From farmprogess.com:
Many people feel that the USDA Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service have nothing to do with them. But they have everything to do with assisting local farmers in keeping their farms sustainable for future generations.
“FSA and NRCS work with our local farmers to increase the health and productivity of the soil on their ground by developing conservation plans and implementing these plans,” says Kayleen Hart, FSA program technician for Steuben County, Ind. “Along with our local partner, the Steuben Soil and Water Conservation District, we are able to offer technical and financial assistance to help farmers implement best management practices for their farm.”
Why is this important to everyone? “With the global population increasing, available farm ground continuing to decrease due to development or misuse, and erratic weather patterns due to climate changes affecting crop production, keeping the farm ground we have is important – not only to the farming community, but to everyone who loves to eat,” Hart says.
Ryan Waite and his family, who farm in Steuben County, have applied sustainable farming techniques for about 10 years. “In the last few years, we’ve completely converted all our acres to 100% cover crops and 100% no-till,” Waite says.
They also use filter strips where needed and are finding new ways each year to enhance their sustainability.
“My advice to the next generation is to keep evolving, keep researching, don’t be afraid to try something,” Waite says. “Everything is always changing.”
These changes have helped the Waite farm manage water quality and retain moisture within the soil where it would typically run off or evaporate.