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NRCS says more climate-smart agriculture is needed

A USDA official says the number of farmers carrying out conservation practices on their operations has increased.

Terry Cosby, Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), says innovative conservation strategies will help tackle the climate crisis. “Our work is more important than ever now because we want to make sure these farms stay profitable. We want to make sure they stay sustainable and resilient because we need producers on the land.”

Speaking to Brownfield at the 2023 NAFB Convention in Kansas City, he says funding resources through NRCS can help farmers with future projects. “Last year we had about $2.8 billion available. This year we’ve made available almost $5 billion in conservation. And so we’re right there ready and waiting for producers to contact us and let us know what their conservation needs are.”

Cosby says NRCS staff can help producers establish conservation plans.

2023 NAFB Trade Talk Interview: Terry Cosby – USDA NRCS Chief