Maximizing your EBI score

The topic of last week's column was the new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign up currently in progress. Following a four-year break in enrollment offerings (2006-2009), this new enrollment opportunity marks the third year in a row that eligible land can be offered in a CRP general sign up. Having started on Monday, March 12, the current enrollment will conclude Friday, April 6.

As mentioned last week, there are six categories of Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) evaluation for the ranking of general sign up CRP offers: 1) wildlife habitat cover benefits; 2) water quality benefits from reduced erosion and runoff; 3) soil erosion benefits factor; 4) air quality benefits; 5) enduring benefits; and 6) cost.

Several of these factors will not change no matter what we might do. Water quality benefits are based on the distance of a field to a stream -- not really any way that can be adjusted. The same for soil erosion -- this factor is based on the soil types present. None of us will be changing those much either. And a ditto for air quality benefits -- our eastern Kansas soil types get an average of 5 to14 points here based on each soil's susceptibility to wind damage. No way to definitively "tweak" this one either.

So, what can be achieved that might enhance an EBI score?

Wildlife habitat cover is flexible and can be planned to improve an EBI score. For example: an existing cover or single species planting only scores 10 points while a more wildlife friendly "restoration of rare and declining habitat" CP-25 practice (a 15-species planting or enhancement of native grasses, forbs and legumes) can score up to 75 points including the enduring benefit score assigned to this practice.

A new wrinkle in the process since the prior enrollment time is the addition of pollinator habitat in an area of the CRP field (at least 10 percent of the parcel but not less than one-half acre). This addition will include at least 15 species of pollinator-friendly shrubs, legumes or wildflowers that bloom during spring, summer and fall for an enhancement of the CRP habitat. This can be used with some of the seeding practices and adds 20 points. Including an annually planted wildlife food plot can also add 5 points to the total.

Enduring benefits are scored when a practice is more likely to remain on the land following the end of program participation. One example is a tree planting -- not too common for our area. However, the CP-25 15-species seeding does collect another 25 points from this category.

Another area that can be influenced somewhat by applicant actions is the cost factor.

A scenario is run for each potential offer when initiating an enrollment. One of the results of that process is the computation of a maximum rental rate based on the soil types present on the field(s). An additional two EBI points are credited for each percent reduction in the maximum offer up to 10 percent; then one additional point for each percent up to a total of 15 percent, making a maximum EBI enhancement of 25 points from reducing the rental rate offer.

For example, if my maximum rate is $50 per acre, I could offer $45 per acre (a 10 percent reduction) and gather 20 more points for my EBI score. A reduction to $42.50 (15 percent total) would produce the maximum 25 points. Additional "cost" scoring is determined after all the offers are submitted and compared, so we can determine only the preliminary score at this time. The total will be accounted for when the final results are reviewed.

Contracts offered during this enrollment period will take effect as of Oct. 1, 2012. The grass seeding/cover establishment or enhancement will likely take place next spring (2013) with the first rental payment due after Oct. 1, 2013.

It does take some time to review all the variables included in the CRP offer, so we will continue to recommend calling ahead for an appointment to permit staff to prepare as much as possible for your visit, as well as to eliminate any "waiting in line" that might otherwise occur. Bourbon County producers can call (620) 223-1880 to schedule a visit.

NOTE: Don't forget the No-Till Field Day, March 29, 11:30 a.m. at the Wayne Peck farm; two miles east of U.S. Highway 69 and Jayhawk Road, then 1.5 miles south on 240th. Call ahead, (620) 756-1000, to reserve your lunch.

Editor's Note: Doug Niemeir is the County Executive Director for the USDA/Farm Service Agency. Doug may be reached by emailing him at Douglas.Niemeir@ks.usda.gov.