Conservation Programs of the Farm Bill Administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
National publications can be found on the national program pages and/or on the USDA NRCS South Dakota program pages. The following are state-specific publications. Quantities and hard copies are available by contacting SM.FPAC.NRCS.SD.PublicAffairs@usda.gov or calling the state office at (605) 352-1200.
Detailed information and specifications for conservation practices can be found in the Electronic Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG). The following are state-specific publications that address technical topics and support the practices in the eFOTG.
Plant Cover Crops and Insure Your Cash Crop (PDF; 3,215 KB) USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Farm Service Agency(FSA) have jointly developed these guidelines for cover crops across all USDA programs.
Growing Connections-Soil Health Mentor BookletRequest a copy of the 40-page “Growing Connections” publication with a list of South Dakota farmers and ranchers who have volunteered their time and expertise to help others with soil health. Also included in the publication are contact information for subject-matter experts for agronomy, soils, grassland management and more!
New Report Available “2021 South Dakota Cropping Systems Inventory - Focus on Soil Health”
The NRCS has tracked tillage systems and no-till for 39 years to help measure progress in the use of soil saving and soil building farming systems. The printed publication and orders for quantities can be requested from Public Affairs at (605) 352-1200 or SM.FPAC.NRCS.SD.PublicAffairs@usda.gov. Full copy printable single sheets (PDF; 1,983 KB)
Living Landscapes in South Dakota - A Guide to Native Plantscaping (PDF; 13.2 MB) - This 42-page booklet is designed as a guide to help homeowners, living on acreages, rural or urban settings, in planting native plants and landscaping. It is full of handy information such as planning, design, and site preparation; choosing the right grasses, shrubs, trees, and wildflowers; water conservation; plant maintenance and protection; planning and planting for wildlife; rain gardens; energy conservation; weed control; culturally significant native plants; and fire wise landscaping.
An Agricultural Adventure With Lewis and Clark (PDF; 12.8 MB) - Activity guide that educates children not only about Lewis and Clark's expedition of the Louisiana Purchase but also about South Dakota agriculture and natural resources. It contains activities about cattle, crops, soils, and other natural resources and emphasizes conservation practices that producers use to protect the soil and water. It also stresses the importance that agricultural producers have on all people - not just those that live on a farm.
Rural Living: What You Need to Know as a South Dakota Landowner (PDF; 691 KB) - This publication is intended to create an awareness of environmental concerns associated with living on a rural housing development or a small acreage and guide the reader to sources of additional information and assistance. It introduces non-agricultural people to natural resources and how to keep the watershed healthy. "Rural Living: What You Need to Know as a South Dakota Landowner" was produced by a cooperative effort of public and private entities to educate people for better management of soil, water, air, plants, and animals in an ecosystem.
Additional Resources or recommended web sites:
NRCS Distribution Center - The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides a variety of free publications about conserving our natural resources.
Buffers, Common-Sense Conservation - Conservation buffers help landowners maintain productive, profitable, and environmentally responsible farming and ranching operations. Conservation buffers protect soil, improve air and water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and help create a more diverse, scenic landscape.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is committed to making its information accessible to all of its customers and employees. If you are experiencing accessibility issues and need assistance, please call the South Dakota NRCS office at 605-352-1200. For assistance with publications that include maps, graphs, or similar forms of information, you may also wish to contact your state or local office.
