EQIP Program in Willacy County

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers cost share assistance to agricultural producers to implement on-farm systems and 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 systems and practices that will address the identified resource concern identified by the Local Work Group (LWG).

Willacy County Office Information

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

Juan Pena, District Conservationist

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

Objective:

The Objective of the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) is to provide cost share assistance to landowners to assist with installing resource management systems and conservation practices that will address the identified primary resource concerns within the Willacy Soil and Water Conservation District.

County EQIP Resource Concern:

1. Soil Erosion
   
2. Water Quality
   
3. Plant Health
   
4. Water Quantity
   

Priority for Funding

1. Applications that will address the resource concerns with a total Resource Management System (RMS) on the entire operating unit will be ranked higher.
2. Applications that will address the resource concerns with a total Resource Management System (RMS)on part of the operating unit will be ranked medium.
3. Applications that will not fully address the resource concerns through a single practice application will be ranked lower.

Eligible Practices and Cost Share Rates:

Cost Share Rates:

All Practices listed in the Cost List (All Practices must meet NRCS Standard and Specifications)
Limited Resource Producers as set by the NRCS State Office – 90 Percent
All others – 50 Percent
All practices are Actual Cost (AC) not to exceed average cost, Incentive Practices are Flat Rate (FR) not to exceed 3 years incentive payments

Ranking Criteria: Required for Resource Management System (RMS) Plan

*Cropland – Required Practices to be carried out for RMS:
Crop Rotation - A high residue producing crop must be planted
(1 out of 2 years minimum)
Reduced Tillage/Crop Residue Management – Crop residues must be managed with chemicals and with limited tillage operations, residue must be adequate at planting time to protect soil from wind erosion.
Nutrient Management – Soil tests must be taken (Minimum first year in the Fall, then at a minimum, soil test every other year in the Fall, fertilize within 10% of recommendations, Initial Nitrogen Fertilizer applications must be within 60 days of planting date
Pest Management – all chemicals used, will be used according to product label and TDA regulations
Herbaceous Wind Barriers – If needed, must meet standard for soil and crop

*Hay land – Required Practices for RMS:
Forage Harvest Management
Nutrient Management -Must take soil test first the year prior to fertilizing then at minimum, every other year and fertilize within 10% of recommendations
Pest Management -All chemicals used, will be used according to product label and TDA regulations
Hay Planting -If hay land has not been established

*Pastureland - Required Practices for RMS:
Nutrient Management -Must take soil test first year prior to fertilizing, then at minimum, every other year and fertilize within 10% of recommendations
Pest Management -All chemicals used, will be used according to product label and TDA regulations
Prescribed Grazing -Rotational grazing with rest periods for each pasture, minimum grazing heights maintained
Watering Facility – Adequate water for livestock must be provided (Pipelines,
Water well, trough, etc.)
Pasture Planting -If pastures have not been established

*Rangeland– Required Practices for RMS:
Prescribed Grazing -Rotational grazing with rest periods for each pasture, minimum grazing heights maintained
Livestock Water -Adequate water for livestock must be provided
(Water wells, livestock pipelines, trough, etc.)
Fencing – If fencing is needed to carry out prescribe grazing

*Wildlife Land: Required Practices for RMS:

Upland Wildlife Habitat Management