Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance for operations interested in grazing management.

To learn more about EQIP, contact your local NRCS office. An NRCS conservationist will visit you and evaluate the natural resources on your land. NRCS will then present a variety of conservation practices or system alternatives to help you address those concerns or management goals to improve or protect the natural resource conditions on your land. Please visit the Apply for EQIP page for more information on to how apply. At some point, you will likely need to complete the EQIP application form below.

Applications for EQIP​ financial assistance are accepted throughout the year. Specific deadlines are set for ranking and funding opportunities within each state.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health and reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, improved or created wildlife habitat, and mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.


**How It Works:**


This voluntary conservation programs helps producers make conservation work for them.  Together, NRCS and producers invest in solutions that conserve natural resources for the future while also improving agricultural operations.


Through EQIP, NRCS provides agricultural producers with financial resources and one-on-one help to plan and implement improvements, or what NRCS calls conservation practices.  Using these practices can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving agricultural operations.  Through EQIP, you can voluntarily implement [conservation practices](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/technical/cp/ncps/?cid=nrcs143_026849), and NRCS co-invests in these practices with you.


**Benefits:**


Some of these benefits include:

- Reduction of contamination from agricultural sources, such as animal feeding operations.

- Efficient utilization of nutrients, reducing input costs and reduction in nonpoint source pollution.

- Increased soil health to help mitigate against increasing weather volatility and improved drought resiliency.


**2018 Farm Bill EQIP Updates:**


[Historically underserved](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/people/outreach/slbfr/?cid=nrcsdev11_001040) (HU) participants are eligible for[ advance payments ](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=nrcseprd1502414)to help offset costs related to purchasing materials or contracting through EQIP.  HU participants may elect to receive an advance of not less than 50 percent of the EQIP conservation practice payment amount.  If the participant elects to receive the advance payment, the funds must be expended within 90 days of receiving the advance.


The 2018 Farm Bill expanded eligibility regarding with whom NRCS can enter into an EQIP contract.  NRCS may enter into EQIP contracts with water management entities when they are supporting a water conservation or irrigation efficiency project.  These entities are defined as State, irrigation district, ground water management district, acequia, land grant-merced, or similar entity.


The 2018 Farm Bill requires a national 10 percent of mandatory program funding be targeted towards source water protection.  States will identify priority source water protection areas and may offer increased incentives and higher payment rates for practices that address water quality and/or water quantity.  


Beginning in 2020, States may provide increased payment rates for high-priority practices.  In consultations with the State Technical Committee, State Conservationists may designate up to 10 practices to be eligible for increased payments.  Eligible high-priority practices include those that address specific causes of ground or surface water impairment relating to excessive nutrients, address the conservation of water to advance drought mitigation and declining aquifers, meets other environmental priorities and other priority resource concerns identified in habitat or other area restoration plans, or is geographically targeted to address a natural resource concern in a specific watershed.


**EQIP Incentive Contracts:**


The 2018 Farm Bill introduced EQIP incentive contracts to expand resource benefits to producers through incentive practices such as cover crops, transition to resource conserving crop rotations and precision agriculture technologies along with a similarly broad suite of incentive practices for ranchers and non-industrial private forest operators.  Every region within a State will have identified high-priority areas and each of these areas will target up to three priority resource concerns by land use.  In addition to the payment for practice implementation, incentive contracts offer annual payments to address operations and maintenance costs as well as foregone income.  EQIP incentive contracts can be a stepping stone for producers between EQIP classic and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contracts.


You can [visit the 2018 Farm Bill Programs page](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/farmbill/?cid=stelprdb1242382) for for more information about other NRCS conservation opportunities.


**Popular Practices:**

- [Cover Crops](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/PA_NRCSConsumption/download?cid=stelprdb1263481&ext=pdf)

- [Forest Stand Improvement](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/PA_NRCSConsumption/download?cid=nrcseprd340673&ext=pdf)

- [Prescribed Grazing](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/PA_NRCSConsumption/download?cid=stelprdb1255132&ext=pdf)

- [Irrigation](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/PA_NRCSConsumption/download?cid=nrcseprd340699&ext=pdf)


**EQIP Initiatives:**


Targeted EQIP financial assistance is available through general EQIP, and several other initiatives. These initiatives address priority natural resource concerns on the most vulnerable lands, target conservation assistance in high priority watersheds, or help stimulate the development and adoption of innovation and technology. [Learn about Landscape Conservation Initiatives here](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/programs/initiatives/?cid=stelprdb1042113).

- [High Tunnel Initiative](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=stelprdb1046250)

- [Organic Initiative](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=nrcs143_008224)

- [Air Quality Initiative](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/air/quality/?cid=stelprdb1047144)

- [Landscape Initiative](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/programs/initiatives/?cid=stelprdb1042113)

- [On Farm Energy Initiative](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=stelprdb1046252)

- [Conservation Innovation Grant](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/cig)

- [Colorado River](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/co/programs/landscape/?cid=nrcs144p2_062765)



The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health and reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, improved or created wildlife habitat, and mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.

How It Works:

This voluntary conservation programs helps producers make conservation work for them.  Together, NRCS and producers invest in solutions that conserve natural resources for the future while also improving agricultural operations.

Through EQIP, NRCS provides agricultural producers with financial resources and one-on-one help to plan and implement improvements, or what NRCS calls conservation practices.  Using these practices can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving agricultural operations.  Through EQIP, you can voluntarily implement conservation practices, and NRCS co-invests in these practices with you.

Benefits:

Some of these benefits include:
- Reduction of contamination from agricultural sources, such as animal feeding operations.
- Efficient utilization of nutrients, reducing input costs and reduction in nonpoint source pollution.
- Increased soil health to help mitigate against increasing weather volatility and improved drought resiliency.

2018 Farm Bill EQIP Updates:

Historically underserved (HU) participants are eligible for advance payments to help offset costs related to purchasing materials or contracting through EQIP.  HU participants may elect to receive an advance of not less than 50 percent of the EQIP conservation practice payment amount.  If the participant elects to receive the advance payment, the funds must be expended within 90 days of receiving the advance.

The 2018 Farm Bill expanded eligibility regarding with whom NRCS can enter into an EQIP contract.  NRCS may enter into EQIP contracts with water management entities when they are supporting a water conservation or irrigation efficiency project.  These entities are defined as State, irrigation district, ground water management district, acequia, land grant-merced, or similar entity.

The 2018 Farm Bill requires a national 10 percent of mandatory program funding be targeted towards source water protection.  States will identify priority source water protection areas and may offer increased incentives and higher payment rates for practices that address water quality and/or water quantity.  

Beginning in 2020, States may provide increased payment rates for high-priority practices.  In consultations with the State Technical Committee, State Conservationists may designate up to 10 practices to be eligible for increased payments.  Eligible high-priority practices include those that address specific causes of ground or surface water impairment relating to excessive nutrients, address the conservation of water to advance drought mitigation and declining aquifers, meets other environmental priorities and other priority resource concerns identified in habitat or other area restoration plans, or is geographically targeted to address a natural resource concern in a specific watershed.

EQIP Incentive Contracts:

The 2018 Farm Bill introduced EQIP incentive contracts to expand resource benefits to producers through incentive practices such as cover crops, transition to resource conserving crop rotations and precision agriculture technologies along with a similarly broad suite of incentive practices for ranchers and non-industrial private forest operators.  Every region within a State will have identified high-priority areas and each of these areas will target up to three priority resource concerns by land use.  In addition to the payment for practice implementation, incentive contracts offer annual payments to address operations and maintenance costs as well as foregone income.  EQIP incentive contracts can be a stepping stone for producers between EQIP classic and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contracts.

You can visit the 2018 Farm Bill Programs page for for more information about other NRCS conservation opportunities.

Popular Practices:
- Cover Crops
- Forest Stand Improvement
- Prescribed Grazing
- Irrigation

EQIP Initiatives:

Targeted EQIP financial assistance is available through general EQIP, and several other initiatives. These initiatives address priority natural resource concerns on the most vulnerable lands, target conservation assistance in high priority watersheds, or help stimulate the development and adoption of innovation and technology. Learn about Landscape Conservation Initiatives here.
- High Tunnel Initiative
- Organic Initiative
- Air Quality Initiative
- Landscape Initiative
- On Farm Energy Initiative
- Conservation Innovation Grant
- Colorado River

Eligible land includes:
- Cropland and hayland
- Rangeland
- Pastureland
- Non-industrial private forestland
- Other farm or ranch lands
- Environmentally sensitive areas

Eligible applicants(s) include:
- Agricultural producers
- Owners of non-industrial private forestland
- Indian Tribes
- Those with an interest in the agricultural or forestry operations
- Water management entities

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

- Is EQIP Right for Me?
- Applying to EQIP
- Payment Rates

Landscape

High Tunnel

Air Quality

Wildlife and Pollinator Habitat

Soil Health

Trees

Solar Power

Wind Energy

Hydro Power

Biofuel

Reduced Tillage

Hurricane

Tornado

Flood

Drought

Trials

Waste & Manure Management

Fertilizer

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Weeds

Regenerative

Water Management

Conservation

Certification

Carbon Capture

Disaster Relief

Weather

Facilities

Marketing

Research

Compliance

Emergency

Contact your regional coordinator for an application and information on project requirements and work with your coordinator to applying for grant funds. Find your county coordinator using this map.

Utah Department of Agriculture & Food 

Troy Forrest

The Utah Grazing Improvement Program seeks to improve the productivity, health, and sustainability of Utah rangelands and watersheds. It’s believed that well planned and managed livestock grazing is the most important landscape-scale tool for maintaining healthy rangelands, watersheds, and wildlife habitats. Healthy rangelands contribute to a healthy livestock industry and productive rural economies. The goals are to strengthen Utah’s livestock industry, improve rural economies, and to enhance the environment. The program includes three grants:

**Utah Grazing Improvement Program Grant**

- Applications are open annually through January 1. 

- The Utah Grazing Improvement Program (GIP) provides cost-share grants to rangers for rangeland improvements. Eligible projects include any restoration work that will improve rangeland health, productivity and management. In order for proposals to be competitive, a recommended maximum request is $100,000. 

- Project examples: elimination of invasive species, reseeding, livestock water development and improvements, fencing, grazing management planning, and any other projects that improve watershed and rangeland health and productivity. 


**UGIP Predatory Animal Control Grant**

- 2022 Application window open through June 17, 2022. 

- This grant is open to eligible livestock producers who have suffered predation losses and provides reimbursement for up to 50% of the cost of the contracted amount for practices used to stop or reduce predation. A total of $150,000 is available.


**UGIP Small Livestock Producers Grant**

- 2022 Application window open through June 17, 2022

- This grant is open to small livestock producers (50 animal units or less) for projects that will improve grazing management on federal, state, or private land. A total of $100,000 is available with an award maximum of up to $10,000. 




The Utah Grazing Improvement Program seeks to improve the productivity, health, and sustainability of Utah rangelands and watersheds. It’s believed that well planned and managed livestock grazing is the most important landscape-scale tool for maintaining healthy rangelands, watersheds, and wildlife habitats. Healthy rangelands contribute to a healthy livestock industry and productive rural economies. The goals are to strengthen Utah’s livestock industry, improve rural economies, and to enhance the environment. The program includes three grants:
Utah Grazing Improvement Program Grant
- Applications are open annually through January 1. 
- The Utah Grazing Improvement Program (GIP) provides cost-share grants to rangers for rangeland improvements. Eligible projects include any restoration work that will improve rangeland health, productivity and management. In order for proposals to be competitive, a recommended maximum request is $100,000. 
- Project examples: elimination of invasive species, reseeding, livestock water development and improvements, fencing, grazing management planning, and any other projects that improve watershed and rangeland health and productivity. 

UGIP Predatory Animal Control Grant
- 2022 Application window open through June 17, 2022. 
- This grant is open to eligible livestock producers who have suffered predation losses and provides reimbursement for up to 50% of the cost of the contracted amount for practices used to stop or reduce predation. A total of $150,000 is available.

UGIP Small Livestock Producers Grant
- 2022 Application window open through June 17, 2022
- This grant is open to small livestock producers (50 animal units or less) for projects that will improve grazing management on federal, state, or private land. A total of $100,000 is available with an award maximum of up to $10,000. 


- How the GIP Program Works
- Representatives and Contacts (For GIP assistance in your area)
- Program Structure
- History
- Measuring Success
- The Future of Grazing
- History of Grazing in Utah
- Grazing Monitoring
- Utah Rangeland Improvement Act (Utah Code Annotated: Title 4, Chapter 20)


List of Agricultural Funding for Grazing Management