The Conservation Reserve Program can be complicated, especially for those new to it. The enrollment process alone can raise a lot of questions. Once you’ve successfully enrolled, the real work begins. You will need to prepare the land, create an herbicide plan, select and purchase CRP-approved seed, plant it, submit documentation for cost-share reimbursement, and more.
This might sound relatively straight forward, but CRP comes with numerous requirements and restrictions. The seed mix you purchase must meet the requirements of the Conservation Practice you’re enrolled in. In order to plant the seed, you’ll need special equipment that’s properly calibrated. To receive your cost-share reimbursement, you’ll need to make sure your expenses and purchases have all been properly documented.
Failure to follow these steps correctly can result in frustration, lost time and money, and unsuccessful establishment.
Because of this, many participants turn to experienced contractors to help them establish CRP. This makes it much easier to avoid the many common mistakes first-time CRP participants often make. The question is…
What Do You Look for in a CRP Contractor?
When it comes to hiring help for CRP, you’ll want to make sure you select someone who specializes in the program. This will ensure things are done correctly, while making your life much easier throughout the establishment process.
After all, establishing CRP is mostly front-heavy work.
Weed control is one of the most important actions at the seedbed and establishment phases of CRP plantings. A CRP contractor can help by creating a mowing and herbicide application schedule. CRP comes with restrictions on what herbicides can be used, so industry knowledge is very helpful. Additionally, you need to plan around the types of weeds you’ll be dealing with to ensure effectiveness while protecting your vegetation.
It’s also a good idea to hire a contractor that has the right equipment needed to establish CRP. Traditional farm equipment doesn’t work for CRP seed mix. Trying to use it for CRP establishment will likely result in the equipment becoming clogged and damaged. Even if you do manage to plant the seed with it, it will likely be planted at the incorrect depth.
Finally, a good CRP contractor should understand how CRP documentation works. This is critical to ensuring you receive your maximum cost-share reimbursement in a timely manner. When it comes to CRP reporting, it’s best to get it done right the first time around.
Where to Find CRP Contractors?
If you’re looking for CRP service contractors who can demystify the CRP establishment process, our parent company can help. FDCE offers full-service CRP solutions that go beyond what a basic contractor would offer. They handle the entire establishment process from start to finish, including the reporting.
Best of all, thanks to CRP’s cost-share elements, their services practically pay for themselves.
To learn more about what they can do for you, visit their website here.