Environmental Quality Incentives Program

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) was reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill) to provide a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. EQIP offers financial and technical assistance for eligible farmers and ranchers to install or implement structural and land management practices on eligible agricultural land.  Any farmer or rancher who is engaged in livestock or agricultural production on eligible land may participate in the EQIP program.

EQIP may provide cost-share for implementing certain conservation practices important to improving and maintaining the health of South Dakota's natural resources.  Cost-share rates will vary; however, they will not exceed 75 percent.  Limited resource producers and beginning farmers and ranchers are eligible for an increased cost-share rate for conservation practices not to exceed 90 percent. 

The following method was used to establish South Dakota's cost-share rates.  The applicable resources listed in Conservation Practice Physical Effects tables found in the NRCS Technical Guide were reviewed and a numerical rating was assigned to each conservation practice based on the practice's effect to resources.  Once ratings were assigned to each cost-shared practice, the table was reviewed by various NRCS staff, several ad hoc committees, and approved by the State Technical Committee.  Based on the numerical rating established for each conservation practice, the cost-share rates were set and approved by the State Technical Committee.

EQIP offers contracts with a minimum of term of one year after the implementation of the last scheduled practice and a maximum of ten years.  These contracts provide cost-share payments to implement conservation practices.  An individual or entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, cost-share payments that exceed $450,000 for all EQIP contracts entered during the term of the 2002 Farm Bill.

EQIP applications are accepted throughout the year.  The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) evaluates each application using either the state or locally developed ranking process.  Higher priorities are given to applications that encourage the use of cost-effective conservation practices, address National conservation priorities, and optimize environmental benefits.  Applications are accepted at your local NRCS office.

EQIP Conservation Practices, Signup, and Ranking Sheets

• South Dakota EQIP Application Information - 2005
• South Dakota EQIP Ground and Surface Water Program Information - 2005
• South Dakota EQIP Application Information - 2004
• South Dakota EQIP Ground and Surface Water Program Information - 2004
• South Dakota EQIP Application Information - 2003
• South Dakota EQIP Ground and Surface Water Program Information - 2003

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2001 Program Year South Dakota Summary

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