Conservation Reserve Program

About the CRP

The Conservation Reserve Program, or CRP, is a voluntary program available to agricultural producers to help safeguard environmentally sensitive land. Producers enrolled in CRP plant long-term, resource-conserving covers to improve the quality of water, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat. In return, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Contract Duration is between 10 and 15 years.

General CRP signup

The 2024 general CRP signup period was held from March 4-29, 2024. During the general signup period, landowners can learn how CRP can increase their income with flexible programs that fit their land and operations by visiting their local USDA Field Office or talking with a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission or Pheasants Forever biologist. Biologists provide free one-on-one technical assistance including information about:

• Updated annual soil rental rates
• 3-10% incentive per acre based on practice
• Increased cost-share opportunities
• Additional incentives available in Berggren Pheasant Plan areas
• Other practices and programs

Continuous signup open

Producers also have the opportunity to enroll in Continuous CRP practices. This includes the Platte-Republican CREP. Continuous CRP offers additional incentives that can increase payments! For more information on these practices visit your local USDA Field Office or reach out to a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission or Pheasants Forever biologist.

Learn the basics of CRP enrollment

In-person CRP meetings were held in March, 2023 across the state. These annual meetings cover program basics such as eligibility requirements, enrollment steps, and what producers should know as they prepare for the General CRP sign-up period.

State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Project

The USDA, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Pheasants Forever are partners in the Upland Wildlife Habitat State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Project, a continuous CRP option to enroll agricultural land to create habitat for target species, including northern bobwhite, greater prairie-chicken, sharp-tailed grouse, and ring-neck pheasant. The program is open to all cropland and offers additional incentives.

Contact a biologist

To find a biologist near you, please call or visit a Nebraska Game and Parks office near you or the regional map below.