For Immediate Release
Date: October 2, 2007

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

NRCS’ EQIP -- Landowner’s Best Bet for Future

Champaign IL— For those involved in agriculture, it’s a busy time of the year—so much to do, so much to wrap-up. NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Programs Ivan Dozier says “Even though you’re busy, this might be the best time to take a moment and start planning for your future a bit. Your future in EQIP, that is.”

Details, rules and language of the new Farm Bill are still being finalized. No one knows when the final draft will be written or made into law. According to Dozier, “Chances are you have issues on your farm that need solving today, not tomorrow. Not next year. You may have erosion, water quality concerns, or nutrient management issues. Maybe you have a cattle operation that needs some updates or new practices. If you haven’t been to the NRCS office to get your plan started and signed up for EQIP, don’t waste any more time. Do it today.”

While much of what the new Farm Bill holds for payments or caps or loans is undecided, one thing NRCS is sure of right now is USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program. EQIP has been around since 1996 and since then has grown in popularity with increased funding levels. It’s NRCS’ principal program for delivering conservation in Illinois and across the country. EQIP supports the needs of livestock operations and ag operations without livestock. NRCS offers ideas, solutions and guidance for a successful and sustainable conservation operation.

While the details of the new Farm Bill are being ironed out, NRCS in Illinois will focus on EQIP. “Our goal is to get quality conservation plans developed, get folks signed up and start the process,” explains NRCS’ State Farm Bill Coordinator Paula Hingson. EQIP cost-share rates cover a wide range of conservation practices—from conservation tillage to Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans, forestry improvements, terraces, irrigation, watering facilities—EQIP has nearly everything Illinois operations may need to solve the resource problems they face. EQIP and other NRCS cost-share programs can make operations environmentally sound and sustainable for the long haul.

Hingson says the important part is to get the process started if you haven’t already. “NRCS technical staff will work with you to inventory your operation and take a look at some of the issues you’re facing and offer ideas that might work for you. The plan you develop will include things you need to do now, things you can do in a year or two, or things you want to do later. It’s a dynamic and ever-changing plan that helps you accomplish your goals in the short and long term,” adds Hingson. Signing up for EQIP is easy and it’s quick.

EQIP covers a significant portion of costs of practices and NRCS maintains up-to-date cost lists that reflect life and prices in the 21st Century. Bottom line is that no matter when the new Farm Bill is finalized, EQIP looks to be a critical part of the Conservation Title. It should be funded and there to help Illinois landowners put conservation on the ground.

“But YOU have to take the first step and visit your NRCS conservation team at your local USDA Service Center. Develop your conservation plan today and get signed up for EQIP. Position yourself for what’s next on the conservation horizon,” adds Dozier. Visit www.il.nrcs.usda.gov to learn more.

###

NRCS - Helping People Help the Land

An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer