Text Box: Calendar of Events Text Box: EQIP—(Environmental Quality Incentive Program) is a program that will help producers with resource concerns which they might have on their property. This program has an on going sign-up, so you can apply for the program anytime. Then each year, NRCS has a batching period in which we will lump all producers who signed up before the batching date. For Fiscal Year 2008 funds, this will occur on October 15, 2007. Applicants compete for funding based on the environmental benefit the project will have toward national, State, and local resource concerns. We then will rank each producer on what he wants to do. This is a scoring system, the more points you score, the higher the chances you will get funded. EQIP is a program that provides cost-share for pipelines, tanks, wells, fence, grass seeding, and conversion to no-till. The cost-share rate for this program in 50%. For additional information on EQIP or other NRCS conservation programs, go to http://www.nd.nrcs.usda.gov/ or contact your local NRCS office. Text Box: CRP ~ Water Development, by Terry Weigel Text Box: Producers who are thinking of grazing their CRP which expires in 2007 / 2008, should probably be planning ahead about how to develop a grazing system on these acres. Before I get started on water development on these acres, keep in mind that since these acres are enrolled in CRP and are getting a government payment, they can’t be enrolled in another cost-share program at this time. Also any practice that is installed before being in a contract, can not be cost-shared. We are currently in the planning stages. Producers should stop by with their ideas and/or ask about some of the practices that we have cost-shared in the past. We have some very innovative producers out there that have come up with some really creative ideas on different water development, fencing ideas, etc. We have taken a few pictures of these projects and are willing to share them with you. EQIP now pays for alternative power sources (solar, windmill). Solar power has come a long way and we have several producers who are really liking this form of power. We are also installing a lot of shallow pipelines. This is a lot more affordable than deep trenching and can be installed fairly quickly. These seem to be working out just fine. There are also a few different types of water tanks that are being installed with some unique float systems. If you have any questions, give us a call or stop by for a visit. Text Box: We often read or hear that some individuals have the concept that livestock grazing is detrimental to the grassland and wildlife habitat and therefore, cattle and sheep should not graze these lands. The fact is that these grasslands evolved under grazing. The bison, elk, and many other herbivores grazed and browsed the grasslands for thousands of years. It is true that years of overuse or an improper stocking rate does have an adverse effect on range condition and wildlife habitat. Extended periods of little to no grazing will deteriorate the grasslands as well. What should occur is livestock producers need to properly stock their pastures and graze them at the right time(s) of the year. If native grasses are grazed too early, they may lose from 25 to 50 percent of that years total forage production. Typically, our native grasses are not ready to be grazed until the very end of May or early June. So how do we alleviate this problem? Some of you already know how to solve it. We can establish tame grass pastures and graze them in the early spring and again in the fall. A tame grass is an introduced grass species that is native to countries such as Europe, Russia, or Asia. Cool season grasses from these countries will be ready for grazing up to 30 days earlier than our native grasses. How do you determine if a pasture is ready to graze? Examine the area and identify the dominant grass. Then count the number of green leaves. As a rule, any grass can be grazed when it is in the 3 ½ to 4th leaf stage without any production loss. When temperatures rise during the summer, these introduced grasses become semi-dormant, but our native grasses are just getting a good start and are ready for grazing. Maintaining or improving range condition does not require an intensive grazing system. How many pastures should a person have for a herd? Start with a minimum of 3 to 4 pastures per herd. The herd should graze each pasture during the growing season. Try to end grazing on the unit at or before 50 percent of the current years growth is utilized. The 50 percent is based on the weight of the plant, not the height. Most of the plant’s weight is located near the base. If we examine western wheatgrass, 70 percent of the height can be grazed and maintain a healthy plant. This method gives us a properly grazed plant that has 50 percent of its weight remaining. Therefore, by timing the grazing so that it does not occur too early, rotating a herd between pastures, and leaving 50 percent of the weight of the plants, a person can increase range condition, improve wildlife habitat, and have calves with higher weaning weights. You can maintain healthy, productive grasslands by just doing a few things. If you are interested in getting started in doing this or any type of grazing plan, contact your local NRCS and Soil Conservation office, and we will be happy to design a plan for your needs. Text Box: Healthy Grasslands Submitted by Tim Eide

To contact us:

PO Box 240

Napoleon ND  58561

Phone:  701-754-2234 Ext 3

Fax:  701-754-2231

Email:  Logan County SCD
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Logan County 

The following is a list of the most commonly used cost-share programs.  For a full listing of cost-share programs go to USDA

Some practices implemented through EQIP are cross-fencing, water developments, tree plantings, no-till incentives, and proper grazing incentives.

A program for people who want to restore, enhance, or create wetlands and develop or improve wildlife habitat on private lands. WRP offers long-term easements (30 yr) or restoration agreement (10yrs).  It provides assistance to help restore wetland and upland habitats.

A program that provides financial & technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant, & animal life, & other conservation purposes on working lands.

A program that helps landowners and operators restore and protect grassland, including rangeland and pastureland, and certain other lands, while maintaining the areas as grazing lands.

WHIP is a program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private lands.  It provides assistance to help establish and improve critical wildlife habitat.

Environmental Quality Incentive Program

Grassland Reserve Program

Conservation Security Program

Wetlands Reserve Program

Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program

Programs for Landowners