CRP compliance checklist: what to confirm before ordering seed.
Buying the wrong mix can cost you cost-share dollars. Use this checklist to make sure your contract, conservation plan, and seed order line up before you plant.
1. Confirm your contract status
You can order a CRP-qualified seed mix without an active contract, but cost-share reimbursement requires enrolled acres. Check with your local FSA office or NRCS conservation planner to confirm:
- The practice code (CP2, CP25, CP42, CP4D, etc.) assigned to your acres.
- Whether the acres are new enrollment, re-enrollment, or a mid-contract management change.
- Any special provisions for pollinator, wildlife, or rare-and-declining habitat.
2. Match your conservation plan
Your conservation plan is the rulebook. It lists the species group, seeding rate, and planting method approved for your practice. Before we quote, send us the plan or job sheet so we can build a mix that matches the spec — not just one that sounds close.
3. Understand PLS seed rates
CRP seeding rates are written in Pure Live Seed (PLS) pounds per acre. A 50-lb bag of bulk seed with 70% PLS only contains 35 PLS pounds. Ordering by bulk weight can leave you short and fail inspection.
| Practice | Typical PLS rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CP2 Native Grasses | 4–8 lbs/ac | Warm-season grass base; lower rates in drier zones. |
| CP25 Rare & Declining | 8–12 lbs/ac | High diversity; forb-heavy blends often run higher. |
| CP42 Pollinator | 8–12 lbs/ac | Minimum forb requirement varies by state. |
We quote and label every blend in PLS pounds so you know exactly how much viable seed you are getting.
4. Seeding windows & deadlines
Most native CRP seed is planted during a dormant seeding window (November–March) or early spring before green-up. Your job sheet will list the approved window. Ordering seed at least 2–4 weeks before your target planting date gives us time to source, clean, and blend to spec.
- Dormant seeding: best for most warm-season grasses and forbs.
- Spring drill: viable for cool-season components and some pollinator blends.
- Emergency/spot reseeding: possible mid-contract with FSA approval.
5. State and ecoregion rules
CRP practices are not one-size-fits-all. Each state publishes an approved species list and ecoregial seed source requirement. A CP42 mix that works in Iowa may not pass in Texas. We cross-reference your county and NRCS job sheet before blending.
If you are not sure which ecoregion you are in, include your county on the quote form and we will look it up.
6. Keep records & tags
FSA and NRCS may ask for seed tags, invoices, and planting records. Save these items:
- Original seed tags showing species, origin, and PLS percentages.
- Your signed conservation plan or job sheet.
- Drill or broadcast calibration settings and acres planted.
- Photos of the planted stand and any weed-control passes.
We provide a seed tag and blend sheet with every order so you have documentation ready.
Related CRP seed mix pages
Once your contract and conservation plan are confirmed, choose the mix page that matches your practice for species details and rates:
- CP2 Native Grasses Mix · warm-season grass base for general CRP cover.
- CP25 Rare & Declining Habitat Mix · diverse native blends for high-priority wildlife habitat.
- CP42 Pollinator Habitat Mix · forb-forward blends for pollinators and beneficial insects.
- Native Food Plot Guide · turn CRP acres into deer, turkey, and upland bird habitat.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need an active CRP contract to buy CRP seed?
- No — anyone can buy a CRP-qualified mix. But if you want cost-share reimbursement, the acres must be enrolled and you must follow the conservation plan signed by NRCS or your FSA office.
- What is a CRP conservation plan?
- It is the document that spells out your approved practice (CP2, CP25, CP42, etc.), required species, seeding rates, planting windows, and maintenance rules. We use it to build a mix that passes inspection.
- What does PLS mean on a seed label?
- PLS stands for Pure Live Seed — the percentage of seed in a bag that is actually viable. CRP is paid by PLS pounds, not bulk pounds. We label every blend with PLS rates so you order the right amount.
- Can I plant CRP seed anytime?
- Most native CRP mixes are planted during a dormant seeding window, typically late November through March, or in early spring before green-up. Your conservation plan lists the approved planting period for your practice and state.
- What happens if my seeding fails inspection?
- We build mixes to the practice spec, but final approval depends on planting method, weed control, and timing. Keep your seed tags, drill settings, and photos. If an issue arises, we help you document it and source any replacement seed fast.
- Do you handle state-specific CRP requirements?
- Yes. CP2, CP25, and CP42 all have state/ecoregial lists. We cross-check your county and NRCS job sheet before blending so the species match what your state allows.
Ready to order CRP seed that passes inspection?
Send us your conservation plan, acres, and state. We'll spec a CRP-compliant mix, quote it in PLS pounds, and ship it direct.