Ready to Work with NRCS? Here’s What You Need to Know

I recently worked with a gardener who had a small-acreage farm but didn’t know where to start when it came to getting assistance from the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service). This gardener had already planted a few beds and had been growing vegetables since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. They’d attended countless conferences and webinars on gardening, and at nearly every event, they heard about NRCS and its many programs. Now, they were ready to take the next step and seek help from NRCS.

If you're like this gardener and want to get assistance from NRCS, it’s important to be prepared before visiting your local office. Here’s a simple checklist to help you get ready.

1. Get an FSA Farm Number

Before you can receive assistance beyond the initial consultation or conservation plan, you'll need to obtain a Farm Number from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). This step is crucial because, without a farm number, NRCS can’t offer you further assistance.

Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

• Property Deed if you own the land
• Entity documents if applying as a legal entity
• Lease agreement if you're leasing the property

These documents prove that you either own or have rights to the land you're working on.

2. Have Something Planted or Raise Livestock

NRCS assistance is available to those who are actively farming, which means you need to have something growing or livestock on your property.

Examples include:

• Vegetables
• Fruit Trees
• Hay
• Livestock like cattle, goats, or sheep

If you don’t currently have anything planted or livestock on the property, NRCS can still help with a conservation plan, but they won’t be able to provide further assistance until you’re actively farming or ranching.

3. Be Prepared Before You Visit the NRCS Office

In the case of the gardener I worked with, they owned the property, had vegetables growing, and had their property deed ready to go. Once they had all the necessary documents and requirements checked off, they were fully prepared to visit the NRCS office and begin the process for assistance.

Why Preparation Matters. Being prepared before your visit will save you a lot of time and frustration. Knowing what’s required, like having a farm number and active farming operations, will help make the process smooth and efficient. By taking these steps ahead of time, you'll be better positioned to take full advantage of the programs NRCS offers, whether it’s technical assistance or financial help for your conservation efforts. It’ll make your experience much smoother and more rewarding! So, if you're ready to work with NRCS, head to your local NRCS office to begin your conservation journey.

Let us know if you need any help. Contact us at this link.

• Fred Henderson, Local Food Coordinator