The 2007 sign-up for USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentive Program is under way.

In Adams County, the 2007 EQIP program features practices to benefit cattlemen and other owners of grazing lands.

Although the EQIP sign-up is year-round, Adams County participants must sign up by Dec. 29 to be considered for the first funding period.

EQIP is part of the 2002 Farm Bill that offers technical and financial assistance to protect and improve soil, water and related natural resources.

In Adams County, grazing land owners, with existing herds, can get financial assistance with lime and fertilizer, cross fencing, ponds, subsoiling and weed control, among other things.

EQIP also offers assistance with practices that control soil erosion and that plant commercial forest for timber production.

EQIP features a competitive sign-up program and provides cost share assistance at a basic rate of 50 percent.

However, certain conservation practices, such as critical area planting and grade stabilization structures are cost-shared at 75 percent.

Applicants qualifying as beginning farmers will receive 75 percent cost share on all practices.

Limited resources farmers will receive 90 percent.

There are limits to the amount of cost-share on practice, and these vary from county to county.

For more information, contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service Office, 110 Northgate Road, Suite C. Or call the SWCW, 601-442-1790.