USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Can Help Indiana Landowners Protect Their Farmland and Profit Margin

Indianapolis, IN, October 31, 2024– The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is one of 29 agencies under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is dedicated to helping landowners and communities voluntarily manage natural resources on private lands. With roots dating back to the 1930s, NRCS has been working with farmers, ranchers and private forest landowners across the country to improve soil health, enhance water quality, increase wildlife habitat and protect natural resources for future generations. In Indiana, NRCS partners with local landowners to address environmental challenges on their farms, pastures and forestlands, helping them become stewards of the land while maintaining productive operations.

“Every property is unique, and each piece of land has its own set of natural resource challenges,” said Indiana NRCS State Conservationist, Damarys Mortenson. “NRCS offers a range of assistance tailored to help our landowners address specific issues and reach their conservation goals. Our field staff work one-on-one with landowners to develop customized conservation plans that focus on each property’s specific needs. Whether their goal is improving soil health, managing water resources or enhancing wildlife habitat, conservation plans offer a practical roadmap for conservation, allowing landowners to make decisions that benefit their land and surrounding ecosystems.”

NRCS provides financial assistance through programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to offset costs, making it easier for landowners to implement sustainable practices. In addition to funding, NRCS offers no-cost technical support, guiding landowners in selecting and executing the best practices for their land. Many conservation practices can require substantial investment and expertise, and NRCS’s support helps bridge that gap.

Improving soil health is the cornerstone of NRCS’s mission. Healthy soil is the foundation of productive agriculture and sustainable forestry. By working with Indiana farmers to implement practices such as reduced tillage, cover crops and crop rotations, NRCS helps protect soil, improve its structure and increase organic matter. Building resilient soils can enhance productivity, reduce erosion, improve water infiltration and reduce the need for chemical inputs.

Water quality and erosion control are equally essential in Indiana, where agriculture is vital to the economy. Protecting water quality benefits communities and ecosystems alike, and NRCS provides guidance on practices like riparian buffers, grassed waterways and erosion control structures. These practices help manage runoff, prevent sedimentation in streams and rivers and protect water sources. 

Indiana’s forests, wetlands and grasslands are home to a wide range of wildlife, and NRCS also helps landowners implement practices that enhance wildlife habitats while supporting land productivity. By managing invasive species, establishing pollinator habitats and creating shelter for wildlife, landowners can sustain biodiversity on their property and contribute to a healthier ecosystem overall.

Working with NRCS means having a trusted partner who understands the unique challenges that Indiana landowners face. The expertise that NRCS staff bring in agronomy, forestry, biology and engineering helps landowners implement practical solutions that address immediate needs and offer lasting benefits. Through NRCS conservation programs and technical assistance, Indiana’s farmers and forest landowners have the support they need to make their land productive, resilient and environmentally sustainable, helping ensure a thriving future for Indiana’s landscapes and communities.

For more information about farm bill programs and other technical and financial assistance available through Indiana NRCS conservation programs, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/indiana or contact your district conservationist https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator. Producers interested in applying for EQIP or CSP should visit their local USDA Service Center and speak with an NRCS representative.  While applications are accepted throughout the year, applications submitted by December 6 will be evaluated for funding. 

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