Natural Resources Conservation Service is currently accepting applications until Friday for those interested in receiving funding for farm energy improvements such as grain dyers, lighting or dairy-related upgrades.

These improvements are based on recommendations from a current energy audit.

High tunnels to extend the growing season is another category that has been popular in the area and conservation activity plans that include energy audits and comprehensive nutrient management plans for those interested in planning for energy improvements or developing a nutrient-management plan for future funding of a manure-handling system.

This round of funding will be expedited and have an obligation deadline of Jan. 31. The funds will be competitive in nature, as all funding pools will either be regional or statewide.

We will continue to take applications for other popular categories — livestock, cover crops and grazing — beyond Friday. However, we will not process these applications until after mid-February when a new ranking system will be implemented.

For those interested in high tunnels, a crop must have been grown on the high tunnel footprint before applying for funding to be considered eligible.

To sign up or for more information about this early round of funding, please contact our office at 724-482-5298.

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