Farmers and ranchers interested in working-lands conservation often have a vision for their operation that includes the well-being of both the environment and the commodities they produce. What’s often less clear to these producers, however, is how to turn their visions into a reality.
Graham Christensen, a fifth-generation farmer in Lyons, Nebraska, was one of these farmers. Already familiar with the benefits of practices such as cover crops and no-till, he was looking for assistance to take his conservation efforts to the next level. He found his answer via the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
CSP is one of the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) flagship working lands programs. It offers financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers looking to enhance environmental stewardship across their entire operation without taking land out of agricultural production.
Before these practices can be implemented, however, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to follow these steps when applying for the program and developing a plan with their local NRCS representative.
Assess what conservation practices have been implemented to date
CSP is designed for farmers and ranchers who, like Christensen, already have some practices in place and are interested in expanding their conservation portfolio. To apply, a producer must demonstrate they have already taken action to address resource concerns for a given area via practices such as no-till, cover crops, or rotational grazing.
For beginning conservationists, other NRCS programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are a better option.
Become familiar with the local USDA Service Center
County United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) service centers typically host two offices—the NRCS and Farm Service Agency (FSA). Both are involved in the CSP application process, so it’s important to become familiar with their staff and hours.
Farmers and ranchers can find their local USDA service center here and stay up-to-date on area programs and deadlines by signing up for local newsletters.
Set up an appointment with local NRCS staff
Farmers and ranchers can start their CSP application at any time, but the process must be completed in partnership with an NRCS staff member. Calling ahead to make an appointment is recommended, especially with COVID-19 limiting office capacity.
Gather information about the farm or ranch
For efficient meetings with NRCS staff, producers should gather a few pieces of documentation beforehand to make sure all farm records are up to date. This includes a tax number (belonging to the individual or the entity), land deed or written lease agreement, and farm number. A farm number is a form of identification administered by FSA that allows farmers and ranchers to participate in USDA programs.
In addition to documentation, eligible applicants should be able to describe their current conservation practices, as well as plans to expand these efforts.
Christensen noted the importance of knowing your conservation goals before applying as well. When your goals are well outlined, you’ll have a better chance of identifying the right practices to achieve them, he said.
Examples of CSP-supported conservation practices can be found here.
Fill out the initial application form
NRCS-CPA-1200 is used to determine eligibility and apply for CSP. This short form covers basic, identifying information about the producer and his or her land. It can be found online by searching the form name, and can be a helpful aid to review before meeting with NRCS staff.
Applicants should take care to read the definitions and criteria for self-identifying as a limited-resource, beginning, veteran, or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher. CSP funds are set aside for these groups, giving eligible applicants a better chance to receive funding.
Assess operation and natural resources concerns with NRCS
After the initial application is submitted, NRCS staff will work one-on-one with the farmer or rancher to evaluate their current management system and natural resources on the operation. This is done to identify primary resource concerns and potential solutions, such as minimizing erosion with cover crops. To qualify for CSP, producers must be implementing practices that satisfy at least two state-specific priority resource concerns related to soil, water, wildlife, or other environmental matters.
According to Christensen, it’s important for first-time applicants to ask for clarification on anything they don’t understand.
“Don’t sell yourself or your vision short,” he said. “If you have ambitious, creative goals, get in there and ask questions.”
Work with NRCS staff to select CSP enhancements
Before the final application can be submitted, the farmer or rancher and NRCS staff must identify what conservation practices will be completed if a contract is awarded. NRCS staff may recommend practices, known as enhancements, because they allow a producer to improve upon an existing practice. For example, a farmer already planting cover crops may select the enhancement to plant a multi-species cover crop.
More than 200 enhancements are available for implementation via CSP and build upon practices, such as cover crops, herbaceous weed control, and prescribed grazing. A list of available practices and enhancements can be found here.
Wait to hear if application is funded
Once the application has been submitted, farmers and ranchers need to wait while it is ranked against others in the same ranking pool. Applications are accepted at all times, so this process can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on how close to the deadline the application was submitted. However, it is best to finish the application well in advance of the deadline, especially if the producer wants to compete in the nearest timeframe. Applications are typically assessed and awarded (or “batched”) in the spring and fall.
While Christensen’s application wasn’t funded the first time he applied, he learned a lot through the process on how to make it better.
“Conservation doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” he said. “Just do your best to take it a step at a time.”
Looking for more information on CSP and other working lands programs? Read our series of fact sheets here.
Feature photo: Graham Christensen, a fifth-generation farmer in Lyons, Nebraska, was looking for assistance to take his conservation efforts to the next level and found his answer via CSP. | Photo submitted
