NRCS To Focus On Precision and Regenerative Ag, Flexibility

USDA is updating 32 conservation practices, in a move the Department says will better serve farmers, ranchers and private forest landowners. The changes come after NRCS held more than 150 listening sessions with over 2,000 producers nationwide.

NRCS said the updated standards reflect today's farming practices, including precision and regenerative agriculture, while giving producers more flexibility.

A few examples of updated practices: 

Livestock pipeline, now with expanded options like collapsible lay flat tubing.
Combustion system improvement, now with greater flexibility at the local level to make improvements that reduce air emissions or improve energy efficiency.
Spring development, now with expanded flexibilities for the landowner, such as allowing the use of a pump when needed and the option to install a water battery for storing water during high flow seasons for later use during low flow seasons.
Waste separation facility, now more aligned with industry standards.

The full list of conservation practices is available in the Federal Register notice. 

“We want to make sure our conservation practices meet the needs of farmers, supporting their efforts to solve natural resource challenges and grow more productively and profitably,” said NRCS Chief Colton Buckley. “We listened to farmers and fine-tuned our practices to better integrate their real-world needs, including considerations for precision and regenerative agriculture. Ultimately, we want to keep working lands in working hands.” 