Benton County is accepting applications through Nov. 30 for a grant program that helps farmers keep wildlife away from their livestock, crops and property without killing the animals.
The Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program reimburses agricultural operations for non-lethal wildlife deterrents, with the goal of helping farming and wildlife coexist.
Operations of any size or income level may apply for up to $5,000 in reimbursements. Eligible purchases include standard or electric fencing, devices that scare animals off with sound or light, fladry or flagging, protective housing for animals, livestock guardian animals and other approved deterrents. Fladry is a line of flags strung along a rope or fence, commonly used to discourage predators from crossing into pastures.
The county plans to announce grant awards in January. Recipients will then have until April 30 to install their projects. Reimbursement requests follow a site visit by program staff.
More information and application details are available on the program’s website.