The Tygarts Valley Conservation District, which serves Barbour, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker, and Upshur counties, will open the signup period for the FY27 Agricultural Enhancement Program on May 4. The window will stay open through May 29. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it is closed on weekends and on federal and state holidays.
With signups less than a month away, the district is urging cooperators to use the time between now and May 4 to gather all required documents. Applications must be complete when submitted, and TVCD cannot use any materials from past years.
Every applicant must provide a current Farm Service Agency (FSA) farm map, a completed cooperator agreement, and a W-9 form. Cooperators who do not already have maps will need to contact their local Farm Service Agency office to request them. Some applicants will also need a signed lease for rented land and soil sample results. Soil samples taken on or after July 1, 2023 are acceptable. Several practices require nutrient information, so getting soil tests done ahead of time is helpful.
All documents must be turned in together during the May 4–29 signup window. TVCD cannot accept early applications or early documents.
The FY27 program will offer several practices, including frost seeding, lime, pollination projects, small scale soil amendment, urban agriculture, watering systems, invasive species management, and heavy use area protection. Soil sample results are required for frost seeding, lime, and small scale soil amendment. Full practice descriptions and cost-share details will be available at signup.
TVCD encourages cooperators to prepare now by contacting their local Farm Service Agency office for maps, taking soil samples if needed, checking lease agreements, and gathering tax information for the W-9. Using the remaining time wisely will help ensure a smooth and timely application.
Applications will be available to download from the district website starting on May 4, and a drop box will be available for use outside office hours. For more information, cooperators are invited to stop by the office in Philippi or visit the district website or Facebook page to read the Spring newsletter.
