Fiscal Year 2025 Conservation Stewardship Program Sign-up Deadline Approaching

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications from agricultural producers, ranchers and forest landowners from Idaho for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). This program offers technical and financial assistance producers and landowners looking to build on their existing conservation efforts while strengthening their operation. The first deadline is Feb. 28, and the subsequent deadline is May 2. 

NRCS offers CSP in all 50 states and the Pacific and Caribbean areas. The program provides many benefits, including increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements and increased resilience to adverse weather. CSP is for working lands, including cropland, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forest land and agricultural land under Indian tribe jurisdiction. 

CSP is available to all producers regardless of operation size or crop produced. Landowners must enroll their entire operation. Eligible lands include cropland, hayland, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forest lands, and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe. CSP contracts are 5 years, and the program offers annual payments for implementing conservation activities across the operation and maintaining existing conservation efforts. Participation in the program is voluntary. 

Special provisions are available for historically underserved producers, which include those considered beginning, socially disadvantaged and limited resource as well as military veterans.   

Find eligible practices in Idaho and practice payment amounts at on the NRCS Idaho CSP web page.  

Payment rates for conservation activities that include conservation practices, enhancements, supplemental activities and bundles are reviewed and set each fiscal year for the state.    

To apply for CSP, contact NRCS at your local USDA Service Center. Find your local Service Center at www.farmers.gov/service-locator. Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. Because of the pandemic, some USDA Service Centers are open to limited visitors. Contact your Service Center to set up an in-person or phone appointment. On farmers.gov, you can create a secure account, apply for NRCS programs, electronically sign documents and manage your conservation contracts. 

More Information

For more than 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat.  NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov. 

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