EQIP, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program deadlines looming

Eric B. Banks, state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), announced recently that the application evaluation cutoff date will be, Tuesday, Nov. 15, for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).

"These programs are very popular in Kansas, and I know fall is a busy season. The NRCS wants everyone to have the opportunity to develop a conservation plan and submit an application in time," Banks said.

Applications are accepted year round, but those received by Nov. 15 will be evaluated for Fiscal Year 2012 funding. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements.

"EQIP and WHIP help address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers who have natural resource concerns that need to be addressed on their land," Banks said. Qualifying Kansas producers compete separately and receive higher payment rates.

EQIP is a comprehensive conservation program designed to deal with a wide range of conservation efforts needed on a farm. Cost sharing on basic practices like building terraces or waterways can be included, as well as many other options as needed on a particular tract. Management practices, brush management, ponds, wildlife enhancements, and livestock management enhancements, as well as needed structural practices, can be part of an EQIP plan.

WHIP is planned in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and is intended to assist a landowner in maximizing desired wildlife habitat on each individual tract included in a contract.

For more information, visit the NRCS website www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov/programs or your local U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center. To find a service center near you, check in your telephone book under "United States Government" or on the Internet at offices.usda.gov. Follow us on Twitter @NRCS_Kansas.

Bourbon County landowners can reach local NRCS personnel by calling the USDA Service Center at (620) 223-1880, then dial in "3" when the call is answered for direct access to NRCS phones. Or stop by the NRCS office at 1515 S. Judson, Suite B, in Fort Scott.

Notice to Hispanic and/or women farmers or ranchers: If you believe that USDA improperly denied farm loan benefits to you between 1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic or female, you can request a claims package by calling (888) 508-4429 or by visiting the website www.farmerclaims.gov.

Editor's Note: Doug Niemeir is the County Executive Director for the USDA/Farm Service Agency. Doug may be reached by emailing him at Douglas.Niemeir@ks.usda.gov.