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NRCS ANNOUNCES COMPREHENSIVE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLAN (CNMP) FY2026 SIGNUP

Jackson, Miss., April 22, 2026 – NRCS Mississippi State Conservationist, Kurt Readus, Friday, May 22, 2026, is the deadline for submitting Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) applications for Fiscal Year 2026 consideration. Although applications are accepted year‑round, this cutoff applies to those seeking funding for a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan. Mississippi agricultural producers and landowners wishing to be considered in the second ranking period should submit their applications by close of business on Friday, May 22, 2026. 

The animal feeding operations (AFOs) and confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) industry remains a vital part of Mississippi’s agricultural economy, with an estimated value of $3.38 billion in 2025. These operations spanning poultry, dairy, and swine production play a critical role in supporting both local communities and the state’s broader food supply chain. 

To support responsible growth and environmental stewardship within this sector, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) requires all applicable producers to operate under an issued permit. These permits ensure that operations properly manage key components such as mortality disposal and the land application of litter or manure. As part of the permitting process, producers must implement a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). These plans outline science-based strategies to manage nutrients, protect water quality, and maintain sustainable agricultural practices.

CNMPs are developed in accordance with standards established by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Plans may be prepared by NRCS field staff or certified Technical Service Providers (TSPs), following NRCS conservation planning guidelines, including:

• Conservation Planning Activity 102 – Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan
• Design and Implementation Activity 101CP – Plan design and implementation

“The plans emphasize the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship — the right source, rate, time, and placement — to help farmers and landowners reduce environmental impacts,” said Mississippi’s NRCS state conservationist, Kurt Readus.

Please work with your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) to ensure that all eligibility documents, including the annual Adjusted Gross Income form, are up to date prior to Friday, May 29, 2026, to ensure all NRCS program eligibility requirements are met to compete for FY2026 funding.

NRCS conservationists work with producers to assess the conservation needs on their land to identify resource concerns and opportunities, help determine objectives, and recommend solutions.

NRCS financial assistance covers part of the cost to implement conservation practices. To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.  Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today. 

For 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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