The Orange Soil and Water Conservation District expects to receive its cost-share allocation from the state for non-point source pollution control from agriculture activities in the next couple of weeks.
These funds are available to improve water quality by assisting farmers in implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs), which help decrease the amount of sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, animal waste, chemicals and other pollutants entering the surface and ground waters of the State.
Landowners and operators may apply for technical and cost-share assistance to install BMPs such as animal waste storage facilities, mortality management systems, wells, and watering troughs in conjunction with livestock exclusion fencing from streams, heavy use areas, animal trails and stream crossings, closure of waste impoundments, cropland conversions, sod-based rotations, grassed waterways, field borders and diversions.
For a complete list of BMPs available and other cost-share programs to improve water quality and enhance an agriculture operation, go to Orange County Soil and Water Conservation’s website at www.orangecountync.gov/soilwater (See Financial Assistance).
An initial sign-up will be held through Aug. 21, 2021, for those landowners and operators wishing to request technical and cost-share assistance on practices.
Request for technical assistance will be provided throughout the year and cost-share assistance for as long as funding is available.
To apply for cost-share assistance and other agricultural funding programs, please contact Kenny Ray or Todd Roberts at (919) 245-2750.