A new federal program that rewards farmers for protecting the environment has caught on quickly in Kansas.

The US Department of Agriculture began implementing the Conservation Security Program this year, with Kansas farmers among the first to be enrolled.

Farmers receive money and technical help for good stewardship of the land. They're encouraged to take measures that prevent soil erosion, protect wildlife habitat, and keep air and water clean.

The program initially signed up more than 300 Kansas farmers in the Lower Little Blue and Lower Salt Fork watersheds.

USDA designated six more Kansas watersheds for the program last month, making nearly 7,000 more farmers eligible.