The state recently announced the annual sign-up for the REAP state tax credit program that offers applicants up to 50 percent off the cost of new and used no-till equipment and construction of conservation-related best management practices such as fencing, feeding pads and watering systems.

Our office, along with the Butler County Conservation District, will again hold a meeting to inform producers about the program details, as well as to provide an opportunity to help those interested in completing the application.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. July 19 at the Butler Farm Show United States Department of Agriculture service center office. Preregistration is required. Contact Ryan Harr of the conservation district at 724-284-5270.

This is an excellent program that has been highly popular in the past.

Tax credits can be received as proposed projects in which credits are secured when project is completed or equipment is bought. They can also be awarded after the fact for projects completed after October 2007. The credits can be used by the applicant all at once or over a 15-year period, or they sold, which is the more popular choice, for about 85 to 95 cents on the dollar.

To aid in the sale of the credits, the state partnered with several private firms to help expedite the process. So if you've completed conservation based best management practices recently or have thought about or purchased no-till equipment, I highly recommend attending the meeting and determining if REAP is a viable option on your farm.

Andy Gaver is a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Butler County.