Having farm equipment in fields will often necessitate the presence of additional fuel or oil, which may present environmental and health concerns for producers.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said recently it has a pilot program being offered through its National Resources Conservation Service. Through the initiative, producers will be able to make sure they comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure program.
"An important part of our mission at USDA is helping farmers and ranchers develop plans to protect human health and the environment, including assistance complying new regulations," said NRCS chief Dave White.
Up to $3 million is being provided through the pilot program, and the NRCS will assist in the creation or updating of spill prevention plans.
Roughly 84 percent of ranchers and farmers are small enough that they can go online and self-certify their operations. Those who have a 10,000-plus storage capacity for oil or fuel need to have a plan created by a registered engineer.
Along with fuel and oil regulatory assistance, the USDA can also help farmers and ranchers who want to make their operations more environmentally friendly.
Oil storage for farm equipment can be developed through USDA program
The USDA announced the continuation of a program to help farmers with oil storage.