Rockingham, NC – Now is the time to contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Field Office to develop a conservation plan. All landowners interested in Farm Bill conservation programs administered by NRCS must have an active conservation plan so that their applications for programs can be considered when funding is made available.

A conservation plan is a voluntary technical tool that helps landowners identify conservation measures that provide the greatest conservation benefits on the land. Landowners will work with a conservation planner to develop the plan based on the landowner’s operational goals. Together, they will decide the best ways to improve the productivity, sustainability and profitability of the operation based on the landowner’s objectives. The conservation plan will serve as a roadmap to a variety of technical and financial assistance and options available to the landowner.

“We’re getting back to our roots with conservation planning,” said JB Martin Jr., North Carolina State Conservationist. “Conservation planning is the vital first step in understanding natural resources on your land, and also understanding how technical and financial conservation assistance can be incorporated into your operation to help you help the land.”

Financial assistance through Farm Bill conservation programs can be made available at anytime. To ensure that your application for programs such as Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) can be considered for future funding availability, schedule an appointment today to talk to your local NRCS Field Office about developing a conservation plan.

For more information on NRCS, Conservation Planning and Farm Bill programs call for an appointment Vilma Mendez at 910-997-8244 Ext.3 at the Richmond soil and Water Conservation District, NRCS office

123 Caroline Street, Suite 300, Rockingham, NC 28379.). You can also visit us on the Web at www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities

on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family satus. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, writhe USDA,

Director, Office of Civil rights, Room 326-W, Witten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Wasghington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”