March 2 is the last day to sign up for the 2018 cycle of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

The CSP is the nation’s largest conservation program, with more than 72 million acres of farmland, ranchland, and forestland currently enrolled nationwide.

CSP is a valuable resource for farmers, ranchers, and forest owners interested in increasing the sustainability and long-term profitability of their lands.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which administers the program, is set to enroll 10 million new acres this year. Farmers and ranchers who enrolled in 2014 will also be able to re-enroll for an additional 5-year contract.

CSP contracts are for five years, with the option to renew if you successfully fulfill the initial contract and agree to achieve additional conservation objectives.

All CSP contracts will have a minimum annual payment of $1,500.

For more information or to enroll, visit NRCS’ CSP page.

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition also offers an extensive set of resources to help farmers and ranchers navigate the CSP signup process.