Some $150 million in funding is available through the USDA for agricultural producers through the Conservation Stewardship Program, local officials said Friday.

CSP is the USDA’s largest conservation program that helps producers voluntarily improve the health and productivity of private and tribal working lands.

“Through CSP, the NRCS has been able to obligate $1,044,320 to Covington County producers during 2014 and 2015,” National Resource Conservation Services Soil Conservationist Patrick Rohling said. “For producers that may not qualify for our other program, CSP is often a good fit for stewards of the land.”

Local landowners, farmers and ranchers interested in reducing soil erosion, improving water and soil quality and creating wildlife habitat on their land have until Thurs., March 31, to be considered for the funding through the program for the 2016 fiscal year, Rohling said.

Through CSP, NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to eligible producers to conserve and enhance soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land.

For more info, call 222-3519, ext. 3.