Farmers seeking information and assistance about resource concerns on their property may sign up now for the EQIP program through the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The EQIP program allows producers to take advantage of incentives in exchange for implementing conservation plans that include various land management ideas.

"A long list of conservation practices are available to choose from under the EQIP program," NRCS district conservationist Ralph Crawford said.

"Erosion control practices like grassed waterways or diversions, grazing systems that include fence and water systems, animal waste structures to store manure and runoff, forest land improvement practices such as grapevine control, crop tree release or fence to exclude livestock and wildlife management practices, which involve planting warm season grasses or wetland development are just part of what is available under EQIP."

Crawford said Ohio will receive $11 million in public funds for the year 2005.

Last year, Lawrence County producers were allocated $155,606.

Applications for the assistance are rated on an environmental benefits score sheet established by a state technical committee and by local work groups in each county.

For more information or to sign up, those interested may call the Lawrence Soil and Water Conservation District at 867-4737.