Natural Resources Conservation Service officials are advising farmers that if they don't sign up for the Conservation Security Program during the current enrollment period it may be a while before they get the chance again.

Competition for the latest Conservation Security Program sign-up, which runs from March 28 until May 27, is likely to be intense, officials said. USDA estimates that funding will be available for only 12,000 to 14,000 contracts in the 220 watersheds that are included in the current sign-up.

“Due to limited funding, the rotational sign-up opportunity to apply comes about once every eight years,” says a NRCS spokesman. “Given the program structure, you could get a toe-hold now in the three-tiered program and expand your involvement later — but you must act now.”

To obtain more information about CSP, go to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp or visit your local NRCS office.