JACKSON — The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service is encouraging landowners, farmers and producers to visit their local conservation office and apply for assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.

While the application process for these Farm Bill conservation programs is continuous, funding selections are only made once or twice a year.

“EQIP is the primary conservation program available to farmers for farmland conservation practices, offering flat-rate of compensation payments for more than 50 conservation practices,” acting state conservationist Al Garner said.

Farmers can sign up at the NRCS office in USDA Service Centers statewide. NRCS anticipates nearly $14 million in funds for Mississippi producers. The deadline for filing an application for the first ranking period is Oct. 30.