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Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency, along with several partners in conservation, will be conducting informational meetings for agricultural producers and private landowners interested in the Conservation Reserve Program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture opened a CRP General signup in February and it runs through April 7.

CRP is a cornerstone voluntary conservation program offered by USDA. General CRP helps producers and landowners establish long-term, resource-conserving plan species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. In return, landowners receive annual rental payments.

“CRP offers a range of conservation options to farmers, ranchers and landowners,” said John Berge, FSA state executive director in Nebraska. “It can serve as a tool for farmers with less productive or marginal cropland, helping them re-establish valuable land cover to help improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and support wildlife habitat.”

CRP General signup informational meeting dates, times and locations in the area include:

• March 21, 6 p.m., Neligh – Antelope County Courthouse, 501 M St.

• March 22, 6 p.m., Ord – Jubilee Events and Catering, 1528 L St.

• March 23, 1 p.m., Norfolk – Lifelong Learning Center, 601 E. Benjamin Ave.

Nebraska FSA county office leaders will speak at the meetings, along with conservation organization representatives. They will discuss CRP practice options, land eligibility criteria and updated soil rental rates, among other information. The meetings are free and there is no registration required.

Information on the CRP General signup, as well as other CRP initiatives, can be found at fsa.usda.gov/crp or contact the local USDA Service Center. To find a service center, visit offices.usda.gov.