Strip-till is high priority on cropland offering an EQIP incentive. There is an on going signup for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for the 2010 year. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has responsibility over this program.

“The total amount of funding is unknown, but we feel sure there will be some funds available for conservation work in 2010,” John Prukop, Chairman of the Kleberg-Kenedy Soil and Water Conservation District in Kingsville said.

The Local Work Group met earlier this year and set soil erosion as top priority on cropland and plant health as the number one priority on rangeland and pastureland in Kleberg and Kenedy counties, emphasizes Vern Crocker, Secretary of the District Board.

“The program provides payments and incentives payments to producers applying approved conservation measures that help solve natural resource problems,” adds Trey Quackenbush, Vice Chairman of the District.

For those landowners and operators that may be interested, contact the NRCS office in Kingsville at 401 East King Ave., Ste. 100 so the process can be started.

It is important to come in early because appropriate forms also need to be completed at the Farm Services Agency office at the same location. It takes time to complete all the forms.

The ranking window will be close March 19, 2010 for those applicants that sign-up now. All applications will be ranked and prioritized.

Each county has been getting some funds. High priority will be given to those applicants based on the land use and the resource concern being addressed. A Resource Management Plan is encouraged to address all the resources including soil, water, air, plants and animals.

Some of the practices include the incentives for strip-till on cropland and prescribed grazing on rangeland and pastureland. Other practices include water wells for livestock water, cross fencing, watering facilities, and pipelines on grazing lands which includes pastureland and rangeland.

“So don’t delay, schedule some time to visit with the local NRCS office in Kingsville,” David Schubert, Director on the Kleberg- Kenedy SWCD Board said.

The Kingsville field office has complete details for Kleberg and Kenedy counties and the applicable state concerns.

Additional information, including ranking criteria, eligible practices, and payment rates for all programs, can also be found on the Texas NRCS Web Site at www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov/ programs/.

Again don’t wait till the last minute as there are forms to be completed and eligibility to be determined.