CRP sign-up starts today

DES MOINES ? Sign-up for the general Conservation Reserve Program today and continues through June 14 at Farm Service Agency offices.

The CRP offers producers and landowners an alternative to farming environmentally sensitive land to reduce soil erosion and protect water quality and improve habitat and attract wildlife.

CRP contracts provide annual rental payments to landowners who in turn agree to use conservation practices that will reduce soil erosion, improve water and air quality, or provide winter cover and food for wildlife.

Updated rental rates may make CRP a more attractive alternative where costs are high and yields are low.

Offers accepted into the CRP through the bidding process, will become effective Oct. 1. In Iowa, 183,399 acres of CRP will expire this fall.

For information, call the FSA office in Fairfield at 472-2558 or look at www.fsa.usda.gov.