USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Wyoming is currently accepting applications for enrollment into EQIP-CIC. EQIP-CIC is a voluntary Farm Bill program which provides financial assistance to address three priority resource concerns which are soil quality limitations, source water depletion, and wind and water erosion. Producers interested in implementing conservation practices to improve natural resources on their private agricultural land have until Monday, March 20, to submit applications.
EQIP-CIC expands resource benefits for Wyoming producers through incentive conservation practices such as wildlife management, cover crops, nutrient management, conservation crop rotations, and prescribed grazing. Additionally, EQIP-CIC allows producers to target priority resource concerns on their property by offering incentive payments for a five-year contract without needing to enroll the entire operation into the program. EQIP-CIC is designed to be a stepping-stone between EQIP and the Conservation Stewardship Program, to help producers improve their level of conservation and earn benefits of longer-term conservation enhancements.
“We have to continue to support and expand the adoption of conservation approaches to support producers in their work to participate in climate-smart agriculture practices and build more resilient operations,” said Andi Neugebauer, Acting NRCS State Conservationist in Wyoming. “We are continuously working to improve our programs to ensure we’re giving Wyoming farmers and ranchers the best tools to conserve natural resources.”
Producers must have farm records current with the Farm Service Agency and submit a complete program application to NRCS to be considered for financial assistance through EQIP. Applications are accepted at all Wyoming NRCS offices located in USDA Service Centers across the state. To find out more information about EQIP please visit the EQIP webpage. To locate an NRCS field office near you, please visit the Wyoming USDA Service Center webpage.
When visiting with NRCS staff about the EQIP-CIC program, landowners are encouraged to inquire about NRCS’ comprehensive conservation plans. NRCS continually strives to put conservation planning at the forefront of its programs and initiatives. Conservation plans provide landowners with a comprehensive inventory and assessment of their resources, as well as an appropriate start to improving the quality of soil, water, air, plants, and wildlife on their land.
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