Nebraska farmers and ranchers are being encouraged to apply for grants that will help them test out practices to deal with drought.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has up to $5 million available for the grants.

State Conservationist Craig Derickson says Nebraska is in the midst of one of the worst droughts since the dust bowl years. The NRCS wants to help farmers and ranchers develop new techniques to cope with dry conditions.

Applications are due Oct. 15. Private individuals, Tribes, local and state governments and other organizations can apply.