Assisting farmers hit by wildfires, EQIP applications open

Farmers are able to apply for funding to assist them if their land was hit by the recent wildfires.

Wednesday, May 18th 2022, 11:59 AM CDT

Updated:

Wednesday, May 18th 2022, 12:44 PM CDT

By Carolyn Conte

NEBRASKA -- Are you an agricultural producer? Was your land was impacted by recent wildfires? The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has announced funding available for those hit by the fires.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) financial assistance is available now. It can assist in wildfire recovery efforts by planting cover crops on impacted cropland and deferring grazing on rangeland.

“Numerous fires have impacted farmers and ranchers across Nebraska over the past several weeks leaving ground vulnerable to erosion,” said Rob Lawson, state conservationist for NRCS, to 1011Now. “We can assist landowners with installing conservation practices to help prevent any further damage to their agricultural land and aid in the recovery of rangeland productivity and soil health.”

Landowners have until June 30 to apply.

Interested landowners and operators should contact their local NRCS office in the USDA Service Center for applications and more information.

It is not guaranteed that all acres will receive financial assistance due to limited funding.