The general signup period is open (Jan. 4, 2021) for producers and landowners to enroll environmentally sensitive agricultural land into the federally funded Conservation Reserve Program.
Interim Secretary for South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Kevin Robling says enrolling land in CRP creates quality wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities. He says those strengthen local economies and the state’s deep-rooted hunting heritage.
CRP participants receive annual rental payments and 50% cost share to establish the perennial cover for 10 to 15 years. The cover may be grasses or forbs to control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat. There are options for haying and grazing in accordance with a conservation plan, but it could adjust payment amount.
Interim Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Hunter Roberts says CRP has a proven track record of benefitting long-term soil health and improving water quality by reducing soil erosion and runoff. He says it can also increase profitability on marginal lands making the program beneficial for producers and for South Dakota’s natural resources.
A cropping history of four out of six years from 2012 to 2017 is required to enroll cropland. Land currently enrolled, but expiring on Sept. 30, 2021, is also eligible to be re-enrolled this year. The signup period runs through Feb. 12, 2021. Accepted offers will start the program Oct. 1, 2021.
The non-competitive continuous CRP program is also an option for landowners and producers. It allows for the enrollment of buffer strips, wetland restoration, duck nesting habitat, pollinator habitat, prairie strips, windbreaks, shelterbelts and marginal pastureland buffers.
For more information or to enroll your land in CRP, contact your local USDA Service Center or a Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist.
Graphic by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
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