CRP General Sign-Up Landowner Meeting Being Offered In O'Neill

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup. Pheasants Forever will be hosting a landowner informational meeting on Wednesday, March 7 from 2:00 � 4:00 p.m. at the extension service office to help answer questions about how to improve enrollment chances and wildlife values.

The general CRP signup begins March 12 and runs through April 6. Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologists, FSA, NRCS, and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff will be on hand to provide a brief presentation and then answer questions. �The process for enrollment is pretty complex and the competition to get in is going to be steep,� according to Ryan Lodge, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist. We are providing this service to help out those who are interested. Obviously though, more and better CRP means more pheasants and other wildlife too, which is why we work so hard for this program and for producers.�

As in past CRP General Sign-ups, USDA will score offers using the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI). This formula driven system evaluates each tract of land according to its environmental values and challenges and also how the landowner chooses to offer it into the program. According to Lodge, there are only a few things that a landowner can offer to do that will increase the EBI score. �This landowner informational meeting is designed to specifically address what the landowner can change in their offer. Some of those �adjustable� factors are very important for wildlife, said Lodge. Other meeting topics will include options for expiring CRP contracts, additional conservation programs to increase farm and ranch income, as well as CRP mid contract management options.

Those interested in participating should plan to arrive at the extension service at 2:00 p.m. There is no charge for participating and there is no need to register.  According to Lodge, space may be limited depending upon interest, so you may want to plan to come early.

Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.