Farmers can sign up for CRP

Farmers and ranchers in Crow Wing and Cass counties have until Feb. 11 to enroll crop land in the 20th CRP sign-up now being conducted at the Crow Wing County Farm Service Agency office in Brainerd.

Bernie Penner, county executive director for the Brainerd FSA office, reminds eligible landowners there are only three weeks left to contact his office and complete the application process.

CRP participants enter into a contract with the USDA to enroll eligible and other environmentally sensitive land in long-term contracts for 10-15 years. In exchange, participants receive annual rental payments and a payment up to 50 percent of the cost of establishing conservative practices. The program protects topsoil from erosion, protects groundwater and helps improve wildlife habitat.

For more information, contact the Brainerd FSA office, 512 N.E. C St., at 829-5965 extension 2.