Staff Reports

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the 2021 Conservation Reserve Program which had previously been announced as ending Friday.

USDA will continue to accept offers as it takes this opportunity for the incoming Biden Administration to evaluate ways to increase enrollment. Under the previous administration, incentives and rental payment rates were reduced resulting in an enrollment shortfall of more than 4 million acres, according to a news release from the USDA.

The program, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency provides annual rental payments for 10 to 15 years for land devoted to conservation purposes and other types of payments.

Before the general signup period ends, producers will have the opportunity to adjust or resubmit their offers to take advantage of planned improvements to the program.

As one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the United States, CRP provides both economic and conservation benefits by taking land out of agricultural production.

All interested producers, including those with trust lands, are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center for information.

To enroll in program contact the Jackson County FSA at 812-358-2367