Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
What is the Conservations Reserve Program?
The Conservation Reserve Program is a federally funded USDA Program administered through NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) and its affiliates. In order to be eligible for CRP, eligible land must have a recent history of row cropping (including alfalfa in conjunction with corn or soybeans). the contract lengths for these programs vary from 10 to 15 years long and provide yearly rental rates based on the 3 predominant soil types in the area to be enrolled. Feel free to stop by the office, email or call if you are interested in enrolling in this program.
CRP Programs Available
Safe Areas- Designated areas in Illinois for Grassland Bird Management (CP38):
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Establish native wildlife habitat- no set size of shape requirements
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Variety of cover types are allowed- grassland, wetlands, trees/shrubs
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Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds- Field Boarders (CP33):
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Establish native grasses and forbs at an average 30-120ft wide
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Boarders the edges of Agricultural Fields with a minimum acreage requirement 5 acres
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Pollinator Habitat (CP42):
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Native grassland mixes made up of no more than 25% grass seed and at least 75% of wildflower seed
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0.5 acre minimum with no maximum acreage
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this is effective for filling oddly shaped acres
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Field Windbreaks (CP5A):
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Is a combination of hardwoods, evergreens, and shrubs to protect fields from wind effects
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Filter Strips (CP21):
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​Establish native grasses along streams and rivers to filter water and reduces erosion along Illinois waterways
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Riparian Buffers (CP22):
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establish a mix of trees, shrubs and native grasses along streams and rivers to filter water and reduce erosion along Illinois waterways
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Shallow Water Areas for Wildlife (CP9):
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Establish native grasses and shallow wetlands on low areas in crop fields that frequently flood out
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Wetland Restoration (CP23):
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Restore native grasses and water to areas that where historically a wetland habitat
CRP Soil Rental Rates
Contact Ford County FSA to get you CRP Soil Rental Rates:
(217)379-4388 Ext.2