Have you ever wondered how you can reduce the amount of energy used on your farm?

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service might have the answer. Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, NRCS is now offering funding opportunities to help you obtain an energy audit at your farm's headquarters or on cropland.

Producers interested in obtaining energy audits through this EQIP special initiative should apply by July 9 to be considered for the 2010 funding cycle.

The energy audits will be individually tailored to ensure coverage of each farm's primary energy uses such as milk cooling, irrigation pumping, heating and cooling of livestock production facilities, manure collection and transfer, grain drying, and similar common on-farm activities. An Agricultural Energy Management Plan will be developed to identify what techniques or equipment can be used to reduce energy use and save money.

The plan will be designed by a Technical Service Provider (certified by NRCS and placed on an approved list) who will provide technical assistance for specific conservation programs administered by USDA. Through EQIP, NRCS will pay up to 75 percent of the average cost of an Agricultural Energy Management Plan based on the number of animal units or acres of cropland. Those interested in learning more or who would like to sign up are encouraged to contact our office at 724-482-4800, Ext. 108.

The Resource Enhancement and Protection Act Program, REAP, a popular tax credit program that offers up to 50 percent off the cost of no-till equipment and installation of agricultural best management practices, will be available again this year. Applications will be accepted beginning Aug. 2 and the Butler County Conservation District, along with NRCS, is currently gauging interest for holding another nightly meeting to help complete the application and talk a little more about the program and benefits. The week of July 12 to 16 is being targeted and those interested in attending should contact either the conservation district at 724-284-5270 or our office at 724-482-4800, Ext. 3.

As a twist, the state has specified those who applied last year and were not funded are a top priority for this round of funding and said they will be considered before any new applications are accepted.

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