<b>By MEGGIE. I. FOSTER<br>
Assistant Editor</b> </p><p>

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Indiana Agriculture Director Andy Miller recently made a quick stop at the Indiana Livestock Forum to encourage all Indiana farmland owners to apply for “free money” devoted strictly to rejuvenating Hoosier conservation efforts.</p><p>
“We don’t talk about conservation enough in forums like this,” said Miller during his address on Dec. 6. “Today that is going to change. And I want to tell you that the Daniels-Skillman Administration is not only in support of agriculture unabashedly, but they are in support of Indiana livestock in no other sense than it is a big part of Indiana’s economic comeback. We learn that with this, conservation remains a strong and critical focal point.”</p><p>
During the much-anticipated announcement, Miller formally stated that more than $1.5 million in conservation dollars are available for Indiana farmers and landowners interested in implementing conservation practices. </p><p>
“Literally there are billions of dollars on the table here, that’s as close to free money as we’re ever going to get,” he joked.</p><p>
Expanding on the state’s vocal commitment to conservation, Miller said that the Administration’s focus on agricultural economic development and livestock growth over the past two years has been done in tandem with renewed efforts for environmental responsibility.</p><p>
CREP is a new
tool for producers</p><p>

While promoting general conservation programs and efforts, he pointedly encouraged all Indiana landowners to take advantage of the Conservation Resource Enhancement Program (CREP), encouraging livestock producers to think of CREP as a “new tool” for their operations.</p><p>
Miller said CREP has $1 million available for landowners who are in the three priority watersheds in the Wabash River Basin including Pigeon Highland, Tippecanoe and Upper White River.</p><p>
These funds must be obligated by June 2008, making it important for landowners to act quickly, he said.</p><p>
“By June of the coming year (2008), we will have an additional $1 million to allocate,” Miller mentioned.
“So we have a challenge … we need landowners to recognize the importance of conservation and take advantage of these funds before June of next year.”</p><p>
Miller also announced his Department’s (ISDA) vision and eventual plans to expand CREP to five more watersheds along the Wabash River. ISDA is in the process of negotiating an amendment to allow the expansion through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to Miller.</p><p>
Additionally, Miller detailed other conservation programs such as the Clean Water Indiana Innovation Grant, which offers $350,000 for local programs through the Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) to create innovative projects focused on nutrient and sediment reduction. Also, there is 200,000 set aside for new partnership incentives for conservation implementation, he noted.</p><p>
“My message today … this money is available to you … livestock farmers, and it’s as close to free money as you can get,” Miller closed. “So talk to your local watershed advisor and see how you can make this money work for you on your farm.”</p><p>
To find out more or listen to Miller’s conservation announcement online, visit www.in.gov/isda