For Farmers
1) Producer/landowner interested in conservation options and cost-share programs
2) Interested in connecting with farmers who received USDA funding and implemented conservation practices
3) Facing on-farm challenges and looking for support
4) Need help navigating the USDA bureaucracy
Do any of these describe you?
We can connect you with an organization in your state that focuses specifically on sustainable agriculture and has staff that can answer questions and connect you with resources and other farmers who have been through the process. We are working with partners across the Midwest who have Conservation Coordinators, mentorship programs, lists of resources and other connections who can help.
We’re here to help!
Resource Guides for Farmers
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Why & How to Get a Farm Number
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Guides to EQIP & CSP
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The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) are USDA cost share programs available to farmers which provide financial and technical assistance for addressing natural resource concerns on farms. Both programs are managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Michigan Food & Farming Systems has developed a thorough guide to EQIP for farmers.
Find it linked here: EQIP Guide.
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition has developed a Farmers Guide to CSP.
Find it linked here: Farmers Guide to CSP
The USDA Midwest Climate Hub provides “information that will help producers cope with climate change through linkages of research, education and extension partnerships.” Visit this hub for resources and up-to-date news on climate change and agricultural practices in the Midwest.
Find the climate hub linked here : USDA Midwest Climate Hub
USDA Midwest Climate Hub
NRCS Local Working Groups
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The USDA uses farm numbers to identify farms for all of their programs. You can register at the FSA office for a farm number.
Rural Advancement Foundation International has put together a great video resource on how and why to get a farm number.
View it here: How & Why to Get a Farm Number (RAFI)
Michigan Food & Farming Systems provides a detailed resource on registering for a farm number.
Check it out here: Registering with USDA Farm Service Agency
NRCS Local Working Groups are where farmers and community members can share their thoughts and priorities for conservation with USDA NRCS and their county Soil and Water Conservation District. LWGs are the first rung on the ladder of "locally-led conservation.”
Participation on LWGs does not take a lot of time and you can make significant positive change in your community and potentially for your farm.
Learn more about how to get involved with our resource guides: