Programs to help farmers offered

PROVO — Several U.S. Department of Agriculture programs under the 2002 Farm Bill are available to assist farmers under a cost-share method.

The USDA is making the programs known early, in advance of next year's planting season.

Limited funds will be awarded farmers who use effective conservation practices.

To be considered for the ranking period ending Jan. 31, farmers should submit applications as soon as possible, Gillen said.

Funds are available for watershed protection, wildlife habitat enhancement and to improve water quality for feeding operations under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Targeted areas include:

• Upper Sevier County with $150,000 available to improve irrigation systems with farmers sharing 50 percent of the cost.

• Thistle Creek, a watershed improvement project with $150,000 available on a 50 percent cost-share basis. The funds can be used for wildlife irrigation, river bank and noxious weed control.

• Colorado River Basin for a salinity control program with $7.7 million available under a 75 percent cost-share in Duchesne, Uintah, Carbon and Emery counties for farmers who live in the Price-San Rafael or Uinta Basis project areas. Applications may be made through Jan. 31.