The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced an application evaluation cutoff date of November 21, 2014, for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).  EQIP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers through contracts up to a maximum term of ten years in length.  These contracts provide financial assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns and provide opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air, and related resources on agricultural land, such as cropland, rangeland, non-industrial private forestland, as well as for animal feeding operations.   Applications are accepted year round, but those received by November 21, 2014, will be evaluated for fiscal year 2015 funding.  Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements.   “EQIP also helps address the unique circumstances of socially disadvantaged, veteran, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers, who have natural resource concerns that need to be addressed on their land," said Eric Banks, State Conservationist.  Qualifying Kansas producers compete separately and receive higher payment rates.   For more information visit the Kansas NRCS Web site www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov/programs or your local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Service Center.  To find a service center near you, check your telephone book under “United States Government” or on the Internet at offices.usda.gov.  Follow us on Twitter @NRCS_Kansas. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.