The USDA has added additional acres to some of the Continuous CRP practices available to Iowa landowners. The CP 23 wetland restoration program which allows landowners to put in some of their wetter farm ground into CRP has just added 48,000 acres in the state of Iowa.
Landowners who have been dealing with flooded farm ground in recent years can now sign up those acres for a 10-15 year contracts. Landowners new to this program will receive a one-time payment of $150 an acre just for signing up. Landowners with existing contracts expiring this fall are also eligible to enter into an additional 10-15 year contract.
Rental rates have increased considerably over the last few years with some contracts paying up to $250 an acre. Landowners must have crop history of 4 years between 2002-2007 to be eligible.
Landowners will be required to do some wetland restoration to the property as well as seeding down the remaining acres; cost share is available to implement these practices. Mid- contract management is also required during the middle of the contract with cost share available. USDA has also added 21,000 acres in Iowa to the CP33 habitat buffers for upland birds program which allows landowners to put a 30-120 ft wide buffer of native grass along their field edges , this provides adequate habitat for quail and pheasants.
Contracts are for 10 years and a 1 time payment of $150 an acre is available to landowners who sign up for the first time. Cost share is available to establish this practice. Mid contract management is also required with cost share available.
If you have any questions call or visit your local FSA office for more details. To set up a private visit to your farm for more information contact Jason Gritsch Wildlife Technician at (641) 622-3380.