Drought Relief for Livestock Producers in VT-Apply by October 19

COLCHESTER, VT, September 28, 2018--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that livestock producers impacted by drought are encouraged to apply by October 19, 2018, to receive assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The financial assistance will help farmers install conservation practices to help alleviate limited water supplies. 

Farmers in Franklin, Addison, Chittenden, Washington, Lamoille, Rutland, Caledonia, and Orleans can apply for practices including pipelines, wells, and pumps.

"We have heard that more than twenty farmers in the driest parts of the state have been hauling water to keep their farms operational,” said Vermont NRCS State Conservationist Vicky Drew.

The EQIP assistance will help farmers install practices including, but not limited to, pipelines, wells, pumps, livestock watering facilities, and spring development. EQIP payments are based on 75% of the typical costs to install these practices, but do not cover all costs, including electrical hook-ups for new pumps. 

Farmers in the eligible counties can contact their NRCS office to submit an application by the October 19 deadline. Applications must be approved by NRCS prior to starting the practice to be eligible for funding through EQIP. An expedited process for gaining approval will be in place during the three week sign up period.