The Allamakee SWCD submitted a proposal through the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program in September, 2016.  It was announced in December that the proposal was accepted.  This project will have a special pot of EQIP funds available (at a higher cost-share rate) for a specific set of practices that will work in conjunction with the education and outreach efforts of the Leopold Center Grant.  The practices funded through this project will be…

1. Cover crops on manure applied acres
2. Cropland conversion to hay/pasture (and all related practices including fencing, watering systems, prescribed grazing, and heavy use protection)
3. Adding a small grain to a rotation
4. Utilizing cover crops as part of a 3-crop system (corn-soybean-small grain)

Keep an eye on the Allamakee SWCD website or the Waukon Standard for more details and they arise.  Projects through this funding source will not be funded until FY18.  If you have interest in any of these practices, please stop by the NRCS/SWCD office to discuss options with staff.