Midwest Agricultural Conservation Pilot

As part of a new pilot program, we are working to reach a larger, more diverse base of farmers and producers, to share resources, expertise, and increase access for small to mid-scale and underserved farmers to USDA’s agricultural conservation programming through the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).

Federally funded conservation programs like Conservation Reserve Program CSP and Environmental Quality Initiatives Program EQIP help farmers and ranchers protect and conserve natural resources. Both of these programs can help increase environmental benefits on Iowa's working lands through supporting healthy soils, cleaner air and water, and conserving wildlife habitats.

Together, we are working to help urban and rural producers overcome barriers and challenges in accessing and implementing CSP and EQIP.

If you're interested in learning more about ways to implement these practices on your farm, we're here to support the process from learning about conservation options through implementation. Our goals are to help build relationships with USDA staff and farmers that lead to increased interest and commitment to land stewardship across Iowa.

FAQs

  • The primary goal of this program is to build the capacity of Iowa Valley RC&D and other farmer-serving organizations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas so we can better serve target producers with the information, resources and assistance needed to achieve their conservation goals. Through this project, Iowa Valley RC&D will bring together state and community partners to develop and implement a plan that recognizes their specific unique natural resource needs and priorities and reach farmers that have not been well served by USDA.

  • Contact Farmer Technical Assistance Manager Lisa Stark at lisa@ivrcd.org.

Partners:

This work is made possible through an innovative public-private partnership with support from philanthropy and the USDA Natural ResourceConservation Service.