EQIP, WHIP Signup Periods End February 2

DES MOINES, IA—Signup periods for cost-share funds from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) will end Friday, February 2.

EQIP offers cost-share for installing conservation practices, generally at a 50 percent rate, as well as incentive payments. WHIP offers 60 percent cost-share to help landowners enhance, protect and develop wildlife habitat on their property. Signup is at local USDA Service Centers.

Applications received during the signup will be first to be considered for funding, said Dave Brommel, EQIP and WHIP program coordinator for the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Iowa.

Conservation plans must be developed for the entire area that will be included in the EQIP contract. Under EQIP, the USDA provides technical assistance, up to 50 percent cost-share, on certain structural practices and incentive payments to producers who enter contracts up to 10 years based on conservation plans.

Statewide EQIP practices include, but are not limited to: grassed waterways, manure management facilities, terracing, pest management, ag drainage wellhead protection and pasture management. Other practices include tree planting, windbreaks, stripcropping, conservation tillage, organic crop production and wildlife habitat management.

WHIP is used to target woodlands, grasslands and riparian areas. The goal of WHIP is to improve wildlife habitat using these habitat types. Special consideration is given to threatened and endangered species.

Conservation practices eligible for cost-share assistance through WHIP include, but are not limited to: tree and shrub establishment, fencing for livestock exclusion, conservation cover and streambank and shoreline protection. Landowners receive 60 percent cost-share for implementing conservation practices. Contracts last between 5 and 10 years, depending on the practices installed, and are limited to $25,000.

For more information or to apply for an EQIP or WHIP contract, contact your local USDA Service Center.

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Contact: Dave Brommel, 515-323-2608

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