If you are enrolled in the Livestock Subpilot, click below to access the Alliance Dashboard.
Informational Session
Virginia Livestock Subpilot
🎦 Click here to watch the recording.
► Not all information in this session applies to producers participating in the Minnesota subpilot. Please contact us at allianceforcsa@vt.edu for more information.
The Alliance Livestock Subpilot Project is a targeted effort to support the development and implementation of Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs) for livestock producers in Virginia and Minnesota. This approach aims to improve nutrient balance, promote sustainable management practices, and provide a foundation for ongoing environmental stewardship at the farm level.
Participating producers will receive compensation to offset the costs of CNMP development and to support partial implementation of nutrient management practices outlined in the plan. An additional stipend is offered to producers who volunteer to participate in an additional Virginia Tech research study.
Objectives
- Facilitate the creation of high-quality CNMPs consistent with USDA NRCS standards
- Support producers in implementing practical, impactful components of their plans
- Generate data and insights to inform recommendations for producers across the livestock sector on entry into environmental incentive markets
- Build producer readiness for application to cost-share or regulatory programs
Eligibility:
- Operate an active livestock farm in Virginia or Minnesota
- Willingness to develop and begin implementing a CNMP
- Submit farm map(s), land units, a 2026 subsidiary print, and W-9 tax form
To receive funding under this track, participating producers must:
- Engage a CNMP Planner
- The planner must be able to produce a CNMP that meets NRCS qualifications and develop the plan according to NRCS standards and tools.
- The planner does not have to be a NRSC TSP
- A copy of the final CNMP must be submitted to the project team for verification.
- Provide Necessary Farm Information
- Including animal inventories, infrastructure details, land use data, and manure management practices.
- Implement Key Plan Elements
- Full implementation is not required, but producers must undertake meaningful components of the plan that can be completed within the project timeline (e.g., adjusting manure spreading schedules, changing nutrient application rates, improved recordkeeping, etc.).
- Maintain Communication
- Respond to check-ins from the project team and provide basic documentation of plan implementation progress.
- Participate in Research (Optional)
- Schedule time for researchers to visit the farm after completion of the CNMP and after implementation
- Devote ~2 h of time to answering questions about the CNMP and implementation process
- Allow samples to be collected from the farm before and after the implementation activities
- Producers who volunteer to participate will receive an additional $3,000 payment.
| Contract Stages: | |
| Hiring Planner | Within 90 days of contract start |
| Plan Completed | Within 270 days of contract start |
| Partial Implementation | Prior to contract closure |
| Contract Length: | Through 90 days prior to Alliance end date |
| Final Reporting | CNMPs and reported implementation activities will be used for final reporting to USDA |
Pathway to Payment
|
EVENT |
PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL PAYMENT AMOUNT |
Agreement Execution:
|
25% of total payment* |
Plan Development:
|
25% of total payment* + $3,000 research stipend** |
Practice Implementation:
|
25% of total payment |
Practice Implementation and Final Reporting:
|
25% of total payment The practice worksheet, data, and surveys will be due at the conclusion of the (1) year contract. Final payment will be issued following receipt and approval of these documents. |
*Remaining 50% of total payment will be outlined in a second practice implementation agreement.
**If producer has opted to participate in research.