Landowners can apply beginning Sept. 1 for federal payments for preserving grasslands, rangeland and pastures while keeping the land in production, said the USDA. The grasslands initiative is part of the long-term Conservation Reserve. It will provide annual rental payments of up to 75 percent of the value of the land for grazing and share up to 50 percent of the cost of establishing cover crops or practices, such as cross fencing for rotational grazing or enhancing wildlife habitat. “Participants may still conduct common grazing practices, produce hay, mow, or harvest for seed production, conduct fire rehabilitation, and construct firebreaks and fences,” said the USDA.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, and will be scored for environmental benefit and approved based on the competitiveness of the offer. The ranking period will be held at least once a year. The first ranking period will end on Nov. 20.