Those with current Conservation Stewardship Contracts must send renewal applications by March 20.

The Conservation Stewardship Program helps the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Natural Resources Conservation Service work with private landowners to build their business while implementing conservation practices/enhancements that help ensure the sustainability of their entire operation.

Participants with existing active 2014, 2015, and 2016 contracts who have successfully fulfilled their current contract can access the benefits of recent program changes. Contracts can be renewed for an additional five years if participants agree to adopt additional activities to achieve higher levels of conservation on their land.

Natural Resources Conservation Service officials will mail contract renewal notification letters to all participants whose contracts are eligible, which will contain instructions on how to apply for renewal.

Applications to renew eligible contracts are due by March 20.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service recently made updates to the program to help producers better evaluate their conservation options and the benefits to their operations and natural resources. Through the 2018 Farm Bill, new methods and software for evaluating applications will allow producers the ability to see up front why they are or are not meeting the stewardship thresholds. Participants will be able to select practices and enhancements that work for their conservation objectives.

Those who have already renewed a CSP contract once are not eligible for another renewal.

Producers interested in CSP are recommended to contact their local USDA service center or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted.