Nebraska application deadline for CSP, EQIP is Nov. 15

LYONS, NEBRASKA – Nebraska farmers and ranchers interested in conservation programs have until Nov. 15 to submit their initial paperwork.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provide financial and technical assistance to producers who are interested in implementing conservation practices while maintaining agricultural production.

In 2023, 1,360 CSP and EQIP contracts advanced conservation across nearly 1.2 million acres of Nebraska.

“CSP and EQIP are voluntary programs that allow farmers and ranchers to choose practices that meet the unique needs of their operations,” said Andrew Tonnies, policy associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “They offer something for everyone, whether you are planting cover crops for the first time or expanding on niche practices that enhance wildlife habitat.”

Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the two programs are different in several ways.

CSP contracts last five years and require producers to implement multiple practices across their operations. Applicants must demonstrate they are currently engaged in conservation and be willing to implement additional practices.

EQIP contracts typically last one to three years and are designed to address a particular resource concern with a single practice or project. The program also offers assistance for structural practices, such as fencing for rotational grazing.

“These programs will receive a continued increase in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act in 2025,” Tonnies said. “This means more opportunity for producers to implement practices that are good for water quality and soil health.”

Producers interested in applying for either program should contact their local NRCS office as soon as possible. A list of local offices can be found at nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center.