CRP Pays Local Farmers Millions
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the deadline for a popular government program that pays farmers to leave some of their land alone.
The Conservation Reserve Program is designed to prevent erosion into rivers and streams and create more habitat for wildlife.
“They can do some things for the environment. It’s also a great program for wildlife, whether it’s grouse, sharptail, deer, elk, or whatever it may be,? Bannock County Farm Service Agency Director Ben Evans said
For each acre a farmer or rancher conserves in the program they get paid by the federal government.
The USDA has extended the deadline to take part in the program to April 13 to give more people the chance to take part.
“It puts a little over $2 million into Bannock County. So it is a very good program for Bannock County producers and the county itself because those people are going to spend the money mostly likely here,? Evans said.
But some said that dollar figure can be misleading.
“It provides enough money for the farmer to pay the taxes on the land and maybe a few small improvements. they’re not allowed to graze or use it for anything other than that,? Idaho Farm Bureau Public Relations Director John Thompson said.
More money would potentially come into the area if the land was used to grow crops or graze cattle.
“You’ve got farmland that could be being farmed and you’ve got the commerce that comes with that, the purchase of fertilizer and seed and diesel fuel and those types of things that are needed to farm,? Thomspon said.
