The Patrick County Soil and Water Conservation District sign- up period for the 2020/2021 Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practice (BMP) Cost-Share Program will end Oct. 12, 2020. Agricultural producers who farm in Patrick County can sign up now. To make an appointment for a field visit, please contact the Patrick SWCD office at 276-693-4018. The cost-share program supports the use of various practices in conservation planning to treat cropland, pastureland, and forested land, which often helps production while also contributing to the health of the waters in Patrick County. Some BMPs are paid for at a flat rate or straight per-acre rate while others are cost-shared on a percentage basis up to 75 percent. Because demand for cost-share assistance is great, the Patrick SWCD supports the implementation of only those plans that meet local water quality guidelines. Since some requests can't be satisfied, priority ranking of practices will be used to make sure funds are spent wisely. To read more about the VACS program, go to <a href="http://www.dcr.virginia.gov">www.dcr.virginia.gov</a>.
