Get Ready For 2012 Conservation Programs   Richmond, VA, November 8, 2011 – The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service in Virginia is encouraging farmers to visit their local NRCS office now to request conservation technical assistance and apply for possible financial assistance. Farmers can sign up for Farm Bill conservation programs throughout the year, but funding selections are made at specific times. The first cutoff date for 2012 funds is February 3, 2012. “We’re urging producers to get their applications in as soon as possible to be considered for this year’s funding” said Jack Bricker, Virginia NRCS State Conservationist. “All participants in Farm Bill such as the Environmental Quality Incentives or Wildlife Habitat Incentive Programs are required to have a conservation plan. This fall is a good time to contact your local NRCS office for assistance.” “We’re getting back to our roots with conservation planning,” says Bricker. “Conservation planning is the vital first step in understanding natural resources on your land and opportunities to protect and enhance those resources. The conservation plan is based on the landowner’s goals to improve the productivity, sustainability and profitability of their operation. It can also serve as a roadmap to a variety of technical and financial assistance options through the Farm Bill as well as other programs. Those who are interested in Farm Bill programs should work with the local NRCS office to identify and plan the conservation measures they want on their land. If you have developed a conservation plan with NRCS you already have the conservation planning step completed. If you are applying for these programs for the first time you should schedule a meeting with your NRCS representative to discuss your options before moving forward. The local NRCS conservationist can help you develop a conservation plan, identify conservation measures and pursue funding through one of the many Farm Bill program options available. To learn more about 2012 conservation programs or develop a conservation plan, contact Charlie Simmons, NRCS District Conservationist for Bath and Alleghany counties at charles.simmons@va.usda.gov or (540) 463-7124 extension 111, or Charlie Ivins, District Conservationist for Highland County at charles.ivins@va.usda.gov or (540) 248-6218.

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