Assistance available

in drought-affected counties

The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced additional funding and technical assistance for landowners in the drought-afflicted counties.

Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, NRCS can provide financial assistance to establish cover crops. Cover crops reduce soil erosion on highly erodible lands, reduce weeds and pathogens and help maintain soil quality and health.

Up to $400,000 is now available to assist farmers with rye, oats, millet, or other NRCS-approved cover crops.

The focus area will be in the 32 severely affected drought counties in southern Wisconsin. (See Map). Funding priority will go to livestock producers or operations that produce forage for livestock. The new cover crop cannot be harvested for grain but can be grazed or harvested for forage.

Farmers with crop insurance will need to check with their crop insurance agent to make sure the cover crop does not impact their insurance payments or coverage for 2013.

Sign up at the NRCS office by Aug. 24 to be considered for this funding.

For more information, visit www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov, or contact the NRCS office at the USDA Service Center serving your county.