The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is launching the Indiana Management of Agriculture Enhancements (IMAGE) Cost-Share Program for southwest Indiana producers.
The program will be administered by ISDA in partnership with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, and conservation professionals throughout the region. The funding is designed to help agricultural producers implement projects that improve farm management, strengthen livestock operations and support responsible stewardship of Indiana's natural resources.
Eligible producers may apply for cost-share assistance to implement approved conservation practices. The initial rollout of IMAGE will serve 23 counties in southwest Indiana, including Brown, Clay, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Johnson, Knox, Martin, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Putnam, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo and Warrick counties.
“Conservation practices are often some of the best investments producers can make, but installation costs can often be a significant hurdle,” said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “With this new cost share program, ISDA will be able to financially assist more producers looking to improve their soil health.”
The State Soil Conservation Board designated $500,000 of Clean Water Indiana funding for ISDA to administer this program. Approved participants may receive reimbursement for up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000 per producer.
Eligible conservation practices include:
- Heavy Use Area Protection (NRCS Practice Code 561)
- Pasture and Hay Planting (NRCS Practice Code 512)
- Watering Facility (NRCS Practice Code 614)
- Livestock Pipeline (NRCS Practice Code 516)
- Soil Amendments supported by a certified soil test
- Committee-approved EQIP practices with completed NRCS technical documentation
The program also aims to bolster the Indiana State Nutrient Reduction Strategy to keep valuable soil and nutrients on the land while reducing sediment, phosphorus, nitrogen and other pollutants from entering Indiana waterways.
Interested producers should contact their designated ISDA Resource Specialist or local Soil and Water Conservation District for additional program information, eligibility requirements and application assistance.
Click here for more information on the program and how to apply.
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