Agricultural producer Joe Perry produces wheat and barley on 4,000 acres in northern Montana. Joe is strictly a no-till operator. He has enrolled 180 acres in CRP to increase the efficiency of his farming operation and to enhance wildlife habitat.

Joe feels CRP provides financial stability and allows him to take some of his "hard to farm" areas out of production. CRP also allows Joe to insulate his buildings and waterway from chemical use. Joe has restored six wetlands on his CRP. He now sees sandhill cranes nesting on his farm along with a host of other waterfowl and upland birds. Joe's CRP illustrates the philosophy of "farm the best and conserve the rest."

CRP enables wheat farmer Joe Perry to restore a wetland while continuing to farm his productive ground.

Perry installed a goose nesting platform in one of his CRP restored wetlands

CRP restored wetland lies alongside active wheat fields.

Goose nesting platform in one of several restored wetlands on the Perry farm

Closer view of goose nesting platform

Montana wetland restored by Joe Perry using CRP

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Restored wetland complements golden fields in Montana wheat country.

Waterfowl enjoy restored wetland.