EQIP is NRCS's program that "provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners" (NRCS). It starts with a planner's visit and a conservation plan, and payment comes after the work meets NRCS standards. Practices that match land work include Brush Management (314), Pond (378), Access Road (560) and Watering Facility (614) (NRCS).
How EQIP works
- Apply. Applications are accepted all year, but "customers should apply by state-specific ranking dates" to be considered for the current round. Apply at your local USDA Service Center (NRCS EQIP).
- Planner visit. An NRCS planner visits the land and works with you on a conservation plan.
- Ranking. Applications are ranked against the state's ranking dates and priorities.
- Do the work. The work has to meet NRCS standards and specifications.
- Get paid. Payment follows once the work is checked and meets those standards (same source).
Practices that match land work
| Practice | Code | Related work |
|---|---|---|
| Brush Management | 314 | Cedar and brush clearing |
| Pond | 378 | Stock tanks and ponds |
| Access Road | 560 | Ranch roads |
| Watering Facility | 614 | Stock water |
| Critical Area Planting | 342 | Seeding bare ground |
| Pond Sealing or Lining, Compacted Soil | 520 | Sealing a leaky tank |
| Pond Sealing or Lining, Geomembrane | 521 | Lining a tank |
| Pond Sealing or Lining, Concrete | 522 | Lining a tank |
Which practices go in your plan is worked out with the NRCS planner.
Payment rates
Texas payment rates are published through NRCS's payment schedule tool (choose Texas) (NRCS payment schedules). We have not reproduced them here because they change and depend on the practice scenario. Look them up, or ask your planner.
Where a contractor fits
- The work has to meet NRCS standards, so the contractor needs the practice specifications before starting.
- Timing matters: payment comes after the work is checked, so plan your cash flow.
- Keep records: dates, acres, what was done.
- A brush management job may also fit a TPWD wildlife plan. See the valuation guide.
If you have an EQIP contract or are applying for one, tell us at the start and we will work to the specifications you are given.
Common questions
Can EQIP pay for cedar clearing?
Brush Management (practice 314) is an NRCS conservation practice. Whether EQIP funds it on your land depends on your application, ranking and plan.
Does EQIP cover building a stock tank?
Pond (378) and Watering Facility (614) are NRCS practices. Ask your local USDA Service Center.
When does EQIP pay?
After the work is done and meets NRCS standards and specifications.
Where do I apply for EQIP?
At your local USDA Service Center. Applications are taken all year, with state ranking dates for each round.
Talk to us about your land
Every piece of land is different. Call (830) 328-3684 or send the form for a free estimate. See our cedar & brush clearing service.
