Sign-up for farm assistance begins

STRASBURG — The Lord Fairfax Soil and Water Conservation District is accepting applications for financial assistance with agricultural conservation practices.

Farmers interested in installing agricultural best management practices as defined by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation can receive incentives such as rebates and tax credits to offset a portion of the costs.

Priority practices will receive 80 percent of the available funds. Eligible farm practices include cover crops, nutrient management, livestock fencing and watering systems, riparian zone plantings and no-till practices.

Producers of all crops and animals with at least $1,000 of verifiable farm income and five acres within Warren, Clarke, Frederick or Shenandoah counties are eligible to apply.

All applications will be ranked by environmental health benefit against other applications for the same practice. For example, a request for funding on a steep tract of land that is highly erodible and near an impaired stream will rank higher than a level tract not near water.

For more information, call 465-2424 Ext. 3, or visit the Lord Fairfax SWCD district office at 722-B E. Queen St., Strasburg.

— Daily Staff Report