New North Dakota Program to Promote Soil Health and Habitat

A new initiative in North Dakota, the Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program, is a cooperative effort to improve soil health and wildlife habitat on marginally productive cropland across North Dakota’s rural landscape. The goal of the voluntary working lands program is to help North Dakota farmers strengthen cropland productivity and resilience with perennial grass cover, while improving soil health and water retention and creating much-needed wildlife habitat and access for hunters. A two-year, $6.5 million pilot project will cover approximately 10,000 acres. All types of cropland are eligible for the program, which offers annual payments on five-year agreements for producers to establish perennial grasses. Producers are also eligible to receive a crop insurance premium reduction in coordination with USDA’s Risk Management Agency, on acres seeded to perennial grasses. The Association of Soil Conservation Districts will administer the program, with local delivery through soil conservation districts and partners.