Conservation Incentives Available to Farmers
Conservation Incentives Available to Farmers
The second application process of a collaborative Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is underway. The program is a partnership between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Ducks Unlimited (DU).
Agricultural producers in 34 east river counties in South Dakota, including Grant, Roberts, Deuel, Codington and Day, have until March 31 to submit applications. Applications will be prioritized by projects that would include a transition to regenerative agriculture systems and incorporate large tracts of restored grasslands.
The initiative, Scaling Soil Health in the Prairie Pothole Region, provides voluntary conservation incentives to farmers and ranchers looking to improve soil health, restore grasslands and improve rotational grazing capacity for livestock on their properties.
In 2022, the effort received 14 applications from interested farmers and ranchers. After ranking applications, five projects were selected for funding in the program’s inaugural year. These projects will potentially impact 6,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and croplands and provide financial assistance to implement five-year conservation plans. DU conservation staff are providing technical assistance and the organization is responsible for program delivery under the Alternative Funding Arrangement.
“Our goal is to provide flexibility through RCPP and to complement the delivery of USDA conservation programs,” said Cassie Auxt, DU biologist. “Initial feedback indicates that our options for grassland restoration are very attractive from a livestock producer’s perspective.”
Farmers and ranchers interested in this new opportunity can reach out to Bruce Toay at 605-380-0684 or btoay@ducks.org for additional details or to request an application.
