Linking New & Underserved Farmers with Conservation Resources

This new project amplifies outreach of conservation programs and resources to historically underserved farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Through workshops, field days, webinars, and personal connections, Conservation Connections taps into a team of seasoned and experienced farmers serving as Connectors, linking underserved farmers to resources within the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Historically underserved farmer groups include African Americans, Asian, Latino, Indigenous, veterans and beginning farmers.

Conservation Connections is led by Renewing the Countryside in partnership with the Sustainable Farming Association.

Webinars

NRCS Conservation Connections: 

A Beginning Vegetable Farmers Guide to Conservation Support and Funding through EQIP

Are you a new farmer raising vegetables and interested in accessing resources to create a more successful farm business while benefiting the land? Join us for an informational introductory webinar on support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through funding opportunities through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) that offer support for about 200 practices, including high tunnels, cold storage and more.  Farmers will share their NRCS program experience along with next steps to connect with resources to support you to be ready to apply.

Using CSP to enhance conservation on grazing farms in Wisconsin 

3/10/21 Webinar Recording: 

Conservation Connections: 
A Beginning Farmers Guide to Conservation Support,
Funding & Resources in Minnesota & Wisconsin

Are you a new farmer interested in accessing resources to create a more successful farm business while benefiting the land? Join us for an informational introductory webinar on support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) including funding opportunities such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP)  and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).  

Two options available, based on if you live in Minnesota or Wisconsin, with area farmers sharing their NRCS program experience along with next steps to connect with resources in your state.

Emerging Farmers Conference

Outreach Coordinator Team

Minnesota

John Beaton Fairhaven Farm Saginaw, MN [email protected]	KaZoua Berry Big River Farms St. Paul, MN [email protected]	Katie Kubovick Prairie Smoke Gardens St. Paul, MN [email protected]	Moses Momanyi Dawn2Dusk Farm Cambridge Minnesota [email protected]
Brett Olson Renewing the Countryside Zumbro Falls, MN [email protected]	Zach Paige Sustainable Farming Association Vergas, MN [email protected]	Xiong Thao  The Good Acre Falcon Heights, MN [email protected]	Noreen Thomas Doubting Thomas Farm Moorhead, MN [email protected]
Kathy Zeman Simple Harvest Farm Organics Nerstrand, MN [email protected]	Dan Zimmerli Cedar Crate Farm Kasota, MN [email protected]

Wisconsin

Mariann Holm Holm Girls Dairy Elk Mound, WI [email protected]

Kirsten Jurcek Brattsett Family Farm Jefferson, WI [email protected]

Lisa Kivirist Renewing the Countryside Browntown, WI [email protected]

Robert Pierce Half the 40 Acres Fitchburg, WI [email protected]

Helpful Links

Service Center Locator | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)

Minnesota & Wisconsin State Directories

These links provide MN and WI directories (by administrative area & offices) and an office list (by county & office). There are also maps available on this link showing administrative areas and customers service teams for each state.

    Minnesota | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)

    Wisconsin | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)

USDA Service Center Locator

USDA-Employee Directory