Helping Farmers Access Conservation Funding & Support

Conservation Connections is a program led by Renewing the Countryside and designed to help farmers and landowners across Minnesota familiarize themselves with and access conservation resources through the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

We raise awareness about the benefits of on-farm conservation practices and break down barriers that have historically limited participation, ensuring that all producers across Minnesota can fully benefit from NRCS opportunities—whether they are smaller-scale, diversified, organic, regenerative, beginning, or underserved.

Stewardship and conservation are core values for many farmers and landowners—NRCS programs offer practical ways to turn those values into action. Integrating new conservation systems can not only benefit the land, but also help producers meet broader personal, cultural, quality of life, and economic goals. 

Take Action Now! If you’re a farmer interested in conservation funding and support, contact us today or fill out our short intake form to get started!

Event Series: "Unlocking Conservation Resources for Communities & Farms"

During the summer of 2025, we will be hosting a series of free, conservation events in eight Minnesota counties to connect directly with folks and provide hands-on assistance. Register here to secure your spot.

Each "Unlocking Conservation Resources for Communities & Farms" event will occur from 12pm-2pm, at the following locations:

📍 Elbow Lake (Grant County), on Wednesday, July 23rd at "Elbow Lake Community Building"
📍 Fairmont (Martin County), on Thursday, August 7th at "Red Rock Center for the Arts"
📍 Hallock (Kittson County), on Tuesday, July 22nd at "Far North Spirits"
📍 Jordan (Scott County), on Wednesday, August 6th at "Ridges at Sand Creek Golf Course"
📍 Milaca (Mille Lacs County), on Tuesday, July 29th at "Gorecki Community Center"
📍 Mora (Kanabec County), on Thursday, July 31st at "Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly Cidery"
📍 Owatonna (Steele County), on Tuesday, August 5th at "Owatonna Public Utilities Building"
📍 Sleepy Eye (Brown County), on Thursday, July 24th at "Sleepy Eye Brewing Company"

These events will serve as an opportunity to learn more about the great work NRCS does, ask questions, and receive personalized support in applying for funding. We will explain the benefits of conservation to communities, available financial incentive programs, and the net cost-benefit ratio of conservation practices to help producers make informed decisions. Enjoy a complimentary lunch while networking with fellow farmers, neighbors, local NRCS staff, and conservation professionals.

This free event is open to all, but we are requesting that folks complete our registration form ahead of time. 

How We Help

We’re dedicated to helping more producers learn about NRCS and access their popular conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Our team is here to support farmers every step of the way—whether through direct, hands-on help or by connecting you with trusted mentors and experts, we can help you with:

• Understanding available conservation options
• Applications, paperwork, and eligibility verification
• Office visits and direct connections with NRCS staff
• Mentorship and access to valuable resources
• Language translation and culturally relevant assistance
• Conservation planning and technical guidance
• Assistance with implementation and maximizing benefits

We want to ensure that every farmer—regardless of their background or approach to farming—has the knowledge and support needed to access these crucial conservation programs.

NRCS Conservation Programs Spotlight

Many valuable financial assistance programs are available to help producers improve their land through conservation.

Yet, there are common misconceptions about who qualifies for NRCS support—things like farm size,location, years in operation, or sales figures often don’t matter. In fact, your farm’s unique situation could make you eligible for priority consideration, special incentives, and higher payment rates.

Reach out to us to better understand your eligibility for:

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Provides financial and technical assistance for conservation practices that improve soil, water, air, and habitat quality. Among the many practices, some include:

• Cover Cropping – Enhances soil health and prevents erosion.
• Rotational Grazing – Improves pasture productivity and soil regeneration.
• Irrigation Efficiency – Reduces water usage and enhances plant health.
• Pollinator Habitats – Supports biodiversity and crop pollination.
• Organic Transitions – Helps farmers shift to certified organic production.
• Tree & Hedgerow Planting – Provides windbreaks and erosion control.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Supports farmers in maintaining and enhancing conservation efforts with long-term incentives. Just a few examples include:

• Nutrient Management – Optimizes soil fertility and reduces runoff.
• Diversified Crop Rotations – Enhances soil health and pest control.
• Agroforestry – Integrates trees and crops for sustainability.
• Riparian Buffers – Protects waterways and improves water quality.
• Wildlife Habitat Management – Enhances biodiversity and ecosystem health.
• No-Till & Reduced Tillage – Preserves soil structure and moisture.

Free Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) from NRCS

NRCS provides free conservation planning, advice, and technical assistance to all farmers, even if they do not apply for funding. Their staff of specialists, engineers, and technicians can consult on:

• Soil Health Assessments – Improve soil quality and productivity.
• Erosion Control Strategies – Reduce land degradation.
• Wildlife & Habitat Restoration Ideas – Promote biodiversity on farmland.
• Farm Infrastructure Planning – Implement conservation-based improvements.
• And more!

Who Our Program Serves

While we support all farmers, Conservation Connections is designed to engage with those that are brand new to NRCS assistance and conservation funding—whether rural or urban—and including beginning farmers. Our focus includes:

• Producers and landowners who have never accessed NRCS services and programs
• Newly established and emerging farmers
• Small and midsize agricultural producers

By raising awareness of and expanding access to NRCS among these communities, we aim to enhance their understanding, confidence, and overall experience with the agency, while empowering them to implement far-reaching conservation practices.

Meet Our Outreach Coordinator

Our Conservation & Stewardship Outreach Coordinator, Gilbert Schwartz, serves farmers across Minnesota, providing direct support for conservation programs. With a background in sustainable agriculture and a passion for helping farmers succeed, Gilbert is here to guide you through the process.

“As a farmer myself, I’m excited to help producers across Minnesota access conservation support and funding. Reach out anytime—I’m here to assist you every step of the way!”

📩 Contact Us Today! For more information on our programs, events, and assistance offered, email us today.

Helpful Links

🔗 Find Your Local NRCS Service Center – NRCS Minnesota Contact Page

🔗 NRCS Conservation Programs Overview – Learn More About EQIP & CSP

🔗 “Conservation at Work” Video Series – Real Farmers, Real Conservation Success Stories

🔗 Minnesota NRCS YouTube Channel – Watch Informational Videos

Helpful Fact Sheets

🔗 Getting Started With NRCS  – Learn about the in's and out's of working with NRCS

🔗 EQIP Myth Busters – Understanding Common EQIP Misconceptions

🔗 CSP Myth Busters – Understanding Common CSP Misconceptions

🔗 Is CSP Right for Me? – Overview of CSP Benefits & Eligibility

Together, we can grow a more beautiful and resilient agricultural future!

Conservation Connections is locally led in Minnesota by Renewing the Countryside and funded by an innovative public-private partnership agreement with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and philanthropic support. This program is part of the greater Midwest Agriculture Conservation Network (MACN), which also includes other state-based organizations in Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Wisconsin.

Our summer event series is being hosted by Renewing the Countryside and USDA NRCS in Minnesota, with partnership support from county Soil & Water Conservation Districts (including Brown, Grant, Kittson, Kanabec, Scott, and Steele), Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA), Midwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program (MW-TOPP), Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU), and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF).

Photo credits: Renewing the Countryside and USDA/NRCS.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.