USDA funding available for ag operations

United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist in Colorado is accepting applications for enrollment into the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Through EQIP, agricultural producers receive financial and technical assistance to implement structural and management conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural land. All applications must be received by Friday, April 10. Landowners in Sedgwick and Phillips counties can submit applications to the Julesburg or Holyoke field offices.

The NRCS in Colorado offers a variety of opportunities to participate in EQIP. Traditional, non-traditional, certified and transitioning organic ag operations, those classified as beginning, limited resource or socially disadvantaged, those interested in installing seasonal high tunnels or interested in the reduction of farm energy are encouraged to apply.

Applications must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 10 and farmers and ranchers in Sedgwick and Phillips counties can submit applications to the Julesburg or Holyoke field offices. Eligible applications received after the cutoff period may be considered during a later time and will be processed throughout the fiscal year as needed. Producers must have farm records current with the Farm Service Agency and submit a complete program application to be considered for financial assistance through EQIP.

Contact the Holyoke Field Office at (970) 854-2812 ext. 3 or the Julesburg Field Office at (970) 463-9010 with any questions.