EQIP Ranking Criteria Items

Updated 09/18/2008

N.   Pasture/Hayland Planting (512)

• Cost-sharing is authorized for: (HEL and NHEL definition in the NFSAM applies)

1.  On HEL cropland conversion to native or introduced species (no toxic fescue, bermudagrass, old-world bluestem, or bromegrass) is authorized.

2.  On NHEL land only cropland conversion to native species is authorized.

3.  On HEL or NHEL, grassland conversion on fields with greater than 20% fescue to native or introduced species (no toxic fescue, bermudagrass, old-world bluestem, or bromegrass) is authorized. Plantings on HEL are required to have 2 chemical burn-downs applied prior to planting. Plantings on NHEL are required to have 2 chemical burn-downs or sufficient preparation through tillage to ensure full eradication of existing vegetation.


• Cost-sharing is not authorized for:

1.  Establishing forage species on land cleared of timber in the past 5 years.

2.  Establishing forage species on land where brush or forbs has been cleared in the past year or will be cleared.


• Cost-sharing is not authorized for planting or conversion to a stand of pure legumes.

• Cost-sharing is not authorized for pasture renovation. Plantings on HEL are required to have 2 chemical burn-downs applied prior to planting. Plantings on NHEL are required to have 2 chemical burn-downs or sufficient preparation through tillage to ensure full eradication of existing vegetation.

• Eligible species and seeding rates will be applied as stated in standard 512.

• Nutrient applications shall be cost-shared on rates based on soil test using UK soil test procedures. Soil amendments for native grass plantings are not required.

• A minimum of 5 contiguous acres is required.

• Introduced species are eligible for 30% cost-share

• Native species are eligible for 50% cost-share