CASPER, Wyo. – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing the 30-day open application window, ending on November 29, for farmers, ranchers, and landowners to sign up for USDA conservation funding.

Jackie Byam, NRCS State Conservationist in Wyoming, announces that farmers, ranchers, and landowners interested in any of the following programs need to apply by November 29, for funding in 2024. Applications are being taken at all USDA Service Centers in Wyoming.

- Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) initiative
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) IRA initiative

“The Inflation Reduction Act provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our Wyoming ranchers, farmers and other agricultural and forest landowners,” said Byam. “The act will allow qualifying producers in Wyoming to invest in climate-smart practices that create value and economic opportunities. Agriculture is the backbone of Wyoming and what we produce here has far reaching impacts beyond our state. We look forward to seeing our producers take advantage of this additional funding to existing NRCS programs.”

All eligible applications received by November 29, will be prioritized, evaluated, and ranked for funding in 2024. Farmers may contact their local USDA Service Center to get started on producer eligibility and planning. Farmers and Ranchers who are interested in practices that may require permits, such as manure storage or streambank restoration, to begin planning and seeking permits as soon as possible.

Special incentives are also available for beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged and other historically underserved customers at increased payment rates.

Landowners interested in applying for consideration in any of the listed programs should contact their local NRCS office at the USDA Service Center for their county. For more information, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov.

NRCS does accept applications for all programs year around and farmers, ranchers and landowners are encouraged to continually work with their local NRCS office personnel to better understand which programs will best work for them.

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