Audubon Dakota is excited to announce open enrollment of applications for the Conservation Forage Program (CFP) beginning on November 15th, 2021. Audubon Dakota and partners are proud to provide an opportunity for landowners and producers to offset the costs of establishing working grasslands on marginal croplands. The first enrollment period had applications from 10 producers representing 2,200 acres of land. CFP provides three years of transition payments based on NASS county-level rates, as well as cost-share for native grassland seed mixes and fence and water development on reseeded areas.

“Audubon Dakota created the concept with extensive input from North Dakota agricultural leaders, their experience through their Conservation Ranching Initiative and countless conversations on the tailgate, in the driveways and leaning on the fence posts of North Dakota ranchers. It’s built on the premise that ‘if it’s good for the herd-it is good for the bird’, said John Devney, Senior Vice President of Policy for Delta Waterfowl.

CFP will improve forage availability and quality, wildlife habitat, and soil health by establishing grasslands and integrating grazing and haying on private lands. Enrolled landowners are expected to maintain the enrolled grasslands for a 10-year term.

The Conservation Forage Program will lead the establishment of grassland habitat across North Dakota, not only for the benefit of the landowner and livestock, but also for grassland birds and native wildlife, like white-tailed deer and monarch butterflies. Producers are encouraged to collaborate with a technical assistance provider to fill out and submit the online application by January 31st, 2022 to receive approval and funding for spring 2022 seeding.

For additional information and application details, please visit dakota.audubon.org or contact dakota@audubon.org.