Oklahoma landowners are leveraging federal conservation initiatives to restore vital natural habitats while maintaining agricultural production. State Executive Director Eddie Fields recently joined Farm Director KC Sheperd to discuss how the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) project and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) are supporting environmental stewardship across Oklahoma.
The SAFE project, managed through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides targeted opportunities for agricultural producers to establish wetlands, native grasses, and trees. These practices boost critical wildlife populations by providing essential cover and food sources, while simultaneously protecting soil and water quality by preventing sediment and nutrient runoff into waterways.
Currently, Oklahoma has over 8,700 acres enrolled in SAFE practices through the CRP continuous sign-up. The program operates through targeted regional initiatives rather than statewide coverage:
- Northern Bobwhite and Monarch Butterfly Project Area: Covers the western portion of the state, extending into Beaver and Texas counties in the Panhandle.
- Migratory Birds, Butterflies, and Pollinators Project Area: Specific to the Oklahoma Panhandle, where only Cimarron, Texas, and Beaver counties are eligible to submit offers.
In addition to SAFE, Oklahoma continues to see strong participation in broader CRP efforts. During the recent enrollment period, landowners submitted offers on nearly 36,000 acres, with 35,000 acres accepted into the program.
To qualify as eligible cropland for these programs, land must have been planted or considered planted to an agricultural commodity in four out of six years between 2012 and 2017.
With approximately 16,000 CRP acres in Oklahoma set to expire on September 30, producers have proactively submitted re-enrollment offers for roughly 7,700 acres alongside offers for 28,000 acres of new land. Texas, Beaver, and Kay counties led the state with the highest accepted acreages.
Participating in SAFE and CRP offers financial incentives designed to mirror local economic conditions. Rental rates are pre-determined to deliver a fair return while keeping grassland under sustainable management. Landowners enrolled in SAFE may also qualify for a Sign-up Incentive Payment (SIP) and a Practice Incentive Payment (PIP) upon approval. Final payment rates depend on specific soil types and county locations.
Producers interested in exploring SAFE or general CRP options can schedule an appointment with their local county FSA office. The FSA now offers an online scheduling platform to help producers connect with staff to evaluate eligibility, review payment structures, and apply for available programs.
