2008 Farm Bill Programs

Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)

Purpose of Program

• The Grassland Reserve Program's purpose is to maintain healthy grazing lands and protect them from development.
• GRP will have an enrollment cap of 1.22 million acres.

Eligibility

• Eligible land includes restored, or restorable, improved, or natural grassland, rangeland, pastureland and prairie for which grazing is the predominant use.

Contracts and Cost-Share

• This program offers 3 different types of cost-sharing options
  • Permanent or Maximum Length Permitted by Law Easement - deed restriction placed on property. Easement purchased at fair market value, less grazing value
  • 10, 15, and 20 year Contracts - pay rental rates worth 75% of grazing value
• Restoration agreements provide up to 50% of cost not to exceed $50,000 per person per year.

Application Process

• The Grassland Reserve Program is run by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Farm Services Agency.
• Applications can be filed year-round at local USDA Service Centers.

Common GRP Practices

• Grazing Management
• Prescribed Burning
• Range Seeding
• Fencing
• Brush Management

For more information contact:
Chuck Kowaleski, Farm Bill Coordinator
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Phone: (254) 718-7684
Email: Chuck.Kowaleski@tpwd.state.tx.us

Additional Links:

• Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS) - Contact information from the US Dept. of Agriculture Service Center Locator for Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies.
• Texas State Water and Soil Conservation Board - Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts Locator Map and information.
• Farm Service Agency - FSA website for Texas Farm Service Agency Directory.