EQIP Benefits Improve in Illinois

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.