carryover rates—sometimes 18
Row Crop Chemical Carryover – what you need to know when planting CRP Read More »
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
How does the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Work? Read More »
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,
5 Conservation Benefits of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Read More »
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
The Importance of Weed Control in CRP Read More »