Conservation (CRP) Acres Increase for 2020

The most recent farm bill has increased the cap for Conservation (CRP) acres to 27 million. This provides an opportunity for existing and new landowners to enroll new acres or re-enroll existing acres. General signup expires on February 28, 2020.

Elk Mound Seed is preparing for this increase in CRP acres with offering a necessary list of seeds: native grasses, wildflowers, forbs, cover crop seed and forage grasses. The agronomists at Elk Mound Seed can assist in supplying the appropriate amount of seed for your acres and with the right approach.

Wildlife specialist Jordan Zimmer commented, “With the large increase in CRP acres, our team notices an opportunity to provide quality seed at a competitive price. Trying to prepare for the potential demand is going to be one of our largest challenges.”

Farm Service Agency (FSA) uses the following Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) factors to assess the environmental benefits for the land offered:

• Wildlife habitat benefits resulting from covers on contract acres
• Water quality benefits from reduced erosion, runoff and leaching
• On-farm benefits from reduced erosion
• Benefits that will likely endure beyond the contract period
• Air quality benefits from reduced wind erosion
• Cost

Helpful Links to help understand CRP options:

• USDA Press Release for Conservation Acres
• CRP Fact Sheet
• CRP General Signup fact sheet
• CRP General EBI fact sheet
• CRP TIP fact sheet

“In the past five years we have seen a noticeable amount of acres enter into these CRP programs. With the new information about increasing the cap on acres we have to be ready for these phone calls,” said owner of Elk Mound Seed, Cody Zimmer.

What is the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)?

A conservation program that farmers are eligible to enroll acres for environmental health and quality. Some popular programs include native and wildflower plantings to help pollinators and upland birds. Cover crop programs are also available to help improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and water retention. These programs are administered by the FSA. Contact your local USDA office for programs available in your area.