The USDA released the final rule for its Conservation Stewardship Program that makes updates required by the 2018 Farm Bill and includes potential payments for cover crop rotations, advanced livestock management and creating a comprehensive conservation plan.

The next deadline for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2019 is May 10, 2019. The NRCS plans to invest up to $700 million for new enrollments and contract extensions in fiscal year 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill made several changes to this critical conservation program, which helps agricultural producers take the conservation activities on their farm or ranch to the next level.

Farmers and ranchers have until Feb. 3 to submit initial applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program to the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that $150 million in funding is available for agricultural producers through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the USDA's largest conservation program.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has extended the deadline for new enrollments in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for fiscal year 2014. Producers interested in participating in the program can submit applications to NRCS through Feb. 7, 2014.

A bill to fund the federal government for the remaining six months of fiscal year 2013 is now awaiting the president’s signature. The House of Representatives passed the government funding bill recently by a vote of 318-109. Senate passage occurred with a 73-26 vote.