An Evaluation and Conservation Planning Framework Natural Resources

An Evaluation and Conservation Planning Framework Natural Resources Conservation Service 1

Improving Communication Natural Resources Conservation Service 2

Recognizing Stewardship Maryland Farm pumpkin, corn, soybeans, wheat Existing no-till operation, with cover crops on highly erodible soils achieved all stewardship thresholds “If you’re going to be in farming today, you’re going to have to pay attention to detail. And I believe NRCS and soil conservation can really help, I really do. ” – Maryland farmer Natural Resources Conservation Service 3

Empowering Producers New Jersey Farm corn, soybeans conversion to hay Tenant farmer used RS to address landowners resource concerns and stay farming “Using planning knowledge and the RS tool NRCS staff evaluated alternative options that would meet the landowners needs but still allow agricultural production. Plan achieved the soil erosion, water quality, and habitat improvements the DRCC wanted while creating an opportunity for the farmer to expand production of his quality hay. ” – District Conservationist Natural Resources Conservation Service 4

Water Quality Effects of Resource Stewardship 10, 000, 000 9, 000, 000 8, 000, 000 7, 000, 000 6, 000, 000 5, 000, 000 4, 000, 000 3, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 1, 000, 000 0 Total P Loss (lbs) Surface N Loss (lbs) No Practices Current Subsurface N Loss (lbs) Total at Stewardship Natural Resources Conservation Service 5

2015 Pilot States Small geographic area in each state 6

Natural Resources Conservation Service 8

Improved Nutrient Management Delaware Farm corn, soybeans Reached nutrient management thresholds with the addition of a cover crop on high leaching soils in the Delmarva. “Resource stewardship motivates me to get ‘over the line. ’ It is a great benchmark evaluation of my farm and shows me where I need to focus improvements” – Delaware farmer, Mike Brown Natural Resources Conservation Service 9

Maximize Program Benefits Minnesota Farm vegetables Implementing cover crop, nutrient management and integrated pest management provides significant conservation benefits “I have used the RSE to show incorporating cover crops into a current system brings Water Quality Issues from not meeting the threshold to meeting the threshold. ” – District Conservationist Natural Resources Conservation Service 10

Opportunities to Improve without Program Dollars Iowa Farm corn, soybeans High level nitrogen and erosion management but was applying phosphorus as twice the plant uptake level in the fall. Reducing this rate achieved all thresholds “This helps farmers to see long term goals instead of short term production and where the strengths and weakness of their farm are. This will help them to conserve their farm for future generations. ” - Jack Bensink, Bensink Farms Ltd Natural Resources Conservation Service 11