Over the past 20 years, the US has lost nearly 100,000 square miles of farmland. By 2030, we could lose another 77,000. While much of this loss is caused by urban expansion and development, some of the land is simply abandoned. Abandoned farmland is a growing problem in the US. Not only does it hurt crop production and farming profits, but it’s an environmental liability as well. Left […]
What Can Be Done About Farmland Abandonment? Read More »
As of January 4th, enrollment for general CRP in 2020 is officially open. If you’re looking to submit a bid, now is the time to act. Enrollment for general CRP closes on February 12. Enrollment for Continuous CRP will remain open as long as acres are available. For more information on joining CRP in 2021, click here. The first step
Selecting Seed Mix for CRP Read More »
General enrollment for CRP in 2021 is just a week away. Between January 4th and February 12, interested parties may submit bids to earn a contract and enter the program. Alternatively, enrollment for continuous CRP (CCRP) is already open and will remain so as long as there are acres available in your state. Once you’ve decided to enroll,
Selecting a Conservation Practice for CRP Read More »
As 2020 comes to a close, many are looking optimistically towards the future. A new year brings new opportunities. For farmers and landowners interesting in joining the Conservation Reserve Program, enrollment for general CRP will be opening once more. General enrollment for 2021 will begin on January 4th, and it will continue until February 12. During this time, interested prospects may submit a bid to earn a contract and enter
Joining the Conservation Reserve Program in 2021 Read More »
The increased presence of CO2 in the air poses a number of threats as temperatures around the world rise. Farmers rely on consistent patterns and cycles to effectively cultivate their crops. Increased CO2 disrupts these cycles, ultimately leading to poor crop health and lower yields. It is also believed to be a cause behind the population declines of major pollinators, which are critical to the farming industry. By reducing the
Is Herbaceous Carbon Sequestration the Key to Lowering the Earth’s CO2 Levels? Read More »
Haying and grazing can be performed under CRP in certain situations where it either improves the quality and performance of the land or provides emergency relief to livestock. While it can be beneficial for CRP contract holders to utilize haying and/or grazing on their CRP acres, they need to be authorized to do so, and they must follow the rules. There are two types
Understanding Haying and Grazing in CRP Read More »
America’s farmlands are shrinking. Between 1997 and 2018, the US lost 98,000 square miles (627,200,000 acres) of farmland. While some of this is due to development and urban expansion, some of it is simply because farmland is abandoned. Farmland is abandoned for a number of reasons. It may suffer from damaged soil, resulting in low crop yields that simply aren’t’ worth the
The Problem with Abandoned Farmland Read More »
All CRP contracts come to an end, but that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the program. Even if your initial plan was to return to crop production after you contract expires, you may come to realize it isn’t the best idea for your situation. After all, reverting CRP back to crop production is a very involving process with no guarantees.
Reenrolling in CRP After Your Contract Expires Read More »
There’s no question that CRP is a long-term commitment, with contracts lasting 10-15 years. This timeframe is necessary for the restorative measures of CRP to take effect. Still, as far out as it might seem, there will come a day when your CRP contract reaches its end. The question at this point becomes what will you do now? To continue generating profit from the
Should You Return to Crop Production After CRP? Read More »
With one–third of the US’s farmers over the age of 65, a lot of farmland will likely be changing hands throughout the next decade. In many cases, this farmland will be passed on to another member (or members) of the farmer’s family. Farmland is generally a very valuable asset. Not only is the land itself worth money, but it’s capable of generating on-going revenue should you continue to farm
What to Do with Inherited Farmland Read More »
