By Blake Jackson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is urging farmers, agricultural producers, and forest landowners in Wisconsin to apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) by February 7, 2025, for consideration in 2025 funding.
The program is receiving unprecedented support, thanks to additional funding from the Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act. This funding provides $19.5 billion over five years to enhance NRCS conservation programs, including CSP, which has long been oversubscribed.
The Inflation Reduction Act specifically aims to encourage producers to adopt climate-smart practices, new technologies, and management techniques.
Through CSP, participants can earn payments for expanding conservation efforts while continuing agricultural production on their land.
“CSP continues to be a very effective tool for private landowners working to achieve their conservation and management goals,” said Nathan Fikkert, State Conservationist for NRCS Wisconsin, “CSP is the largest conservation program in the United States, the additional of Inflation Reduction Act dollars to the program allows NRCS the opportunity to work with even more agricultural and forestry producers.”
While NRCS accepts applications year-round, those interested in receiving 2025 funding should submit their application to their local NRCS office by February 7, 2025.
All applications received by this deadline will be evaluated and ranked for funding. Applications are accepted at USDA Service Centers across Wisconsin.
The CSP offers both technical and financial assistance to help farmers, agricultural producers, and forestland owners enhance their conservation practices.
The program rewards participants for maintaining their baseline conservation efforts while adopting additional activities that boost conservation outcomes.
Examples of suitable CSP enhancements for small-scale and urban producers include planting multi-species cover crops, mulching with natural materials, establishing pollinator habitats, and soil health crop rotation.
CSP benefits include increased crop yields, reduced input costs, improved wildlife habitats, and enhanced resilience to extreme weather.
It is available for working lands such as cropland, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forest land, and tribal agricultural land.
Photo Credit: usda-nrcs
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy