The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) emphasizes voluntary, science-based assistance to help landowners and managers improve their natural resources. NRCS conservationists work through the conservation planning process to help landowners identify problems and opportunities, develop alternatives, implement solutions, and monitor progress toward their goals. In addition, NRCS may provide assistance through conservation programs.
The videos below highlight several Montana landowners' experiences in working with NRCS. Watch below.
Conservation for the Future - Auer Farms, Broadview, Montana
NRCS and the Auer family have been working together, through the agency's Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning, to improve soil health and productivity, reduce soil erosion, and provide information to the tight-knit agricultural community in the Broadview area.
Conservation for the Future - Keogh Ranch, Nye, Montana
On his ranch in the Stillwater valley near the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Noel Keogh is working with NRCS through the agency's Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning to implement a grazing system that is best for his cattle, the land, and the water he stewards.
Conservation for the Future - Carolyn Zajanc Peck, Libby, Montana
Carolyn Zajanc Peck worked with her local NRCS field office through the agency's Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning to decrease the fire danger to her and her neighbors' homes.
Conservation for the Future - Gillett Ranch, Winnett, Montana
Amanda and Glen Gillett and their family are not breaking ground, but they are no-tilling in an area where it is nearly unheard of. Using this practice, with NRCS's Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning, has helped them to keep producing food while regenerating soil.
Conservation for the Future - Hansen Livestock, Dillon, Montana
Hansen Livestock is utilizing NRCS Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning to improve their rangeland, but they are also using a conservation easement and partnering with the Nature Conservancy to be sure this large stretch of contiguous habitat will stay in agriculture into the future.
Conservation for the Future - Homestead Organics, Hamilton, Montana
Homestead Organics is providing produce and poultry to their local community. They are doing that while improving their resources and decreasing erosion through NRCS Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning.
Conservation for the Future - J Bar L Ranch, Twin Bridges, Montana
The J Bar L Ranch is managing their operation for beef production while improving irrigation water efficiency for the good of the Big Hole watershed, all with NRCS Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning.
Conservation for the Future - Weigand Farm, Shelby, Montana
John and Bonnie Weigand are utilizing NRCS Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning to leave their soil better than they got it in order to continue farming, but also for future land stewards.
Conservation for the Future - Kimm Farms, Manhattan, Montana
Kimm Farms works with NRCS to improve irrigation water and electrical efficiencies on their farm through the agency's Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning.
Conservation for the Future - Kleinjan Ranch, Chinook, Montana
On the Kleinjan Ranch, leaving the land better for the next generation is so important they are working with NRCS through the agency's Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning to better manage their resources.
Conservation for the Future - Pat & Judy McKelvey, Helena, Montana
The McKelvey's are stewarding their land, with Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning from NRCS, in a way that helps to protect the drinking water of Helena while passing down a treasure to future generations.
Conservation for the Future - Purcell Ranch, Lolo, Montana
Joe Purcell is working with NRCS, through the agency's Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning, to make sure his land is healthy. Joe is controlling weeds and thinning forest land to decrease fire danger.
Conservation for the Future - Kavita & Justin Bay, Rivulet, Montana
Conservation for the Future - Phipps Ranch, Brusett, Montana
Bryan and Chelsea Phipps and their family see an exciting future. By teaming up with NRCS, they are improving soil health and livestock production by changing management strategies and utilizing NRCS Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning.
Conservation for the Future - Greg Schlemmer, Fromberg/Edgar, Montana
NRCS and Greg have been working together and learning together on using no-till to combat erosion and build soil health. NRCS Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning help Greg implement conservation practices that are good for his resources, bottom line, and lifestyle.
Conservation for the Future - K & D Livestock, Volborg, Montana
The Kolkas of K & D Livestock have worked with NRCS since the 80s. Utilizing NRCS Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning, the family has implemented various conservation practices that benefit the water, the land, the livestock, and the ranch operation.
Conservation for the Future - Francis "Boo Boo" Bird, Blackfeet Reservation, Montana
With the help of NRCS, Boo Boo and his wife have built their operation from the ground up. The Birds are using NRCS Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning to better take care of the land.
Conservation for the Future - Deep Creek Watershed, Townsend, Montana
Trust helps partners come together for the resources and community associated with Deep Creek Watershed now and for years to come. Agriculture, fish & wildlife habitat, recreation, small landowners, residents, and more all benefit from the work done in the watershed.
Conservation for the Future - Coulter Ranch, Brusett, Montana
Casey and Lacey Coulter have used NRCS Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning to help them transition their Eastern Montana ranch from a conventional till cropping and livestock operation to no-till and then to 100% livestock for soil health and for their family.
Conservation for the Future - Big Spring Creek Partnership, Lewistown, Montana
Many partners came together to improve the stream, habitat, and floodplain health of Big Spring Creek near Lewistown, Montana. NRCS assisted through planning, design, and implementation. Read the Big Spring Creek Protected and Restored success story.
Conservation for the Future - Oxbow Cattle Company, Missoula, Montana
Bart Morris discusses their all natural, grass finished beef operation and how they have worked with NRCS through Financial Assistance and Conservation Planning to address their limiting resource - stock water.
