When the new Farm Bill was signed late last year, one of the bigger changes to the conservation programs outlined in the bill was the Conservation Stewardship Program.

Historically this five-year program was an acreage-based reward program for those already implementing a good conservation system and who wanted to add practices or, enhancements, to further improve their operation.

Leading up to the bill and soon after there was a lot of talk of combining EQIP, a resource concern driven program, with CSP and making both programs practice-based so farmers would have a better understanding of how the programs work and which fit best on their operation.

Recently, the Natural Resources Conservation Service announced we are accepting applications for the new Conservation Stewardship Program until May 10. While few details have emerged, we do know it will remain a five-year contract. However, all money will be obligated at the contract signing; presently Congress must allocate annually that year’s contract funds.

This change will increase the competition and a competitive ranking will have to be administered. When the program was acreage-based, incentives were kept low since large acres could be enrolled.

Another change is the move towards high-dollar practice payments; this will more accurately reflect the true cost to implement the practice, however, to see a large return a large commitment, high acres, will need to be agreed to at contract signing.

This is still a good program to enroll in, and while I’ve provided all the information I currently know, completing an application does not cost or commit you to anything at this point. As we work through the ranking process later this summer, you can decide if this program is still a good fit for your operation.

To sign up, contact our office at 724-482-5298.

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