Commission Votes to Approve Soil Health Implementation Program

Oklahoma City, OK– The Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) has launched the Soil Health Implementation Program (SHIP), a new initiative to improve soil health across Oklahoma’s agricultural landscapes. Approved unanimously by the Commission on December 12th, SHIP aims to provide comprehensive soil conservation solutions in both rural and urban areas

The program, led by the OCC’s Soil Health Team, focuses on conservation practices that build land and operation resilience by improving ecosystem health. It combines technical assistance and financial incentives to encourage the adoption of soil health practices among agricultural producers. SHIP offers up to $40,000 over three years to approved applicants aiming to make a significant impact on their soil conservation.

In addition to providing direct support to landowners, SHIP will collect data to improve the state’s soil health database and conduct educational outreach to foster a network of producer mentorship. These efforts target critical environmental challenges like soil and water quality degradation.

The program's application window will open at the beginning of next year, from January 1  until March 1, 2024. Applicants must be district cooperators with approved agreements and are expected to implement and maintain the conservation practices in accordance with their SHIP conservation plan.

The OCC will review, score, and rank applications with the goal of representing the five conservation district areas across the state. This initiative represents a significant step in the ongoing work of Oklahoma’s conservation partnership toward a sustainable agricultural future in Oklahoma.

For more information, interested individuals are advised to contact their local conservation district office.