Overview of NRCS Conservation Programs
February 8, 2025 | Duration: 39 minutes
Course Description
During the 2025 YF&R Conference, this breakout session provided an overview of conservation programs offered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The discussion focused on practices and enhancements that CSP and EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) can directly help and assist farmers and landowners. A direct conversation in everyday language about NRCS programs. This session will consist of a presentation and answers to questions afterward.
Learning Objectives
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Understanding Agricultural Program Sign-Up and Contract Processes
- Learn the steps involved in signing up for agricultural programs, including the timeline, application process, and typical contract durations.
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Familiarity with Conservation Practices and Eligibility Requirements
- Gain knowledge about various conservation practices such as no-till farming, efficient irrigation systems, and energy conservation measures.
- Understand the eligibility criteria for participating in these programs, including specific requirements for irrigation and conservation practices.
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Financial Aspects and Funding Mechanisms
- Comprehend the financial aspects of agricultural programs, including funding availability, payment schedules, and how payments are processed.
- Learn about the different funding programs like EQIP and CSP, and how they support environmental and conservation efforts.
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Land Management and Conservation Strategies
- Understand the strategies for managing land and implementing conservation practices, including wetland improvement and permanent conservation easements.
- Learn about the administrative details and requirements for managing multiple contracts, trusts, and land ownership scenarios.
Credit Hours
This course does not include continuing educational credits.
Pricing
Member Price - Free | Non-member - $0
Presenters
Glenn Sandifer - NRCS District Conservationist
Upon graduating Clemson in 1992, Glenn went to work for the USDA Soil Conservation Service. The Soil Conservation Service became The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in 1994. From 1992 – 1996 he was a Soil Conservationist in Berkely, Dorchester and Lee counties for NRCS. Then in 1996 – 1998 he was on a regional wetland team for NRCS covering Virginia to Florida on the east coast. In 1998 he transferred to the South Carolina NRCS state office where he worked on the programs staff and was the manager of Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). During his time in the state office, he closed over 300 conservation easements and close to a million of acres of conservation work with CSP. He worked in the state office in programs from 1998 until 2024 when he accepted the position of the District Conservationist for Bamberg and Barnwell Counties. He decided to go to a county office, where the real work in conservation takes place.