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Technical Services

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Cost-Share Opportunities

The division has a variety of cost share programs available. Each program offers best management practices targeted to meet specific program goals.

These programs offer assistance to address agricultural, rural and urban water resource issues. 

Agricultural Cost Share Program (ACSP)

ACSP LogoThe major cause of water quality problems in North Carolina and in much of the United States is nonpoint source pollution. In many places, damage to our water resources comes from soil erosion, excessive fertilizer use, animal waste contamination, and improper use of agricultural chemicals.
The North Carolina Agriculture Cost Share Program helps address nonpoint pollution by providing technical and financial resources. This program helps landowners or renters of existing agricultural operations improve their on-farm management by using Best Management Practices, also called BMPs.

Who is eligible?

If you are a landowner or renter of an existing agricultural operation that has been operating for more than three years, you are eligible to participate in the North Carolina Agriculture Cost Share Program.

Your district works with agricultural landowners and renters to:

  • Develop and approve individual conservation plans
  • Identify the best management practices (BMPs) best suited for your particular operation
  • Design BMPs and help ensure their longevity
  • Acquire preliminary approval of a Cost Share contract
The division provides administrative and technical assistance to districts and gives final approval to cost share contracts, as well as processes requests for payments to farmers participating in the program.

How does the program work?

Submit an application to your local soil and water conservation district.

The applications are ranked based on resource concerns identified in the county. Applicants can be reimbursed up to 75% of a predetermined average cost for each BMP installed. The applicant is responsible for 25% of the costs. This may include the use of existing material and labor.

There are some cost share and acreage restrictions depending on the BMPs used, the type of operation involved, or policy set by the local soil and water conservation district or the N.C. Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

Cost share incentive payments are also available to encourage the use of certain agronomic management practices.

Pond and Lake Management

Union County Soil and Water Conservation District sells pond grade barley straw as an alternative to chemicals for pond and lake management.
The purpose of the straw is to prevent the growth of algal blooms, not to kill those that already exist.
  • $9 per bale plus tax

Rental Equipment

Drill Rentals
The Union County Soil and Water Conservation District has three No-Till Seed Drills (5-foot, 6-foot, and 8-foot) available for rent.
These drills plant a wide variety of seeds, from large seed such as fescue and rye to small seed such as clover and millet. The purpose of the no-till drills are to quickly and efficiently plant the seed with minimal soil disturbance.
  • $17/Acre plus tax with a $100 minimum

Additional Services

  • Natural Resources Best Management Practice Design and Support
  • Soil Interpretative Services
  • Nutrient Management Plans
  • Natural Resource-Specific Mapping via GIS
  • Educational and Technical Training
  • Soil and Water Resources Consultative Training Services