The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has worked closely with the Illinois Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to improve the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) for 2006.

EQIP is a conservation cost-share program to fund environmental improvements of farms to meet government regulations. State modifications include:

• $30/acre Waste Utilization Incentive, which covers up to 400 acres for three years at a maximum of $36,000 to help improve nutrient management practices.
• Increase the cap on mobile pumps and agitators from $10,000 to $15,000 for the producer’s portion of the 60% cost-share.
• A 40% cost-share for manure pits of new buildings or an expansion.

Other practices also available for cost-share:

• Lagoon closure – 50% cost-share not to exceed $25,000/site;
• Composting facility – 75% cost-share, not to exceed $75,000/site;
• Manure transfer – 60% cost-share to include fixed and mobile pumps and agitators, installed pipelines and solid separators; and
• Manure storage facility – 50% cost-share, not to exceed $100,000/site.

Pork producers should apply early at their county Soil &Water Conservation District office for EQIP funds.

Producers are also encouraged to develop a comprehensive nutrient management plan to help identify needs to be addressed with manure management.

Illinois producers with EQIP questions should contact Tim Maiers at (217) 529-3100, tim@ilpork.com or visit www.ilpork.com for more information and an EQIP application.