Farmers in Brown and Clermont County who want to improve the natural resources on their land can apply for funding through two programs offered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The programs are the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grant, open to farmers in the East Fork Lake watershed. The deadline to submit applications to the NCRS for both programs is Friday, Nov. 17.

EQIP is a voluntary conservation program that supports agriculture and environmental quality as compatible goals. Through both EQIP and RCPP, agricultural producers may receive financial and technical help with structural and management conservation practices on agricultural land, such as cover crops, nutrient management, and conservation tillage.

Grazing practices such as winter feeding pads, stream exclusion fencing, honeysuckle removal in woodlots, and pollinator plantings are other examples of the types of projects that can be funded under these programs.

Lori Lenhart, the NRCS Conservationist for Brown and Clermont Counties, said, “We enjoy working with local farmers to develop plans that best fit their operation and goals, while also protecting our soil and improving the quality of our streams and lakes.

The financial assistance available through EQIP and RCPP pays a part of the cost of trying new practices, which may be just what’s needed to make trying something new worthwhile.”

In Brown and Clermont Counties, agricultural producers interested in applying for EQIP and conservation planning assistance should contact Lenhart prior to Nov. 17 at 513.732.2181, ext. 3 or by email at lori.lenhart@oh.usda.gov.