· The new maximum average soil rental rate is $235/acre. Madison County annual rental rates start at about $55per acre (based on soil type) for placing eligible land in conservation cover for 15 years.
· Additional one-time bonus payments for certain practices provide additional income and help cover the cost of installing CREP practices.
· Cost-share is also provided for installing conservation practices.
· Sign-up is continuous (authorized under Farm Bill until 2007)
What land is eligible for CREP?
Any cropland farmed four of six years between 1996 and 2001 or marginal pastureland (woodlands are not eligible) within 200 feet of a stream. Eligible lands within floodplains as determined by soil type can exceed 200 feet. Certain Highly Erodible Cropland (HEL) adjacent to CREP practices along the stream or in the floodplain can also be enrolled in CREP. A voluntary perpetual easement option is also available in the Darby Creek watershed. The conservation practices available thru CREP include: grass filter strips, tree plantings, wetland restoration and wildlife practices. Cost-share may also be available for controlled drainage water management, livestock fencing, and livestock watering systems when installing certain CREP practices
How will I benefit from enrolling land in CREP?
CREP pays you to place land in conservation cover. CREP rental rates vary from approximately $80 to $235 per acre. You will also receive an annual maintenance payment. Depending on the practice, additional one-time bonus payments may also be included. Plus, you will gain the conservation benefits of reduced soil erosion and improved water quality and wildlife habitat while keeping the remainder of your farm in production. Placing environmentally sensitive land in CREP is a wise financial and conservation investment.
What are my obligations?
Farmers and landowners must agree to maintain the conservation practices installed for the life of the contract, which is 15 years for all practices. No forage or trees may be harvested during this period. No maintenance mowing is permitted during the primary wildlife nesting season, April 1 – July 15. Technical experts are available to prepare conservation plans and assist you with practice establishment.
What are my costs?
In many cases, USDA will reimburse you for up to 90% of the costs for establishing/installing grass filter strips and tree plantings. ODNR state incentives and other local incentives may be available to help cover the costs of wetland and wildlife practices in addition to the cost-share funding received by USDA.
How do I enroll in CREP?
Contact the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for an application and additional information:
Farm Service Agency
829 U.S. Highway 42 NE
London, OH 43140
PHONE: 740-852-4003
Contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or the Madison Soil and Water Conservation District for conservation practice information and technical assistance.
NRCS/SWCD resource staff can be reached at:
Madison SWCD and NRCS PHONE: 740-852-4004
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at
202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office Of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
