For the second consecutive year the United States Department of Agriculture is offering a general Conservation Reserve Program signup. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced recently that the signup window will open on March 14th and continue through April 15th. Through the program eligible producers and landowners can receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to help them establish long-term conservation practices. Contracts awarded under this signup are scheduled to become effective on October 1st of this year.

Secretary Vilsack says for the past 25 years, support for CRP has grown thanks to strong backing from farmers, ranchers, conservationists, hunters, fishermen and other outdoor sports enthusiasts. He says not only has CRP contributed to the national effort to improve water and air quality, it has preserved habitat for wildlife and prevented soil erosion by protecting the most sensitive areas including those prone to flash flooding and runoff.

Interested farmers and ranchers should contact the Marion County Farm Service Agency office at 842-3168 for more information.