Report Outlines Producer Experiences with Conservation Stewardship Program

The Center for Rural Affairs released a report on the results of its survey of Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) participants in the Midwest. Producing a Sustainable Future: Producers’ Feedback on the Nation’s Leading Conservation Program shows that CSP is making strides in providing financial and technical assistance for producers to maintain agricultural production on their land and simultaneously address resource concerns with conservation practices. The report incorporates feedback from 421 farmers and ranchers in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Kansas. These points are among the findings:

• More than 70% of participants said the program improved or is improving the financial health of their operations.
• About 77% of respondents said that CSP-supported conservation efforts have improved or are improving their soil health.

From unpredictable weather to changing forage supplies, cattle producers have no shortage of challenges. Here’s a look at how contingency planning can have you ready to react to a problem, instead of scrambling to respond.