Resources for Ag Producers
We’ve gathered some information and opportunities below to assist agricultural producers in implementing conservation on their farms.
Soil Health Enhancement Reimbursement Program:
The Columbia, Montour, and Luzerne Conservation Districts are offering a soil health improvement reimbursement program. The goal of the program is to improve overall soil health through the use of cover crops, planting green, and other practices while decreasing production costs and outputs. Soil health will be improved through a systems approach including no-till and diverse species cover cropping.
Click here for more information.
Soil Test Incentive Program:
Soil testing is a cost effective way to reduce the potential of pollution to local waterways while increasing the overall health and productivity of your crop land. The Luzerne Conservation District’s Soil Testing Incentive Program offers reimbursement of soil testing kit costs to Luzerne County crop farm owners or operation managers (with owner’s consent).
This program is designed as a soil-management program for farmers. Penn State samples each for water pH, Mehlich buffer lime requirement, and for phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium by the Mehlich 3 (ICP) test. Once the district receives the results from Penn State Extension the costs of the kit(s) may be reimbursed to the landowner.
A consultation is necessary to determine eligibility. Please contact Jen Merryman at 570-674-7991 ext. 7 for more information.
Available No-till Equipment List:
Although the Luzerne Conservation District doesn’t own or rent any no-till planting equipment, we have compiled a list of equipment options that are available for rent to Luzerne County ag producers.
Please click here for contact information for equipment rental options.
REAP Application Assistance:
The district can assist farmers with applications to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Resource Enhancement and Protection Program, a program that grants tax credits in exchange for the implementation of certain best management practices.
Click here to visit PDA’s website for more information on REAP.
Manure Management Planning:
Penn State Extension’s webpage:
What Type of Nutrient or Manure Management Plan Do I Need for My Farm?
PA DEP Course on the Manure Management Plan Workbook and Short Form