EQIP Program in Starr County

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers cost share assistance to agricultural producers to implement on-farm conservation practices.  The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) determines eligible producers for the EQIP program and determines eligible land.  Eligible producers may apply for cost share assistance on conservation practices that will address the identified resource concern identified by the Local Work Group (LWG).

Starr County Office Information

Interested agricultural producers may apply in person at the Starr County USDA Service Center. Applicants may also request EQIP assistance by telephone, Fax, e-mail, or letter.

State Resource Concerns Priority Areas that include part of Starr County:

Objective:

The objectives of the Starr County EQIP Local Work Group Starr County are to promote the use of conservation practices for improving and sustaining natural resources throughout the county. Some of the major resource concerns are water quality due to sedimentation, plant health on rangeland and soil erosion due to wind and water.

County EQIP Resource Concern:

The Local Work Group has determined Water Quality to be the primary resource concern in Starr County, therefore, having the highest priority for cost share assistance, incentive payments and technical assistance. The Local Work Group is confident that by addressing this concern there will be an overall reduction in soil erosion, improvement in water quantity and quality and enhancement of wildlife habitat.

Screening Criteria

If any of the following are answered no, your application will not be considered for funding. Please initial your response. In order to be eligible for treatment alternatives High, Medium or Low the tract must or will be grazed by domestic livestock or be cropland where residue management as described in “Eligible Practices” is not being carried out.

You will provide proof of control (Deed/Lease Agreement) through Contract Period?
Yes or No Circle only one ______Initial

If leased will the owner agree to maintain any practices implemented under the EQIP Program for the lifespan of the conservation practice?
Yes or No Circle only one ______Initial

In order to be considered an agriculture producer, there must be a minimum of $1,000 or more of agriculture products produced and sold, or, that normally would have been sold for 2 of the last 5 years or IRS Schedule F showing a profit or a loss from a farming/livestock operation.
Yes or No Circle only one ______Initial

I agree to install practices according to NRCS Standards and Specifications and will call the Texas One Call Notification System prior to initiating work that requires their assistance and provide the NRCS with the confirmation number.
Yes or No Circle only one ______Initial

I will work with NRCS to assure a design (if required) will be completed prior to contract approval.
Yes or No Circle only one ______Initial

Eligible Practices and Cost Share Rates:

*Practice Limitations and Rates: Root Plowing 100 acres, Root Plow and Raking or Stacking 50 acres, Water Well 1, Water Storage Facility 1, Water Trough 1, Pond 12,000 Cubic Yards, Cross-Fence 15,000 feet, Pipeline 15000 feet, No-Till Cropping System 500 acres. To be eligible for cost share practices must meet NRCS Standards and Specifications. Cost-Share rates to be 50 percent for all as well as Beginning Farmer/Rancher and 90% for Limited Resource Producers. Applicants may apply for one or more practices with the application being ranked based on the lowest priority. Payments based on Starr County Average Cost.

* Multiple applications for individual practices will be allowed if needed to adequately treat the natural resource concern.

Ranking Criteria:

Priorities for funding

High Priority- Practices included in this application are part of a Resource Management Plan that will address all resource concerns at a Resource Management System Level (SWAPA) on the entire operating unit based on NRCS Field Office Technical Guide Criteria.


Medium Priority- Practice(s) included in this application are part of a Progressive Resource Management Plan that address at least one identified resource concern (SWAPA) on the operating unit based on NRCS Field Office Technical Guide Criteria.


Low Priority- Practices included in this application are not a part of any land treatment plan and do not treat any resource concern.