# Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) - Kansas

Apply by:November 17, 2023

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-  Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) - Kansas 

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is NRCS’ flagship conservation program that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands.

## On This Page

            - Contact Information
            - How to Get Assistance

EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, such as:
                - Improved water and air quality;
                - Conserved ground and surface water;
                - Increased soil health ;
                - Reduced soil erosion and sedimentation;
                - Improved or created wildlife habitat; and
                - Mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.

### How It Works

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines conservation practices and activities to help solve on-farm resource issues. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. EQIP helps producers make conservation work for them. Financial assistance for practices may be available through EQIP.  Some producers may also qualify for advance payment.

### Benefits

Some of these benefits include:
                - Reduced contamination from agricultural sources, such as animal feeding operations.
                - Efficient use of nutrients, reducing input costs and reduction in nonpoint source pollution.
                - Improved soil health, which mitigates against increasing weather volatility, improves drought resiliency and can positively affect climate change.
                - Implementation of climate-smart practices that improve carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while building resilient landscapes.

### Technical Assistance

NRCS offers technical assistance at no cost. Producers can use our personalized advice and information, based on the latest science and research, to make informed decisions about their land.

Technical Service Providers (TSP) can help producers plan, design and implement conservation practices or develop conservation activity plans to improve their agricultural operations. For more information on the Technical Service Provider program, visit the TSP page.

Technical assistance is also offered through our Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) program.

Need a local Technical Service Provider? Visit the locate a TSP page.

### How To Get Started

The first step is to contact your local NRCS office. An NRCS conservation planner will schedule a visit to your property. They will walk the land with you to discuss your goals and review any resource concerns. Following the site visit, the conservation planner will develop a conservation plan that includes a variety of conservation practices or activities to address the resource concerns and management goals discussed.

Applications for NRCS conservation programs are accepted on a continuous basis; however, customers should apply by state-specific ranking dates to be considered for the current funding cycle.
                - Find application ranking dates for your state.
                - See payment schedules for your state.
                - See application.

To learn more about EQIP, contact your local NRCS office.

## Kansas EQIP General Information

Applications submitted by **November 17, 2023 and April 19, 2024** will be evaluated to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2024. Applications received after that date will be accepted and evaluated for future rounds of funding.

**EQIP General Funding Pools and Ranking Criteria**
              - FY 2024 Kansas-EQIP Payment Schedule  (PDF; 472.66 KB)
              - FY 2024 Practice Scenario Descriptions  (PDF; 8 MB)
              - EQIP FY24 Crop Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 147 KB)
              - EQIP FY24 Crop Irrigated Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 122 KB)
              - EQIP FY24 Pasture Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 132 KB)
              - EQIP FY24 Farmstead Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 60 KB)
              - EQIP FY24 Range GPGI Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 120 KB)
              - EQIP FY24 ActNow Organic  (PDF; 74 KB)
              - EQIP FY24 ActNow Organic Transition Initiative  (PDF; 61 KB)
              - EQIP FY24 ActNow Tribal Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 73 KB)
              - EQIP FY24 ActNow WaterSMART Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 119 KB)
              - EQIP FY24 ActNow Wildlife Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 122 KB)
              - EQIP FY24 EQIP ActNow WLFW Northern Bobwhite (NOBO) Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 130 KB)
              - EQIP FY24 EQIP ActNow WLFW Monarch Butterfly (MOBU) Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 127 KB)
              - EQIP-CIC FY24 Crop Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 123 KB)
              - EQIP IRA FY24 ActNow XPress Lane Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 108 KB)
              - EQIP IRA FY24 Farmstead Climate Smart Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 119 KB)
              - EQIP IRA FY 24 ActNow Crop Grazed Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 114 KB)
              - EQIP IRA FY24 Crop Irrigated Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 114 KB)
              - EQIP IRA FY24 ActNow Forest Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 109 KB)
              - EQIP IRA FY24 Range Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 120 KB)
              - EQIP IRA FY24 ActNowRange Grazed Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 114 KB)
              - EQIP IRA FY 24 ActNow Crop Soil Health Ranking Criteria  (PDF; 121 KB)

**Supporting Documents**
              - Map: Monarch Butterfly Initiative Area  (PDF; 262 KB)
              - Map: Northern Bob White Quail Priority Areas  (PDF; 272 KB)
              - Map: Available Water Storage Index  (PDF; 415 KB)
              - Map: KFS Priority Watersheds (Stewardship Action Plan)  (PDF; 330 KB)
              - Map: WLFW Lesser Prairie Chicken CHAT Zones  (PDF; 311 KB)
              - Map: National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) Areas  (PDF; 238 KB)
              - Map: WaterSMART Initiative Applicability Areas  (PDF; 231 KB)
              - Map: Great Plains Grassland Initiative Core Areas  (PDF; 299 KB)
              - Map: Priority Watersheds  (PDF; 288 KB)
              - Map: Aquatic Ecological Focus Areas  (PDF; 306 KB)
              - Map: Terrestrial Ecological Focus Areas  (PDF; 302 KB)
              - Map: Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) Targeted Areas  (PDF; 360 KB)
              - Map: Intensive Groundwater Use Control Areas  (PDF; 263 KB)
              - Map: Groundwater Decline Area  (PDF; 304 KB)
              - Map: Local Enhanced Management Areas  (PDF; 249 KB)
              - Map: Population of Kansas  (PDF; 245 KB)
              - Map: Source Water Protection Area  (PDF; 331 KB)
              - Map: Grassland Cores  (PDF; 303 KB)
              - Map: TMDL Total Phosphorus, Silt Eutrophication  (PDF; 311 KB)
              - Map: TMDL E. Coli, Fecal Coliform Bacteria, Eutrophication, Total Phosphorus  (PDF; 302 KB)
              - Map: Sensitive Groundwater Areas  (PDF; 440 KB)

## Kansas Farm Bill and IRA EQIP Act Now Initiatives

The application cutoff period for Kansas FY 2024 Farm Bill and IRA EQIP Act Now initiatives in Kansas is **April 19, 2024**.

Applications submitted prior to the cutoff will be planned, assessed, ranked, and submitted for potential funding in FY 2024.  Applications will be processed in the order received, will be preapproved based on fund availability, and if a ranking score above the threshold level has been met. 

##   Act Now Initiative Ranking Information

        Great Plains Grassland Initiative (GPGI)    

###                     Great Plains Grassland Initiative (GPGI)                

Woody plant encroachment puts pressure on working rangelands by decreasing livestock production and increasing wildfire risk as well as harming grassland biodiversity and increasing threat to animal species living in this biome. 

                                  - Additional Information on GPGI
                                  - FY24 GPGI Ranking Pool Criteria  (PDF; 120 KB)

        ACT NOW IRA Crop Grazed (ASHLI)    

###                     ACT NOW IRA Crop Grazed (ASHLI)                

The intent of Advanced Soil Health Livestock Integration (ASHLI) is to assist innovative producers in achieving the “fifth principle” of soil health – livestock integration. This initiative will provide technical and financial assistance to install a watering source on cropland where livestock will be used to glean cover crops. Participants should be utilizing basic soil health principles by utilizing a diverse crop rotation, No-Till farming, and cover crops in their current operation, and intend on keeping 75-80% cover on the soil. This is a statewide initiative and an ACT NOW funding opportunity with a ranking threshold score needing to be 70 or higher to be considered for funding.

        Monarch Butterfly Initiative (MoBu)    

###                     Monarch Butterfly Initiative (MoBu)                

The monarch butterfly is one of the most iconic butterflies in North America and is known in part for its annual multi-generational migration from overwintering sites in central Mexico and coastal California to as far north as Canada. Multiple critical population stressors including the loss and degradation of habitat across the species' range have led to a significant decrease in the number of monarchs in the U.S. over the past few decades. NRCS is working with America's farmers, ranchers, and forest managers on voluntary conservation efforts to combat the decline of monarchs on private lands by establishing new habitat and managing existing habitat for monarchs and pollinators. This is a statewide initiative. 

                                  - Monarch Butterfly Initiative

        Northern Bobwhite Quail (NoBo)    

###                     Northern Bobwhite Quail (NoBo)                

The northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) is often referred to as an “edge” species, seeking habitat where crop fields intersect with woodlands, pastures and old fields. Historically, land use favored bobwhite, but changes in land use and how lands are managed have caused the bird’s numbers to dip by more than 80 percent over the last 60 years. To help reverse bobwhite declines, NRCS is working with private landowners in 14 states to manage for high-quality early successional habitat. See the map below for areas in Kansas that are eligible for the NoBo Initiative. The minimum ranking threshold score will be 20 points.

                                  - Northern Bobwhite, Grasslands, and Savannas Framework
                                  - FY24 NOBO Ranking Pool Criteria  (PDF; 130 KB)

        Urban & Non-Traditional Ag    

###                     Urban & Non-Traditional Ag                

In Fiscal Year 2023, NRCS has established numerous payment scenarios for ‘small scale’ agriculture operations. Instead of the large scale, conventional commodity crops that NRCS traditionally provide assistance, this funding pool is specifically set aside for farms in an urban setting and/or those growing non-traditional crops, including fruits & vegetables. This is a statewide initiative. The minimum ranking threshold score is 5 points.

                                  - Kansas Map - U.S. Census Population Density
                                  - Urban Agriculture
                                  - High Tunnel Initiative

        WaterSMART    

###                     WaterSMART                

Managing water resources in the American West can be challenging. Drought, aging infrastructure, and environmental requirements can strain existing resources. Through NRCS’s EQIP WaterSMART Initiative (WSI), we collaborate with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to coordinate investments in priority areas for improving our cumulative impact in water conservation and drought resilience. The priority areas in Kansas are the Kirwin and Boswick irrigation districts. 

                                  - Kansas Map - WaterSMART Initiative Applicability Areas
                                  - WaterSMART Initiative

        National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI)    

###                     National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI)                

Now in its eleventh year, the National Water Quality Initiative is a partnership among NRCS, state water quality agencies and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to identify and address impaired water bodies through voluntary conservation. NRCS provides targeted funding for financial and technical assistance in small watersheds most in need and where farmers can use conservation practices to make a difference. Conservation systems include practices that promote soil health, reduce erosion and lessen nutrient runoff, such as filter strips, cover crops, reduced tillage and manure management. These practices not only benefit natural resources but enhance agricultural productivity and profitability by improving soil health and optimizing the use of agricultural inputs. State water quality agencies and other partners contribute additional resources for watershed planning, implementation and outreach. They also provide resources for monitoring efforts that help track water quality improvements over time. The minimum ranking threshold score will be 70 points.

                                  - National Water Quality Initiative

        Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative (LPCI)    

###                     Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative (LPCI)                

Best known for their dramatic courtship display, the bird depends on prairie and grassland ecosystems that have evolved under the interaction of fire and large herbivore grazing over the years. Primarily due to large-scale loss of habitat and fragmentation of habitat, their range distribution has been reduced by roughly 85 percent. About 95 percent of the lesser prairie chicken’s habitat is privately owned, making the land management decisions of producers pivotal to the bird’s success. Stewardship-minded producers are helping the at-risk bird and many other wildlife species by voluntarily improving the health of prairie and grassland ecosystems. The minimum ranking threshold score will be 5 points.

                                  - Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative

        Organic Initiative    

###                     Organic Initiative                

NRCS can help organic producers improve their operations or help producers transition to organic using a conservation plan tailored to their needs. Producers who are certified organic through the National Organic Program (NOP), are exempt from NOP, or are transition to organic, are eligible for this fund pool. Participants who are not certified or exempt from certification, agree to develop and work towards implementing an Organic System Plan to meet National Organic Program organic certification through USDA. This is a statewide initiative. The minimum ranking threshold score is 5 points.

                                  - Organic Initiative
                                  - Kansas FY24 Ranking Criteria

        Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)    

###                     Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)                

IRA funding is to provide technical and financial assistance to operations that will address Soil Health and Grassland Health within the Environmental Quality Incentive Program.  Financial Assistance will be provided for Climate Smart Mitigation Practices with associated practices that help facilitate the treatment of the targeted resource concerns for Soil and Grassland Health. 

                                  - Kansas FY24 EQIP-IRA Act Now Range Grazed Ranking Criteria  (minimum ranking threshold score is 25 points)
                                  - Kansas FY 24 EQIP-IRA Act Now Soil Health Ranking Criteria  (minimum ranking threshold score is 30 points)

        Tribal    

###                     Tribal                

The minimum ranking threshold score will be 5 points.

                                  - FY24 ActNow Tribal Ranking Pool Criteria  (PDF; 73 KB)

        Wildlife    

###                     Wildlife                

The minimum ranking threshold score will be 20 points.

                                  - EQIP FY24 ActNow Wildlife Ranking Criteria

##   Related Pages

### EQIP CPAs, DIAs, and CEMAs

Learn about EQIP Conservation Planning Activities (CPAs), Design and Implementation Activities (DIAs), and Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activities (CEMAs).

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

### Technical Service Providers

Technical service providers (TSPs) work on behalf of the customer to offer planning, design, and implementation services that meets NRCS criteria.  This assistance helps improve the producer's operation and addresses resource concerns on their land. 

### Conservation Innovation Grants - Kansas

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a competitive program that supports the development of new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. 

##   Additional Information

### Apply for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers.
Learn More

### Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) includes provisions that address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged, beginning, limited resource, and veteran farmers and ranchers (“historically underserved producers”).
Learn More

### Farm Bill

The 2018 Farm Bill was enacted on December 20, 2018. The Farm Bill continues its strong support for conservation efforts of America’s farmers and ranchers through reauthorization and expanded flexibility of NRCS conservation programs. 
Learn More

## Ready to get started?

Contact your local service center to start your application.

## Find Your Local Service Center

    USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.  

##   How to Get Assistance

**Do you farm or ranch and want to make improvements to the land that you own or lease?**

Natural Resources Conservation Service offers technical and financial assistance to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners.

**Print this information

###         Step 1: Make a Plan    

**To get started with NRCS, we recommend you stop by your local NRCS field office. We’ll discuss your vision for your land.**

NRCS provides landowners with free technical assistance, or advice, for their land. Common technical assistance includes: resource assessment, practice design and resource monitoring. Your conservation planner will help you determine if financial assistance is right for you.

###         Step 2: Start an Application    

**We’ll walk you through the application process. To get started on applying for financial assistance, we’ll work with you:**
                        - To fill out an AD 1026, which ensures a conservation plan is in place before lands with highly erodible soils are farmed. It also ensures that identified wetland areas are protected.
                        - To meet other eligibility certifications.

Once complete, we’ll work with you on the application, or CPA 1200.

Applications for most programs are accepted on a continuous basis, but they’re considered for funding in different ranking periods. Be sure to ask your local NRCS district conservationist about the deadline for the ranking period to ensure you turn in your application in time.

###         Step 3: Check your eligibility    

**As part of the application process, we’ll check to see if you are eligible. To do this, you’ll need to bring:**
                        - An official tax ID (Social Security number or an employer ID)
                        - A property deed or lease agreement to show you have control of the property; and
                        - A farm number.

If you don’t have a farm number, you can get one from USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Typically, the local FSA office is located in the same building as the local NRCS office. You only need a farm number if you’re interested in financial assistance.

###         Step 4: Rank your application    

**NRCS will take a look at the applications and rank them** according to local resource concerns, the amount of conservation benefits the work will provide and the needs of applicants. View Application Ranking Dates by State.

###         Step 5: Implement your plan    

**If you’re selected, you can choose whether to sign the contract for the work to be done.**

Once you sign the contract, you’ll be provided standards and specifications for completing the practice or practices, and then you will have a specified amount of time to implement. Once the work is implemented and inspected, you’ll be paid the rate of compensation for the work if it meets NRCS standards and specifications.

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## Related Resources

### Guides and Instructions

### Data and Reports

View All Resources

### Guides and Instructions

                      - EQIP Fact Sheet 
                      - EQIP Advance Payment Option 

View All Guides and Instructions

### Data and Reports

                      - RCA Data Viewer 

View All Data and Reports

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##   Related News & Events

Press ReleaseKansas NRCS Announces Fiscal Year 2024 Farm Bill and IRA for EQIP and CSP FundingOctober 17, 2023

NewsACT NOW Inflation Reduction Act FundingOctober 27, 2023

NewsUSDA NRCS Encourages Producers in Kansas to Apply for EQIP ACT NOW Organic Transition AssistanceFebruary 23, 2024

            -  View More News 
            -  View More Events