JACKSON — USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has announced a sign-up for the Grassland Reserve Program.

The sign-up is continuous, but all applications meeting the eligibility requirements that have been submitted by close of business on Feb. 10, will be ranked and considered for 2012 funding. The program is for working grazing lands and land that is enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program that is established in grass with the contract set to expire within the next 12 months.

This year applicants may select to enroll for a rental contract of 10, 15 or 20-year duration. There is no minimum acreage that must be enrolled by a participant in the program and the 2008 Farm Bill limits annual payments for rental contracts in GRP to a maximum of $50,000.

For additional information on the 2012 GRP signup, contact your local USDA Service Center or visit our GRP website.