The Natural Resources Conservation Service is taking public comment on two popular conservation programs. Minnesota Land Stewardship Project Policy Program Organizer Tom Nuessmeier says they’re encouraging producers to provide input on the Conservation Stewardship Program, which has a deadline of January 13, and The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program with a deadline of March 6.
He says the 2018 farm bill contained some positive improvements for CSP.
He says one of the changes in the ACEP proposal requires a conservation plan for highly erodible land protected by an ag land easement.
Nuessmeier says both conservation programs help farmers to be environmentally responsible, while remaining profitable.
CSP is the largest conservation program and enhances resilience to weather and market volatility, plus decreases ag input use and improves wildlife habitat. ACEP helps landowners to conserve wetlands and grasslands.