Kansas NRCS Announces Fiscal Year 2025 Farm Bill and Inflation Reduction Act for Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program Funding

Aug 12, 2024

David S. Doctorian, State Conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), announced the 2025 application deadline of Monday, September 9, 2024, for both Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Through the Farm Bill and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Kansas is projected to have over 70 million dollars to help producers improve the natural resources on their land. “Farmers can adopt structural, vegetative and management practices to help with their identified natural resource concerns on working agricultural lands,” Doctorian said. “Kansans can benefit from water conservation, soil health and grassland conservation with multiple available practices.”

NRCS accepts conservation program applications on a continuous basis and makes funding decisions throughout the year. Interested Kansas agricultural producers and landowners must apply during the initial application period for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 financial assistance by Monday, September 9, 2024.

All contract participants must meet Farm Bill Program eligibility. Eligibility includes working with the Farm Service Agency to report the Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Compliance requirements as well as Adjusted Gross Income limits. Financial assistance eligibility for NRCS programs is based upon identified resource concerns documented within the producer’s application. A conservation plan will be developed based upon the NRCS nine-step planning process.

"We are excited to announce the application deadline for EQIP and CSP programs in 2025, providing support to Kansas agricultural producers and landowners,” Doctorian said. “This funding opportunity underscores our commitment to addressing resource concerns on diverse lands, from traditional farms to urban and wildlife habitats. We encourage producers to apply to ensure that our shared conservation goals are met while adhering to program requirements. Technical assistance is readily available at local Service Centers, and we look forward to working together to protect and enhance Kansas's natural resources.”

Source : usda.gov

Video: Sorting Ewes & Rams | Breeding Time On The Farm!

In this episode, we’re sorting ewes into their breeding groups and introducing them to unrelated rams. Moving rams between barns always comes with challenges, but once the boys meet their ewes, everyone was eager to settle in!

We also welcome back a returning customer who purchased a Suffolk ram from us last year. This season, she chose a Dorset cross ram, now named Benny, to strengthen her flock’s genetics. It’s always rewarding to see repeat customers who value the quality of our breeding stock.

Arnie then tours the crop fields as harvest season approaches. Despite drought conditions this summer, the crops are looking surprisingly good. We close the day with evening feedings and one last look at the rams with their new breeding groups.

?? Join us daily for life on a working sheep farm, from flock management and breeding strategies to crops, chores, and the everyday rhythm of farm life.