Farmers in Butler County can submit an application for manure storage, barn yard stabilization, grazing systems, fencing and other Best Management Conservation Practices.

Agriculture producers are encouraged to develop nutrient management plans. A nutrient management plan, particularly for livestock operations, will include manure nutrients. Planning for the best utilization of all available nutrients — whether from manure, soil organic matter, legumes or fertilizers — will save money as well as reduce risks to water quality.

The objective of nutrient management is to use nutrients (mainly nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) wisely for optimum economic benefit to the farmer while minimizing impact on the environment.

All cost-shared Best Management Practices must meet Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA) Field Office Technical Guide standards and specifications. The Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide an estimated cost of the project with the design. The maximum is $25,000 cost-share funding for each applicant. The Growing Greener Grant for Butler County would provide funding for 75 percent of the cost of construction.

There is no minimum acreage required for the projects. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of 10 animal units. Eligible livestock may be defined as beef and dairy cattle, swine, sheep and poultry used for commercial food or human consumption or kept for producing food or fiber.

Also, funds are now available for fencing projects inButler County. The Project Grass Grant funds fending for farmers.

Farmers are advised to contact the Butler County Conservation District Office to discuss funding for Best Management Practices funded through the Growing Greener grant or fencing projects funded through the Project Grass grant. That phone number is 724-284-5270. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 31. Conservation District staff will visit sites and select projects based on a score sheet.