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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 6, 2007

Contact:
Paige Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist, (217) 353.6606
Jody Christiansen, Public Affairs Specialist (217) 353.6627

CNMP Funds Ready for YOU!

Producers in Illinois who are ready to develop a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) can now apply for NRCS cost-share funds—from $5,000 to $8,000—depending on the size of their livestock operation. Cost-share funds are available from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as an additional incentive project of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

“The structure for this incentives option is different from previous ones,” says Ivan Dozier, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Programs. “With the previous incentive, there was a waiting list to get assistance and some uncertainty about when that would happen. Now there’s no waiting. You apply, NRCS ranks the applications and develops a contract with you. Your responsibility after that is to contact and hire a certified Technical Service Provider who can develop your plan,” said Dozier.

NRCS’ flat rate payments for developing CNMPs are determined by operation size.

Current # of
Animal Units		 Flat Rate
Payment
15 – 299 $5,000
300 – 750 $7,000
Greater than 750 $8,000

 If expansion is planned for the operation in the next 12 months, the proposed number of animal units, up to 150% of current numbers, should be used to determine the rate.

Applications for this CNMP must be made with your NRCS office by June 21, 2007 and contracts finalized by June 29th. “Once you’ve signed this contract, you must secure a TSP and begin working on the plan within 12months,” adds Dozier, “So don’t delay.”

“Developing a quality CNMP can be a lengthy and complex process, but it’s well worth it,” says Illinois State Conservationist Bill Gradle, “This cost-share will help thousands of Illinois livestock producers be better positioned to be good stewards of the land.”

To get an application, contact the local County NRCS staff at the USDA Service Center in your County.
 

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