Iowa producers and landowners who sign up for voluntary conservation planning assistance by Feb. 2 will receive priority service, according to state conservationist Jay Mar of Des Moines.
At the Jasper County Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Field Office, farmers can begin Conservation Planning for fall 2015 cover crops and conservation practices.
The NRCS will use the Conservation Planning Process, including a Resource Assessment, to develop a science based Conservation Plan to address priority resource concerns while minimizing risk. This is a free service provided by experts to help far ers help their land by improving water quality and soil health while minimizing soil erosion.
"Developing a conservation plan is the first step towards realizing the economic and stewardship benefits of managing the natural resources on your farm," said Mar. "The extent of the plan is guided by the producer's individual goals and objectives. Our role is to assist farmers learn more about their land's potential, and how conservation management and stewardship practices can improve their sustainable bottom line. Conservation plans are tailored to each individual situation. It truly is your farm and your plan."
Producers can call or visit their local NRCS office to participate in the sign-up.
Staff will provide producers with a Producer Information Workbook and a Crop Management Inventory Worksheet. These documents allow the NRCS to gather the information needed to complete a full resource assessment that addresses both the producer’s goals and NRCS objectives.
The NRCS planner will then schedule a time with the producer to review the documentation and make a field visit.
Producers can request technical assistance at anytime. However, the sign-up deadline is set to emphasize the importance of conservation planning.
“Our vision is to help landowners accelerate good conservation management through quality conservation planning,” said Mar. “This sign-up is an excellent way to begin working relationships between conservation planners and Iowa producers.”
The conservation planning process often helps producers and planners discover a different, more effective solution to previously identified problems.
The Conservation Planning Process is the starting point for conservation programs and financial assistance eligibility.
The planning process and resource assessment leads producers to make the best informed decisions regarding their land and operation. Only then are producers eligible to enter into a Conservation Program Contract for financial assistance.
The completed individualized conservation plan guides future land management decisions and helps streamline conservation practice implementation. However, as goals change, so can conservation plans.
For more information about NRCS conservation planning assistance please go to www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov, visit the Jasper County NRCS field office or call us at 641-792-4116 ext. 3.