Farm Bill Programs

Federal Farm Bill conservation programs are designed to be advantageous for wildlife, landowners and the land.

Federal Farm Bill conservation programs are designed to be advantageous for wildlife, landowners and the land.

The Federal Farm Bill is a massive piece of legislation debated by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate every five years (the next Farm Bill is slated for 2012). There are 15 different Titles making up a Farm Bill. Pheasants Forever's focus is on the Conservation Title, which addresses land management on over 50 million acres to benefit soil, water, and wildlife resources. The Farm Bill provides many policy tools enabling Pheasants Forever to fulfill our habitat mission. Following, are some of our favorite Farm Bill conservation programs.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP): The Conservation Reserve Program has been the nation's single best tool for creating habitat for pheasants and other wildlife since it was created in 1985. CRP offers annual payments for 10-15 year contracts to participants who establish grass, shrub and tree cover on their environmentally sensitive lands. Enrollment offers are ranked for selection using the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI), which weighs six environmental factors and cost. The 2008 Farm Bill created a 32 million acre cap on the program, of which there are currently 38 different conservation practices (CP). The program is administered by the Farm Service Agency, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Nationwide CRP Statistics

CRP Contract Expiration Schedule by State

Some of Pheasants Forever's favorite CRP practices include:

Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP): WRP allows for the purchase of long-term or perpetual easements and cost-share to producers who agree to restore wetlands on agricultural land.

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP): WHIP provides cost-share for projects developing or enhancing wildlife habitat through 5- and 10-year contracts.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): The new CSP provides payments to producers for adopting various management practices including, vegetative and structural practices that benefit a "resource of concern" such as soil, water and wildlife habitat.

Grassland Reserve Program (GRP): GRP assists landowners through long-term contracts or easements in restoring grassland and conserving native prairie.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): EQIP provides technical assistance and cost-share payments to assist crop and livestock producers with environmental and conservation improvements. Wildlife habitat practices are specifically maintained as a purpose of the program.

To learn more about Federal Farm Programs and what you may qualify for, please contact a Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist. If there are no Farm Bill Biologists in your area, stop by your local USDA Service Center.

Additional sites of interest: