Alcester Union & Hudsonite Online

Local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices began signup for the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program on March 27, 2008. The SAFE program derived from the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is designed to promote pheasant habitats. Signup for the program is on a continuous basis and contracts run from 10 to 15 years.

To be eligible, cropland must have been planted or considered planted in four of the six years from 1996 to 2001. The minimum size of a SAFE contract is 20 acres. The 20 acre requirement pertains to one contiguous block.

The SAFE contract could be less than 20 acres if used in conjunction with an adjacent existing acreage that is managed for wildlife purposes such as existing CRP field. A minimum width of 600 feet will be required unless the area offered is adjacent to an existing CRP acreage that is managed in a manner that provides quality nesting cover on at least 20 acres.

Annual rental payments are based on the average value of dry land cash rent over the last three years on particular soil types. In addition to the rental payment, a one time incentive payment of $100.00 per acre is offered along with an incentive payment of 40% of the eligible installation costs. Cost-share up to 50% of the eligible cost to establish the conservation practice is also available.

For further information, interested producers should contact the USDA Service Center in Elk Point at (605)356-3308.

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