Programs

There are various State and Federal Programs available to landowners through the USDA-NRCS and Hickman County SWCD. Some of the practices of these programs assist with cross fencing, pipeline, watering tanks, erosion, wildlife habitat, and water quality.

{tab Agricultural Resources Conservation Fund (ARCF)}
The ARCF provides cost-share assistance to Tennessee landowners to install Best Management Practices (BMPs) that reduce agricultural water pollution. This assistance is facilitated primarily through Soil and Water Conservation Districts although Resource Conservation and Development Councils, universities, and other agricultural associations may participate.

A wide range of BMPs are available for cost-share, from those that curtail soil erosion to ones that help to remove pollutants from water runoff from agricultural operations. Landowners may be eligible to receive incentive payments for a portion of the cost of BMP installation. Part of the fund is available for educational projects which raise awareness of soil erosion/water quality problems and promote BMP use.

Participants are encouraged to apply for funds on a watershed-oriented basis, with emphasis on streams and rivers listed on the state’s List of Impaired Waters, as being impaired by agriculture.

For more information please contact Gina Lawson at (931) 716-3012 or by sending an email by clicking this link.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

The CSP helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation.

How It Works:

If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are, CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals.

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines and enhances existing efforts, using new conservation practices or activities, based on management objectives for your operation. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that expands on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations.

For example, if you have been planting a cover crop, you may decide to try an enhancement for a multi-species cover crop or implement a deep-rooted cover crop to break up soil compaction and further improve the health of your soil.

CSP offers annual payments for implementing these practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts. Want to take it a step further? CSP also offers bundles where you can select a suite of enhancements and receive a higher payment rate.

To find out more information click here.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

The EQIP is NRCS’ flagship conservation program that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands.

EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, such as:

Improved water and air quality;
Conserved ground and surface water;
Increased soil health;
Reduced soil erosion and sedimentation;
Improved or created wildlife habitat; and
Mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.

How It Works

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines conservation practices and activities to help solve on-farm resource issues. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. EQIP helps producers make conservation work for them. Financial assistance for practices may be available through EQIP. Some producers may also qualify for advance payment.

To find out more information click here.