The Green Side Up

They focus on the use of high-value native grasses and flowering plants instead of the low-value exotic species that were historically used. Today, almost all CRP programs offer practical options for use under a ‘working lands’ model that includes frequent physical management via grazing, haying, or fire alternated with appropriate rest periods. Management actions are ‘allowed’ within the context of an overall plan. As an example, an old CRP field that was planted to smooth bromegrass in the 1980s ultimately became a stagnant environment that offered little wildlife value over time. In contrast today’s CRP options incorporate native plants that provide wildlife food and cover while allowing grazing to occur at appropriate intervals. Grazing will recycle nutrients, stimulate plant growth, improve soil health, and open the stand so that young animals, such as grassland birds, can move around and forage on the insects that are attracted to the site while still having adequate escape cover and safety in close proximity. In essence, old CRP could ‘hold’ wildlife. New CRP programs are designed to both help ‘hold’ and ‘grow’ wildlife.

CRP management plans are cooperatively designed by the landowner and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff or by Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologists stationed at NRCS offices. CRP is essentially a rental contract between the landowner and the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), where FSA pays the landowner for ‘use’ of the field but where the management is guided by NRCS planning.

Most CRP programs offer contract options for 10 or 15 years and require the land has a proven cropping history. There are some exceptions such as the fairly new CRP program called ‘Grassland CRP’, where existing native or planted grass that does not have a cropping history may be eligible. Under grassland CRP the landowner receives a rental payment and can still graze or lease the pasture or grassland if they choose, but an NRCS approved grazing plan is required.