(Area) USDA announced last week they will open enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program with higher payment rates, new incentives, and a more targeted focus on the program’s role in climate change mitigation.
According to a news release, the USDA’s goal is to enroll up to 4 million new acres in CRP by raising rental payments and expanding incentives. Bryan Hayes with the Iowa DNR says, “I can’t emphasize enough how important that program is to the pheasant population and to pheasant hunting in the state of Iowa. Without that program I’d had to think of where we would be. Pheasants rely almost entirely on CRP acres.”
Hayes lists some of the advantages of enrolling acres in CRP. “It’ll have wildlife benefits, soil saving benefits, and water quality benefits from establishing those grasslands. So operators out there if you can fit some CRP acres into your operation there are going to be some sign ups available.”
Hayes called the news great for Iowa and the Midwest.
