Author: Jami Thompson

AgEP

AgEP’s mission is to assist the agricultural cooperators of West Virginia Conservation Districts with the voluntary implementation of best management practices (BMPs) on agricultural lands in order to conserve and improve land and water quality. The program offers technical and financial assistance as an incentive to implement suggested best management practices. Additional practice options will be determined by each Conservation District to best address the needs of the district.
The intent of AgEP is to be a simple, user-friendly program in order to encourage participation. Overall program primary objectives include the reduction of nutrients and sediment from entering the waters of the State and increasing farm profitability and sustainability. Each conservation district has the ability to modify the program to address specific agricultural issues in it’s area.
AgEP will provide opportunities for demonstration of site-specific agricultural best management practices and the education of agricultural operators about innovative management and conservation practices and methods. AgEP supports implementation of new / innovative best management practices. CDs have discretion related to the evaluation and funding of these types of practices. Historically CDs have partnered with WVCA, WVU Extension, NRCS and other agencies for on-site demonstration of new /innovative practices.

Guyan CD Guidelines for Participation:
Land must be engaged in the production of agricultural products.
Applicant must be a district cooperator.
All AgEP practices are limited by available funds.
All practices must be completed by a set deadline.
Current soil tests are required for Lime, Frost Seeding, Nutrient Management and Pasture/Hay Reseeding.
A copy of lease will be required for operator, if not owner.
A map of the property with the field boundaries outlined are required when signing up.
* Programs are subject to change

For Additional
Information
Contact:

Guyan Conservation District Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo, and Boone counties Phone: (304) 528-5718 Email: GCD@wvca.us Email: wcd@wvca.us

West Virginia
Agricultural
Enhancement
Program
Administered by:
West Virginia Conservation Districts with assistance from the West Virginia Conservation Agency

Conservation
Best Management
Practices for
Your Land

AGRICULTURAL ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM: WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Conservation Best Management Practices For Your Land….. Guyan Conservation District

Lime
Benefits:
The applications of agricultural lime will adjust the pH of the soil and release nutrients that may otherwise be restricted for plant use. Overall results would include improved soil structure, better soil tilth, reduced erosion, and increase production of the grassland.
Limits:
Not to exceed 3 tons per acre.
After 3 years the initial acreage is eligible for re-application.
Soil pH of below 6.0 from a current soil test
Soil test recommendations will be followed.
Hay land, pastureland and cropland are eligible.
Cooperator may sign up for the Lime practice one time per fiscal year.
Invoices must be submitted within 60 days of practice approval.
Cost Share Rate:
$38 per ton (includes cost of lime and spreading of lime.)
Not to exceed 50 acres.
Frost Seeding
Benefits:
To facilitate nitrogen fixation to reduce chemical fertilizer input. Improve or maintain livestock nutrition and or health. Provide or increase forage supply during periods of low forage production. Reduce soil erosion. Improve soil and water quality
Limits:
50 Acres Max on pasture and/ or hay land.
Soil pH 6.1 or greater
Previously seeded areas are not eligible for 3 years.
A current soil test within the last three years.
Frost Seeding sign ups will be held each year in December.
Practice window shall be between January 4 to March 15.
Invoices must be submitted by March 31, 2021.
Cost Share Rate:
$10.00 per acre
Not to exceed $500.00
Pollinator Habitat (Delayed Mowing)
Benefits:
Establishing and maintaining native plant habitats that attract pollinators and beneficial insects that prey on crop pests and could reduce the use of pesticides on the farm
Limits:
3 acres of hay land
For the delayed mowing practice, mowing shall not take place on approved acreage in order to provide undisturbed habitat and nesting sites
The lifespan for delayed mowing for pollinator habitat is 1 year.
Cooperator may sign up for Pollinator Habitat practice one time per fiscal year.
Invoices must be submitted by April 30, 2021.
Must be a current hayfield used in the last 12 months.
Cost Share Rate:
$210.00 per acre
Not to exceed $630.00
Urban Agriculture
Benefits:
Provide safe, healthy, and green environments for growing fruits and vegetables in an urban setting.
One application per household. Practice includes raised bed, cover crop, low tunnel, and straw mulch.
Limits:
Must be a manufactured kit.
Cover Crop is intended for high tunnels.
Cooperator may sign up for Urban Agriculture practice one time per fiscal year.
Invoices must be submitted within 60 days of practice approval.
Cost Share Rate:
$100.00 per item
Not to exceed $400.00
Cover Crop
Benefits:
The use of cover crops reduces soil erosion caused by wind and water along with increasing the soils organic matter content.
Limits:
10 acres of cropland
Methods of seeding stands may be established by conventional or no till.
Cooperator may sign up for Cover Crop practice one time per fiscal year.
Practice must be completed by November 27, 2020.
Must follow NRCS specs.
Cost Share Rate:
$40.00 per acre
Not to exceed $400.00
Heavy Use Area Protection
Benefits:
The protection of heavily used areas reduces soil
erosion, and the runoff of nutrients and other pollutants that impact water quality. For use in heavily used areas that have significant signs of soil erosion created by livestock.
Limits:
Not to exceed 1,000 sq. ft
Not to be used as feeding areas or handling of livestock.
Can be used for the following: Livestock watering areas. Livestock trails, walkways and livestock winter loafing areas.
Invoices must be submitted within 60 days of practice approval.
Cooperator may sign up for Heavy Use Area practice one time per fiscal year.
Cost Share Rate:
$1.00 sq. ft
Not to exceed $1000.00 per contract
Nutrient
Management (Commercial
Fertilizer)
Benefits:
To improve soil structure, soil tilth, reduce erosion, and improve plant productivity on permanent pasture and hay land.
Limits:
20 acres of pasture or hay land.
Per soil test result, pH must be above 6.1 to be eligible.
Soil test recommendations will be followed.
Cooperator may sign up for the Nutrient Management practice one time per fiscal year.
Invoices must be submitted within 60 days of practice approval.
Cost share Rate:
75% of receipts
Not to exceed $1000.00
Pasture/ Hay
Reseeding
Benefits:
Reseeding is important to improve or maintain livestock nutrition and/or health. It can provide or increase forage supply during periods of low forage production
Limits:
10 acres of pasture or hay land.
Per soil test result, pH must be above 6.1 to be eligible.
Soil test recommendations will be followed.
Cooperator may sign up for Pasture/ Hay Reseeding practice one time per fiscal year.
Invoices must be submitted within 60 days of practice approval.
NRCS standards and specs must be followed.
Cost Share Rate:
$50.00 per acre
Not to exceed $500.00