The U.S.D.A. places rental rates on soil types in Huron County for the purpose of annual rental payments to producers in conservation programs. Those rental rates range from $52.00 per acre to $128.00 per acre. Producers willing to enroll in the New, Revised Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program will receive 155% to 225% of the base soil rental rate per acre for 15 years. Additionally, field windbreaks, grass buffers, and riparian buffer practices include a one time per acre Signing Incentive Payment (SIP) which is $10.00 per acre per whole contract year up to $100.00 per acre and a Practice Incentive Payment (PIP) which is a one time per acre payment equal to 40% of the eligible cost share in addition to the 50% cost share. Hardwood tree planting, field windbreaks, and riparian buffer practices also receive a $100.00 per acre one time, tree planting state bonus, while $500.00 per acre, one time state bonus is available for practices of hardwood tree planting, riparian buffers, wetland restoration, and marginal pastureland wetland buffers, if the producer is willing to extend the contract fifteen years.

The bottom line is the New Revised C.R.E.P. eliminated the mandatory five to fifteen year contract beyond the duration of the annual payments. Also, incentives were created to promote trees and warm season grass, as well as, voluntarily extend certain practices contract an additional fifteen years.