The Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency is coming to Chadron tomorrow as part of a statewide series of informational meetings for ag producers and private landowners interested in CRP, the Conservation Reserve Program, but the time has changed.
Originally scheduled for tomorrow night at 6:00 at the American Legion, it’s now scheduled to run from 1-4:00.
      Oshkosh was to be the only other Panhandle location with a meeting set for Wednesday, but 2 more have been added with Sidney next Monday and Alliance a week from tomorrow. All will be from 1-4:00.Â
The USDA opened a CRP General signup last month that runs through April 7. 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.
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.
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.