Natural Resources Conservation Service 6013 Lakeside Blvd. Indianapolis, IN 46278
October 1, 2007
INDIANA BULLETIN NO. 300-8-1
SUBJECT: LTP – Cover Crop/ Soil Quality Initiative
Purpose: To provide offices guidance for implementing FY 08 EQIP cover crop/soil quality initiative and to distribute a state wide waiver for installing practices- cover crop, temporary fence, and temporary watering facilities (tank).
Expiration Date: September 30, 2008
Background: The drought conditions of 2007 has damaged pasture and hayland resources causing a need for Indiana livestock producers to graze or harvest row crop residues for supplemental forage. To reduce soil resource degradation as a result of this grazing and harvest, there is a need to seed cover crops within established seeding dates which end October 15. In an effort to meet this need, additional EQIP funds were requested and received for FY07. The requests for these funds exceeded available funds. Based on the demand for these funds, the cover crop initiative will be included as part of the FY 08 EQIP.
Funding: Based on recommendations of the Indiana State Technical Committee, five percent of the FY 08 EQIP financial funds (FA) will be set aside for the cover crop/ soil quality initiative. Applications will be funded on a first come- first serve basis without ranking and must be received by October 15, 2007.
State Wide EQIP Waiver: The State Conservationist has issued a state wide waiver that includes the planting of cover crop, installation of watering tanks for temporary water and temporary fence which will allow producers to implement these practices before an EQIP contract is approved, (attachment A). The producer will need to sign an EQIP application and receive a copy of the state wide waiver before starting the practice. The waiver letter must also be attached to the request for payment (1245) when sent to SO for payment.
Attachment B provides general implementation guidance and follows previous guidance issued in FY07.
Questions concerning this bulletin may be directed to Jim Dunaway, Programs, 317-290-3200 ext. 334, or Barry Fisher, Technology, 317-290-3200 ext. 350.
/s/ Roger Kult (acting for)
JANE E. HARDISTY State Conservationist
Attachment A – State Wide EQIP Waiver
Attachment B – Cover Crop Initiative Guidance
