Cropland and pastureland are both examples of eligible land for the CSP Program. Kleberg and Kenedy County landowners still have time to sign up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) at their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office but the deadline for getting signed up for the second CSP ranking period is quickly approaching. USDA has announced the national cutoff date for CSP is June 11, which requires landowners submit applications quickly.

It’s important that you get your application and paperwork submitted so you can be part of the 2010 CSP ranking period and funding cycle. This is newest of the conservation programs that reward good quality conservation on the land.

This announcement of the final cutoff date, which gives producers a brief window of opportunity to get signed up for the CSP signup in 2010.

Texas State Conservationist Don Gohmert confirms NRCS teams across the state are ready to work with producers and start the process. “If you’re already an NRCS cooperator and are in the system, just meet with local field office staff. Let them know you’re ready for CSP.” Ag producers or landowners who are new to NRCS or USDA will need to schedule an appointment and complete the application process and get the ball rolling.

CSP is a voluntary program that encourages producers to maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional practices on their operations. The program is popular for producers who go the extra mile with conservation and sustainable operations—whether they’ve accomplished goals on their own, with other conservation partners, or through USDA and NRCS programs.

Applicants must be operators of the land and have a five year written lease on the property. The entire operation must be included in the application and meet all other Farm Bill requires.

The applicant must be addressing one resource concern and are willing to implement one enhancement activity.

CSP is the perfect program because it recognizes Ag producers and landowners who do the right things and it moves them forward as they add new resource protection practices on their land.

While CSP applications are accepted on a continuous basis, only applications received by the national cutoff date of June 11 will be considered for funding in fiscal year 2010 so don’t delay.

For more information about CSP including eligibility requirements, come by the local NRCS office at 401 E. King Suite 100 in Kingsville or call 361-592-0309 Ext: 3.