The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service announced today that funding is available to help Klamath Basin farmers avoid soil loss.

Under a special drought initiative, farmers are eligible to receive between 75 and 90 percent of the cost of establishing cover crops to decrease topsoil loss.

"We are encouraging folks with bare fields to come in as soon as possible to utilize this assistance prior to the depletion of adequate soil moisture," Oregon State Conservationist Ron Alvarado said.

The initiative is open to farmers in parts of Klamath County in Oregon and Modoc and Siskiyou counties in California.

Producers can apply through NRCS at their local USDA service center.

Applications will be taken through April 9.

For more information in Oregon, call 541-883-6924. In California, call 530-667-4247.

--Mitch Lies