The Butler County Conservation District is accepting applications for grants to implement nutrient management plans.

Farmers throughout Butler County can submit an application for nutrient management plan implementation to address environmental concerns on their operations. Eligible projects can include waste storage, barn yard stabilization, grazing systems, stream bank fencing, riparian buffers and stream crossings.

Agriculture producers are encouraged to develop nutrient management plans and implement the best management practices (BMPs). A nutrient management plan can minimize the environmental impacts of raising livestock or growing crops while improving the efficiency of the operation.

The nutrient management BMP grant will provide a cost share of 75 percent of the project and not exceed $75,000.

All projects must meet the Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA) field office technical guide standards and specifications. There is no minimum acreage required for the projects.

Eligible applicants must have an approved ACT 38 Nutrient Management Plan and a minimum of 10 animal units. Eligible livestock can be defined as beef, dairy cattle, swine, sheep and poultry used for the production of food for human consumption of fiber.

Farmers are advised to contact the Butler CountyConservation District to discuss funding for BMPs on their farm. Applications will be accepting until March 24 at the district office.

For more information and an application, call 724-284-5270.

Energy Harvest Grant

The Northwest Chapter of Project Grass and Penn Soil RC&D have received a DEP Energy Harvest Grant to install solar powered water pumping systems for livestock in rotational grazing systems.

Producers in Butler County who are interested in installing this system should contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Butler at 724-482-4800, Ext. 108.

The office will be taking applications until May 2 with installation scheduled for summer.

There is a maximum of $8,000 available for each project with 25 percent match contributed by the landowner.

Ron Fodor is district manager of the Butler County Conservation District.