An official with the USDA’s office in Greenfield says Iowa producers and landowners who sign up for voluntary conservation planning assistance at the Greenfield Field office by Feb. 2nd will receive priority planning service from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field staff.  District Conservationist Alan Lange says “Developing a conservation plan is the first step towards realizing the economic and stewardship benefits of managing the natural resources on your farm.

Lange said “The extent of the plan is guided by the producer’s individual goals and objectives. Our role is to assist farmers learn more about their land’s potential, and how conservation management and stewardship practices can improve their sustainable bottom line. Conservation plans are tailored to each individual situation. It truly is your farm and your plan.”

Producers can call or visit the Greenfield NRCS office to participate in the signup. Staff will schedule a time to make farm visits and start the planning process. State Conservationist Jay Mar says “The signup is part of Iowa NRCS’ multi-faceted effort to emphasize the benefits and importance of conservation planning.”  Mar says the idea “Is to help landowners accelerate good conservation management through quality conservation planning. This signup is an excellent way to begin working relationships between conservation planners and Iowa producers.”

The conservation planning process often helps producers and planners discover different, more effective solutions to previously identified problems. Mar said “Our conservation planners offer to work together with producers to provide another set of eyes. Sometimes a different perspective is needed to make sure a producer’s goals and objectives are met with the best tools available.”

The completed individualized conservation plan guides future land management decisions and helps streamline conservation implementation. For more information about NRCS conservation planning assistance please go to www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov or visit your local NRCS field office.