Farmers in Arkansas have a variety of Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs that help landowners keep their productive farm and ranch land in agriculture. These programs aid in reduced soil erosion, enhanced water supplies and water quality, increased wildlife habitat and reduced damages caused by floods and other natural disasters. Listed are short descriptions of some of the programs that local farmers and ranchers might be eligible in applying for assistance.
Conservation of Private Grazing Land
The conservation provisions of the 1996 Farm Bill authorized conservation of Private Grazing Land. It will ensure that technical, educational and related assistance is provided to those who own private grazing lands. This assistance will offer opportunities in items such as better grazing and land management, sustaining forage and grazing plants, conserving water and energy efficient ways to produce food and fiber.
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program that offers annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term resource-conserving covers on eligible land. The Commodity Credit Corporation makes annual rental payments based on the agriculture rental value of the land and provides cost-share assistance in an amount equal to not more than 50 percent of the participant’s costs in establishing approved practices. The duration of contracts is from 10 to 15 years.
County Beaver Eradication Program
Some counties have a beaver eradication program whereby a bounty is paid to harvesters of beavers.
Creation and Restoration of Private Wetlands and Riparian Zones Tax Credit Program
The purpose of this program is to encourage private landowners to restore and enhance existing wetlands and riparian zones, and when possible, to create new wetlands and riparian zones.
Dairy Cost-Share Program
Dairy farms may receive 40 percent cost-share up to a maximum of $7,500 for the implementation of a waste management system. All systems must be designed and constructed in accordance with the NRCS’s Technical Standards.
Forestry Incentives Program
The Forestry Incentives Program (FIP) is a nationwide program available in counties designated on the basis of a Forest Service survey of total eligible private timber acreage that is potentially suitable for production of timber products. Federal cost-share money is available with a limit of $10,000 per-person per-year with the stipulation that no more than 65 percent of the cost of the costs of tree planting, timber stand improvements, and related practices on non-industrial private forest lands may be paid.
Water Conservation Practices Cost-Share Program
The Arkansas Soil & Water Conservation Commission and local conservation districts use part of the water well and surface water diversion fees for cost-sharing of water conservation and development projects and practices. These should result in either water quantity or quality benefits or substitutes the use of surface water for ground water such that the ground water resource may be protected.
Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)
The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary program to restore and protect wetlands on private property. It is an opportunity for landowners to receive financial incentives to enhance wetlands in exchange for retiring marginal agricultural land.
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)
The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat on private lands. It provides both technical assistance and cost sharing to help establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat. Participants who own or control land agree to prepare and implement a wildlife habitat development plan. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides technical and financial assistance for the initial establishment of wildlife habitat development practices. In addition, if the landowner agrees, state wildlife agencies or private organizations may also provide expertise or additional funding to help complete a project.
Socially Disadvantaged, Beginning, and Limited Resource Farmers/Ranchers
The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) continues to address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, as well as beginning and limited resource farmers and ranchers. It provides for voluntary participation, offers incentives and focuses on equity in accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and services. Enhancements include streamlined delivery of technical and financial assistance; improved programs and services; and flexibility in decision making (with most decisions made at the Tribal, State, or local level).
For information on any of these programs contact your local conservation district, by calling 501-301-3137 or online resources are available online at ozarksfn.com.
