Wisconsin Ag Connection - Wisconsin FSA Accepts 24,000 Acres in CRP Program

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Wisconsin FSA Accepts 24,000 Acres in CRP Program
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 06/08/2012

Over 24,000 acres of Wisconsin farmland have been accepted in the USDA's 43rd Conservation Reserve Program. State Farm Service Agency Director Brad Pfaff says landowners enrolled in CRP receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource conserving covers on eligible farmland. Accepted contracts will become effective October 1, 2012.

"For more than 25 years, CRP has protected natural resources in Wisconsin while providing economic and environmental benefits to rural communities throughout the state," said Pfaff. "The newly accepted CRP offers will continue the CRP legacy by improving water and air quality, increasing wildlife habitat and preventing soil erosion."

Nationally, about 3.9 million acres of land has been accepted into the latest CRP sign-up--bringing the total program enrollment to 29.6 million acres.

Last year, CRP acres reduced nitrogen losses from farm fields by 623 million pounds and phosphorus losses by 124 million pounds. The program has also restored more than two million acres of wetlands and associated buffers and reduces soil erosion by more than 300 million tons per year nationwide.

Pfaff says all CRP sign-up offers were evaluated and ranked using the Environmental Benefits Index that consists of the following five environmental factors plus cost: wildlife enhancement, water quality, soil erosion, enduring benefits and air quality.

The national average rental rate per acre for this sign-up is $51.24.

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