USDA offers conservation help

SPOKANE VALLEY – The deadline to apply for the 2023 USDA Conservation Stewardship Program is Oct. 13.

The program is open to producers seeking technical and financial assistance with conservation efforts.

Under the program, farmers can receive payments for managing, maintaining and expanding conservation measures like planting cover crops and buffer strips, as well as improving pollinator habitat.

Farmers can also receive help with irrigation monitoring, herbicide application, grazing systems and more.

Applicants will be required to provide a map showing conservation boundaries.

In Spokane County, direct questions to Tracy Gaston at the Farm Service Agency by emailing tracy.gaston@usda.gov.