Missouri Rural Crisis Center (MRCC) applauds the USDA's announcement of the first-ever national sign-up for the newly revamped Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Farmers and ranchers are eligible to apply to the program from Aug. 10 to Sept. 30.
 
"MRCC farmer-members are looking forward to making CSP a part of their farming operations and getting support for maintaining and increasing good conservation on our land while continuing to produce crops and livestock," said Rhonda Perry, livestock and grain farmer from Howard County and Program Director of MRCC.
 
Last year the Conservation Security Program got a name change, but more than that the new Conservation Stewardship Program has been greatly expanded. Previously, farmers had to wait until a short signup period opened in their watershed. Now any farmer across Missouri can apply, and can apply at any time of the year. The program also got a boost in funding-$12 billion dollars over the next 10 years.
 
The core of the program remains the same, including rewarding farmers for existing conservation efforts as well as new practices they take on.  Farmers who are truly conservation leaders are compensated for improving the soil, air, water quality, wildlife habitat, and energy conservation.
 
The new CSP is available to all agricultural producers, regardless of where they live or what they are producing. With the increase in program funding, the goal is to enroll nearly 13 million acres per year, creating the opportunity to have a much greater impact on conservation and rural economies.