The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended until April 3 the deadline for farmers and ranchers seeking financial assistance from the agency's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The programs are the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.

Financial assistance is available through EQIP to agricultural producers who are willing to implement conservation measures which treat the targeted natural resource concerns on their land, including forestry, organic farming, and energy conservation, according to a news release from the agency. WHIP provides technical and financial assistance to improve fish and wildlife habitat.

Interested farmers and ranchers are being asked to call their local NRCS Field Office for more information. To find the nearest office, go to www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov.