The Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency is coming to Chadron next Tuesday, March 21, as part of a statewide series of informational meetings for agricultural producers and private landowners interested in CRP, the Conservation Reserve Program.
The USDA opened a CRP General signup last month that runs through April 7. The first 2 of the 22 information meetings are Monday in St Paul and Lincoln with the last on the 39th in Arapahoe.
      Chadron is one of 5 towns hosting sessions on Tuesday. It begins at 6:00. The Chadron session runs from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at the American Legion. The only other one in the Panhandle is Wednesday in Oshkosh at 1:00 in the Oshkosh Auditorium
Nebraska State FSA Director John Berge says “CRP offers a range of conservation options to farmers, ranchers and landowners (and) can serve as a tool for farmers with less productive or marginal cropland.”
CRP pays rent to owners to voluntarily take land out of production and establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat
Berge says CRP also encourages owners to help improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and support wildlife habitat.
All the information meetings will have Nebraska FSA county office leaders speak along with representatives of conservation organizations about CRP options, land eligibility criteria and updated soil rental rates.
The meetings are free, and there is no registration required. Information on the CRP General signup and other CRP initiatives can be found at fsa.usda.gov/crp or by contacting your local USDA Service Center.