Eligibility
The Climate Smart Switchgrass Cropping System (CSSCS) has a diverse range of eligible cover types that could potentially enroll. Conventional “crop history” is not a requirement for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
1. Location
Must be a landowner in one of the following south-central Iowa counties:
- Adair
- Appanoose
- Clarke
- Davis
- Decatur
- Jefferson
- Keokuk
- Lucas
- Madison
- Marion
- Mahaska
- Monroe
- Ringgold
- Taylor
- Union
- Van Buren
- Wapello
- Warren
- Wayne
2. Crop Type
Cropped acres, hayland, pasture, and expired CRP are all eligible cover types.
3. Condition of Land
Eligibility also depends on the condition and fit of the acres offered. Lands that are heavily covered in woody species, noxious weeds, severe erosion, or poor access for biomass equipment may not be suitable for biomass establishment and harvest.
4. Minimum Acreage
An ideal minimum of 20 offered acres meets “economy of scale” and efficiency, could have a baseline impact on the resource, and makes economic sense.
5. Other Factors
Because each farm has its own history and set of eligibility criteria, a one-on-one conversation with our professional staff may help clarify if this program is a good fit for your operation. Get in touch.
Application Process
1. Initiate Contact
Landowner contacts FDCE for discussion of program options.
2. Confirm Eligibility
Obtain and review Farm Service Agency records. Records are shared with FDCE and Stark.
3. Onsite Visit
FDCE meets at location with landowner to verify fields, record site data, and discuss feasibility.
4. Planning
FDCE generates soil rental rates and possible payment scenarios based on mapping of offered acres.
5. Application
If landowner chooses to proceed, FDCE submits resource assessment to NRCS for approval.
6. Contract
FDCE generates an RCPP contract for landowner. Landowner works with local SWCD to initiate IDALS contract.
Implementation Process
1. Establishment
Based on agreed upon planting scenario (spring, dormant, etc), FDCE establishes switchgrass on site at no cost to landowner.
2. Management
Fields will be scouted for weed pressure, mowed for weed suppression the first two years, and monitored for stand performance.
3. Harvest
Switchgrass will be harvested after peak nesting season (August 1), after seed head development and root draw down of nutrients. Biomass will be baled on site and hauled by FDCE.
FAQs
What lands are eligible for the switchgrass program?
Cropland, Expired CRP, Hayland, and Pasture are all eligible cover types for RCPP, provided that the offered acres are 1) NOT enrolled in any other federal programs, 2) feasible for biomass establishment and harvest, and 3) the landowner is a USDA participant and within compliance.
How much does the switchgrass program pay?
RCPP participants will receive a payment in years 1 & 2 of the contract based on a weighted average of the Soil Rental Rates of the offered acres. In years 3, 4, & 5, participants will receive payments of $50/ton on harvested biomass. Acres also enrolled in the IDALS program would receive a rental payment in years 1 & 2 based on the CSR2 value of the offered acres, PLUS a “one-time” incentive payment in year 1.
How long is the contract/commitment?
RCPP contracts are for 5 years. After which, biomass contracts are optional and may be handled on a year-by-year basis. If an IDALS agreement is used in addition to RCPP, there is a 10-year lifespan on the seeding. For example, a producer may choose not to continue to sell biomass after year 5 of the RCPP agreement but will have to maintain the switchgrass for the remainder of the 10-year agreement with IDALS.
Who covers the expense of the seeding, maintenance, and harvest?
Funding provided through NRCS and partner cost share will cover all costs associated with the establishment, maintenance, and harvest/transportation of the biomass. The participant will have NO out of pocket costs for establishment.
Is a reported “crop history” needed for RCPP?
RCPP does not require a crop history to be eligible; however, IDALS requires documentation of reported acres in the past year. Also, interested landowners must show participation and compliance with USDA.
Does the RCPP biomass program count towards crop history with FSA?
In the RCPP program the landowner remains the “operator” and will report the biomass to FSA on an annual basis. At present, FSA considers switchgrass biomass as a “forage”, so it would not be counted towards FSA crop history.