Tips for farmers and ranchers

Dinner Bell Farm, nestled in the heart of central North Carolina, was pleased with the ease of its initial success when the farm applied for a high tunnel through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The process was straightforward, and the operators were happy with the results — but they didn’t realize that the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) had much more to offer.

“They had no idea about the other conservation practices that NRCS can help them with,” says Jaimie McGirt, Agricultural Conservation and Market Access Coordinator for Rural Advancement Foundation International. RAFI’s Resources for Resilient Farms program offers plain-language guides, farmer trainings, and personalized assistance to help farmers navigate USDA programs that enhance the resilience of their operations.

Meanwhile, the farm was facing real challenges: dragging hoses hundreds of feet from a single well to water its rotationally grazed pigs and goats, whose constant escapes were wreaking havoc on nearby ponds and creeks. The inefficiency of the livestock operation was growing more frustrating by the day. It wasn’t until the farm explored the Conservation Stewardship Program that everything began to change.

Dinner Bell was offered a contract for a new water well, pipeline, troughs, and fencing to keep its animals out of the creeks — transforming its entire grazing system and making the operation more sustainable.

“It was a great success story,” recalls McGirt, “of someone starting with a single practice and discovering the wide array of support NRCS can provide.”

For farmers and ranchers looking to enhance their operations while addressing environmental challenges, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s NRCS offers valuable programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program. However, accessing these programs isn’t always straightforward. According to McGirt, many farmers struggle to navigate the programs, which can be daunting due to understaffing and overwhelming demand.

The challenges of navigating NRCS programs

Both farmers and NRCS staff face a range of challenges when it comes to accessing these programs. McGirt explains that the NRCS is severely overworked and understaffed, and the demand for its services is far greater than what its annual budget can accommodate. “Every state experiences this issue,” she says.

With the agency shifting its focus from being a technical service provider to more of a financial assistance provider, many farmers now perceive NRCS solely as a source of financial support. However, the agency’s mission is broader — it’s designed to address environmental problems on farms and forest land.

On the farmer side, the cost-share values provided by NRCS programs aren’t always enough to make participation feasible. Misunderstandings about the agency’s purpose are also common, leading to frustration when farmers are denied assistance for not addressing an environmental concern.

“Farmers often think of NRCS as just a financial assistance agency,” McGirt says, “but if they’re not addressing environmental issues on their farm, they may not qualify for the program. That’s where the confusion comes in.”

Understanding the NRCS application process

When it comes to understanding if this is the right program for you, it’s important to make sure that you meet the agency’s eligibility requirements first. To qualify for NRCS programs, a farm must have an active farm number and an up-to-date record with the Farm Service Agency. This includes completing a highly erodible land certification form, an annual adjusted gross income (AGI) form, and potentially an updated farm operating plan.

“Those are the three things farmers must have on file every fiscal year with the FSA,” says McGirt. “If they don’t, they risk losing eligibility for the assistance they’ve applied for.”

Farmers should also be aware of the NRCS timeline. While the agency accepts applications year-round, each state has internal cut-off dates, known as ranking or batching dates, by which applications must be submitted to be considered for funding within that fiscal year.

“If you miss that deadline, you could be waiting over a year for assistance,” McGirt warns.

Articulating environmental challenges

Before applying, farmers should clearly identify the environmental issues they’re experiencing on their land and communicate those problems to their local NRCS representative. Don’t be afraid to vocalize the issues you face, even if the goal is proactive support.

“I always tell producers, frame the issue as a problem you’re trying to solve. If they present it that way, they’re more likely to get the assistance they need,” McGirt says.

It’s also important to recognize that the NRCS application process is competitive. Applications are ranked against others, based on factors like the type of land and the farmer’s demographics. Not all applicants will receive assistance, and the wait time between application and approval can stretch to six months or longer.

Key tips for pre-approval and beyond

Once pre-approved, farmers must review the contract thoroughly with their NRCS conservationist to avoid potential pitfalls. McGirt advises farmers to double-check that the practices included in the contract align with their original goals and to ensure they can afford their share of the costs within the required timeframe.

Farmers who qualify as historically underserved can request an advance payment if they are enrolled in the EQIP program, allowing them to receive 50 percent of the cost-share value upfront. However, this option must be requested before the contract is signed, and farmers have only 90 days to spend the funds.

“When you reach the pre-approval stage, there’s very little flexibility left, so it’s crucial to get everything right at the beginning.”

Expanding opportunities

While EQIP is well-known, McGirt believes the Conservation Stewardship Program is underutilized, especially by small-scale and micro-producers. Many smaller farmers are already implementing environmentally-friendly practices and could benefit from CSP’s support in enhancing these efforts.

McGirt also highlights the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) as a unique opportunity for farmers interested in experimental practices. These grants, designed for innovative projects, often involve partnerships with universities or extension services. “Farmers get really creative with CIG,” McGirt says. “They improve their land and invite other producers to see the benefits firsthand.”

Additionally, McGirt encourages farmers to explore state cost-share programs, which can complement NRCS efforts by providing additional resources to improve farm systems.

Building strong relationships with NRCS representatives

One of the best ways to ensure success in working with NRCS is to build a strong relationship with local representatives. Given the agency’s heavy workload, patience and understanding are key. Farmers should approach NRCS staff with specific information about their farm’s conservation efforts and environmental challenges but remain open to learning what the agency can offer.

“If you’re told no, ask why — but ask kindly,” McGirt advises. “If your agent doesn’t have the information you need, ask if there’s someone else in the department who can help.”

If communication with local staff becomes difficult, farmers should contact higher-level supervisors or even the State Outreach Coordinator, who serves as a liaison between farmers and NRCS offices.

“If producers are not getting accurate information or responses in a timely fashion, the state office wants to know that. They also want to know which staff are doing a remarkably good job. They don’t often get to hear the success stories,” McGirt says.

Signing up for local and state USDA service center newsletters is also essential for staying informed about ranking dates and other critical deadlines.

Navigating NRCS programs can be challenging, but with a clear understanding of the process and a good relationship with local representatives, farmers can access valuable support to address environmental concerns on their land. Patience, preparation, and communication are key to ensuring success.

Ciara O’Brien is a recent college graduate and freelance writer from Maryland. She enjoys writing about sustainable agriculture, environmental issues, and holistic wellness. Her work has been featured in local, national, and international publications.