USDA Announces EQIP Funding for Public Lands Grazing

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced this week a pilot program for the use of Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding to support sustainable grazing on public lands in the Tonto National Forest. 

Mike Somerville, Arizona state conservationist for the NRCS, announced the program during a visit to the Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association meeting in Prescott, Ariz. He said that eventually as much as $1.5 million for 30 ranching operations may be available through the pilot program. 

“EQIP can be an important tool to help manage resources and sustain ranching operations during periods of drought,” says Jeff Eisenberg, executive director of the Public Lands Council (PLC) and director of federal lands for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). 

The Southwest has been stricken by severe drought the last several years.  Ranching families, communities, and forage resources on private and public lands have been hurt by the curtailment of grazing in the region.  “Ranchers are grateful for the assistance of USDA which will help stabilize the situation,” says Eisenberg. 

In coordination with the Gila County Cattlegrowers, the Arizona Cattle Growers, NCBA, and the PLC, the NRCS will administer the pilot program with the goal of preserving sustainable grazing in the Tonto National Forest.

Somerville says use of EQIP in this manner “will result in full coordinated resource management plans implemented over a 5-10 year period.”

EQIP is a voluntary program, reauthorized in the 2002 Farm Bill and administered by the NRCS, which provides assistance to farmers and ranchers who face threats to soil, water, air, and related natural resources on agricultural land.