So, you're considering applying for EQIP...

Monday, June 24, 2024

So, you're considering applying for EQIP...

Leslie Johnson - Animal Manure Management Extension Educator

USDA logo EQIP Eligibility Requirements:

Control or own eligible land,
Comply with adjusted gross income limitation (AGI) provisions, and
Be in compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements

When should you apply?

EQIP applications are accepted on a continuous basis, but only those received by the application ranking cut-off (usually the third Friday of November in Nebraska) will be considered for the initial selections each fiscal year.

What are your options?

Conservation Practice & Code	Purpose
Waste Storage Facility (313)	Establish an effective storage area for manure
Pond Sealing & Lining, Flexible membrane (520) or Compacted Clay (521)	Construction of liners to prevent seepage losses from water conservation, using geosynthetic clay liner
Roofs and Covers (367)	Construction of effective roofs and covers for manure storages
Waste Separation Facility (632)	Construction of systems that separate solids or nutrients from a liquid manure
Vegetative Treatment Area (635)	Establish permanent vegetation used for manure treatment
Clean Water Diversion (362)	Construction of diversions that move clean water away from farmsteads
Filter Strip (393)	Establish a strip of vegetation that removes contaminants from overland flow
Animal Mortality (316)	Construction of facilities for treating, storing, and disposing of animal carcasses due to routine mortality
Composting Facility (317)	Construction of facilities to facilitate the decomposition of manure and other organic materials
Nutrient Management (590)	Implementation of a management plan regarding nutrients and soil amendments
Soil and Source Testing (CEMA 217)	Sample and analyze nutrients in soil and from a nutrient source
Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CPA 102) and CNMP Design and Implementation Activity (DIA 101)	EQIP funding for a participant to hire a certified Technical Service Provider (TSP) for development of a NRCS Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP)

Find More Information:

Pro Tip: Start the Process Early!

If considering expanding or you need technical assistance, NRCS staff will discuss resource concerns at your livestock operation and cropland, and your information is kept private. It may take 1-2 years to meet the requirements to be eligible for funding (of the waste storage structure), so start early in the process; construction cannot begin until a NRCS contract is awarded.