Rusty Schultz finds alternatives when CRP contract expires

Farmers and ranchers who understand the benefits of grasslands to the North Dakota landscape are invaluable. Landowners like Rusty Schultz from Lamoure County, North Dakota, who participate in conservation programs, are an integral part of Ducks Unlimited's effort to conserve grasslands and wildlife. Rusty recently enrolled in the Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) when his Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract expired.

 

 

Landowner Josh Haugen restores plowed prairie with help from North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund

Farming and ranching large tracts of land can be challenging, but Josh Haugen of Litchville, North Dakota, learned it from his father, Clay. "My dad basically restarted the family farm after graduating high school, and farming and ranching have been in the family ever since," Josh said.

 

Pic family farm improved for the future

 

The Pic farm has been in the family for generations, dating back to the 1870s. Walsh County landowner Donavon Pic recently asked his daughter Carrie to take over as the operations manager due to his failing health.

 

Bob Anderson works with DU and OHF to diversify his operation

 

Bob Anderson purchased an 85-acre tract in Barnes County, North Dakota, to conserve wildlife habitat, hunt and as an investment property. Bob researched programs for habitat conservation and found the Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to be beneficial for the landowner and wildlife. EQIP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to private landowners who implement conservation practices on their land.