# EQIP Application Packet
## MT- LAND AND CATTLE LLC
**Prepared by CHELCIE | August 24, 2026**

---

## CLIENT PROFILE

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal Name | MT- LAND AND CATTLE LLC |
| EIN | 41-3604243 |
| State Formed | Kansas (2025) |
| Address | 22170 West 191st Street, Osage County, KS |
| Phone | (913) 488-4974 |
| Email | DEREKTHOMAS58@GMAIL.COM |
| Owners | Derek Thomas, Lee Mudd |
| Producer ID | PRD-98UVZC |
| Operation Type | Cow/calf |
| Acres Owned | 880 |
| Head Count | 142 |
| Lender | Lyndon State Bank |
| FSA/NRCS Status | Not sure — must verify before applying |
| SAM.gov Status | Not sure — not required for EQIP |

---

## NRCS OFFICE CONTACT

**Osage County NRCS Field Office**
115 W 17th Street
Lyndon, KS 66451
**Phone: (785) 828-4631**

**Kansas NRCS State Office:** (785) 823-4500, Salina, KS

**First call:** Ask to schedule a conservation planning visit. Mention: cow/calf operation, 880 acres, interested in prescribed grazing, cross-fencing, and water development. Mention you are a beginning farmer (LLC formed 2025).

---

## STEP 1: PRE-APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Before submitting NRCS-CPA-1200, complete these in order:

- [ ] **Get FSA Farm Number** — Visit the Osage County FSA Service Center (same building or nearby the NRCS office in Lyndon). Required before NRCS can process an EQIP application.
- [ ] **Gather entity documents** — LLC formation papers (Articles of Organization), EIN verification letter
- [ ] **Gather land documents** — Deed(s) for all 880 acres; written lease agreement if any acres are leased
- [ ] **Confirm beginning farmer status** — LLC formed 2025, less than 10 years in the business = qualifies for Beginning Farmer/Rancher (90% cost share vs. 75% standard)
- [ ] **File AGI Certification with FSA** — Adjusted Gross Income certification is required. Filed at FSA, not NRCS.
- [ ] **Verify HEL/WC compliance** — Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation certification. You have streams/wetlands on property — flag this upfront with NRCS.
- [ ] **Do NOT start any conservation work** until contract is signed and in hand. Any work started early is ineligible for reimbursement.

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## STEP 2: APPLICATION FORM

**Form: NRCS-CPA-1200** (October 2025 version)
Download: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/NRCS-CPA-1200.pdf

### Pre-filled Answers for Derek/Lee

**Applicant:** MT- LAND AND CATTLE LLC

**Application Date:** _______________

**Location where assistance requested:** 22170 West 191st Street, Osage County, KS

**Question 1 — FSA customer record:**
- Answer once FSA farm number is confirmed (currently unknown)

**Question 2 — Programs interested in:**
- ✅ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
- Also consider checking CSP (Conservation Stewardship Program) — no conflict, separate program

**Question 3 — Applicant Information:**
- Business Structure: Entity (LLC)
- Legal Name: MT- LAND AND CATTLE LLC
- Tax Number (last 4): 4243
- Both Derek Thomas and Lee Mudd should be listed as members

**Question 3b — Historically Underserved Categories (CRITICAL — check all that apply):**
- ✅ **Beginning Farmer or Rancher** — LLC formed 2025, less than 10 years operating
- Possibly ✅ **Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher** — Gross farm income under $50k qualifies; confirm with NRCS

> Checking these boxes unlocks **90% cost share** (vs. 75%) and **advance payment eligibility**. Do not skip.

**Question 4 — Land Information:**
- Land Type: ✅ Private Land
- Control: ✅ Deed or other evidence of land ownership
- Currently enrolled in other USDA programs: No (confirm)
- Primary crop type: Pasture/rangeland
- Primary livestock type: Beef cattle (cow/calf)

**Question 5 — Electronic delivery:** ✅ Yes (use DEREKTHOMAS58@GMAIL.COM)

**Assistance Requested section:** Write in:
> Prescribed grazing plan (528), cross-fencing for rotational grazing (382), livestock watering facilities (614), livestock pipeline (516), brush management for eastern red cedar (314). 880-acre cow/calf operation. Beginning farmer — LLC formed 2025.

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## STEP 3: PRIORITY PRACTICE SELECTION

Ranked by resource concern match, payment potential, and ranking score impact.

---

### TIER 1 — Apply Immediately (Core Bundle)

#### Practice 528 — Grazing Management (Prescribed Grazing)
**Why:** Client explicitly needs rotational/managed grazing. 880 acres with 142 head requires a documented grazing plan. This is the anchor practice — it drives ranking points and is required to justify the fencing and water system.

| Component | Unit | HU Rate (90%) | Estimated Acres | Est. Payment |
|-----------|------|---------------|----------------|-------------|
| Range, Standard | Ac | $8.91 | 880 | $7,841 |
| Range, Intensive | Ac | $21.72 | 880 | $19,114 |
| Livestock Deferment, Standard | Ac | $19.44 | 880 | $17,107 |
| Prescribed Grazing Mgmt, ≤5 Ac | Ac | $247.96 | — | — |

**Recommended:** Range, Intensive ($21.72/ac) — matches the paddock-rotation system you're building. $19,114 estimated.

---

#### Practice 382 — Fence (Cross-fencing for Rotational Grazing)
**Why:** Client's #1 stated infrastructure need. 880 acres divided into ~8 paddocks (110 ac each) requires substantial interior fencing. Cross-fencing is the highest-priority use of Practice 382 in Kansas.

| Component | Unit | HU Rate (90%) |
|-----------|------|---------------|
| Barbed or Smooth Wire, Multi-Strand | Ft | **$3.04** |
| High Tensile, Electric, 5+ Wires | Ft | **$3.27** |
| High Tensile, Electric, 4 Wires or Less | Ft | **$2.46** |
| Woven Wire, 96 Inches | Ft | **$7.73** |
| Virtual Fence, Startup Year 1, Base Cost | No | **$10,023.57** |
| Virtual Fence, Startup Year 1, Implementation | No | **$48.81/unit** |
| Virtual Fence, Transmitter Station | No | **$6,979.09** |

**Estimated payment example:** 15,000 lnft of high-tensile electric (5+ wire) at $3.27/ft = **$49,050**

> Virtual Fence is worth evaluating — lower installation cost, full paddock flexibility. Ask NRCS about eligibility.

---

#### Practice 614 — Watering Facility
**Why:** Every paddock in a rotational system needs water access. With streams on property, this means frost-free tanks or piped systems at each paddock gate. Without water per paddock, the rotational system fails.

| Component | Unit | HU Rate (90%) |
|-----------|------|---------------|
| Frost Free Tank | No | **$2,097.02** |
| Permanent, Small, Base Cost | No | **$847.23** |
| Permanent, Small, Implementation | Gal | **$2.84** |
| Permanent, Large, Base Cost | No | **$2,587.50** |
| Permanent, Large, Implementation | Gal | **$0.81** |
| Water Storage Tank, Base Cost | No | **$1,407.61** |
| Water Storage Tank, Implementation | Gal | **$1.11** |
| Insulated Tank with Cover | Gal | **$4.30** |
| Tire Trough | Gal | **$2.29** |

**Estimated payment example:** 8 frost-free tanks at $2,097 = **$16,776**

---

#### Practice 516 — Livestock Pipeline
**Why:** Distributes water from source to paddock tanks. Essential if relying on a central well or rural water connection rather than per-paddock surface water.

| Component | Unit | HU Rate (90%) |
|-----------|------|---------------|
| HDPE, Base Cost | No | **$1,642.19** |
| HDPE, Implementation Cost | Lb | **$5.05** |
| Polyvinyl Chloride, Base Cost | No | **$1,238.73** |
| Polyvinyl Chloride, Implementation | Lb | **$8.05** |
| Rural Water Connection Equipment | Ea | **$5,085.20** |
| Difficult Trenching Conditions | LnFt | **$23.97** |
| Horizontal Boring | LnFt | **$132.21** |

**Estimated payment example:** Rural water connection ($5,085) + 3,000 lnft HDPE at $23.97 (difficult terrain) = **$77,000+**

---

### TIER 2 — High Priority (Apply in Same Cycle if Budget Allows)

#### Practice 314 — Brush Management
**Why:** Eastern red cedar encroachment is severe throughout eastern Kansas and the Flint Hills region. It directly degrades grazing land condition — the client's stated resource concern. Cedar control improves stocking rates significantly. Kansas NRCS prioritizes this.

| Component | Unit | HU Rate (90%) |
|-----------|------|---------------|
| Chemical Control, Ground Application | Ac | **$31.38** |
| Chemical Control, Individual Plant Treatment | Ac | **$44.60** |
| Mechanical Control for Large Shrubs, Medium Infestation | Ac | **$378.89** |
| Mechanical Control, Hand Application | Ac | **$71.26** |
| Mechanical Control, ≤1 Acre | Ac | **$496.51** |

**Estimated payment example:** 200 acres of chemical control at $31.38 = **$6,276**; mechanical at $378.89 = **$75,778**

---

#### Practice 561 — Heavy Use Area Protection
**Why:** 142 head concentrating around water sources, gates, and feed areas creates muddy, degraded areas that impact water quality and animal health. Client has streams on property — NRCS will flag this.

| Component | Unit | HU Rate (90%) |
|-----------|------|---------------|
| Rock/Gravel on Geotextile | SqFt | **$2.81** |
| Reinforced Concrete, Base Cost | No | **$1,631.19** |
| Reinforced Concrete, Implementation | CuYd | **$582.20** |

---

### TIER 3 — Secondary Practices

#### Practice 590 — Nutrient Management
**Why:** Client has streams/wetlands on property and water quality is a stated concern. 142 head generates significant nutrients. A nutrient management plan helps with both water quality ranking points and compliance.

| Component | Unit | HU Rate (90%) |
|-----------|------|---------------|
| Nutrient Management | Ac | **$37.52** |
| Manure | Ac | **$302.78** |
| Adaptive Nutrient Management | Ea | **$2,847.73** |
| Precision Nutrient Application | Ac | **$100.12** |

#### Practice 512 — Pasture and Hay Planting
**Why:** After cedar clearing (314), bare areas may need reseeding. Plan for this as a follow-on after brush management.

| Component | Unit | HU Rate (90%) |
|-----------|------|---------------|
| Introduced Perennial Species | Ac | **$351.20** |
| Native Perennial Species | Ac | **$430.96** |
| Native Perennial Species, Low Input | Ac | **$215.34** |

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## ESTIMATED TOTAL EQIP VALUE (90% Cost Share)

| Practice | Description | Est. Payment |
|----------|-------------|-------------|
| 528 | Grazing Management, Intensive, 880 ac | $19,114 |
| 382 | Cross-fencing, 15,000 lnft high-tensile electric | $49,050 |
| 614 | 8 frost-free watering units | $16,776 |
| 516 | Pipeline system (rural water + distribution) | $30,000–$80,000 |
| 314 | Brush/cedar management, 100–300 ac | $6,000–$75,000 |
| 561 | Heavy use area protection, 3 sites | $8,000–$15,000 |
| **Total Estimated Range** | | **$128,940–$254,940** |

> EQIP contract cap: **$450,000/year per person; $900,000 over 6 years** for general practices.
> Beginning Farmer/Rancher designation unlocks 90% cost share and **advance payment** before implementation.

---

## TIMING — CRITICAL

| Event | Date/Status |
|-------|-------------|
| FY2026 primary ranking deadline | **January 15, 2026 — PASSED** |
| Applications now | Automatically rolled to next funding cycle |
| FY2027 signup likely opens | **Fall 2026 — Contact NRCS now** |
| Threshold score to be funded (FY2026) | 20+ points |
| Time from application to first payment | 6–18 months typical |

**Action required immediately:** Call Osage County NRCS at (785) 828-4631 to schedule a site visit and ask about the next FY2027 batching date. Getting a conservation plan established now is the fastest path to an approved contract.

---

## DOCUMENTS TO BRING TO NRCS APPOINTMENT

- [ ] MT- LAND AND CATTLE LLC Articles of Organization (LLC formation)
- [ ] EIN verification letter (41-3604243)
- [ ] Deed(s) for 880 acres
- [ ] FSA farm/tract number (get this from FSA first)
- [ ] Aerial/satellite map of the property (NRCS can print one, but bring what you have)
- [ ] Photo documentation of resource concerns: degraded pastures, cedar encroachment, bare areas around water
- [ ] Any prior conservation plans or soil test results
- [ ] Authorization letters from landowner if any leased acres are included
- [ ] Lease agreements for any leased acres

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## RANKING STRATEGY — HOW TO MAXIMIZE SCORE

Kansas EQIP uses a point-based ranking system (threshold: 20 points for FY2026). To score highest:

1. **Address multiple resource concerns in one application** — Grazing + Water Quality + Soil Health stacks points
2. **Bundle practices** — 528 + 382 + 614 + 516 as a complete rotational grazing system scores higher than single practices
3. **Claim Beginning Farmer/Rancher status** — Additional priority points, confirmed on CPA-1200 section 3b
4. **Streams/wetlands on property** — Riparian resource concerns score high. Mention explicitly.
5. **No existing NRCS plan** — First-time applicants with clear resource concerns typically rank well
6. **Document the conservation problem** — Bring photos of degraded pastures, cedar, mud areas

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## SOURCE DOCUMENTS

| Document | URL |
|----------|-----|
| NRCS-CPA-1200 Application Form | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/NRCS-CPA-1200.pdf |
| FY2026 Kansas EQIP Payment Schedule | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2026-03/FY26_EQIP_PaymentSchedule_0.pdf |
| Kansas EQIP Program Page | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/environmental-quality-incentives-program/kansas/environmental-quality |
| Kansas Ranking Criteria | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2026-03/Exhibit%20A%20%20Program%20Ranking%20Criteria%20for%20NRCS%20Publication_EQIP_KS.pdf |
| EQIP Advance Payment Info | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/guides-and-instructions/eqip-advance-payment-option |
| How to Apply | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-environmental-quality-incentives/apply-for-environmental-quality |
| Osage County NRCS (LandCAN) | https://www.landcan.org/local-resources/Lyndon-Service-Center/60542/ |

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*Payment rates from FY2026 Kansas NRCS EQIP Payment Schedule (March 2, 2026 version). Rates subject to change. All estimates use HU (historically underserved/beginning farmer) rates at 90% cost share. Actual contract amounts determined by NRCS after site visit and practice design.*