By Scout Nelson
South Dakota is now recognized as a leader in farm conservation thanks to a new online map and a national poll. The mapping tool shows that over 7 million acres in South Dakota are enrolled in the USDA’s Conservation Stewardship Program, making it the state number one in the nation.
Alongside this map, a new poll from the National Wildlife Federation reveals strong farmer support for conservation. About 75% of nearly 500 farmers surveyed across the United States believe that long-term funding for voluntary USDA conservation programs should be increased. These programs help make farms more resilient to challenges like drought and flooding.
Aviva Glaser, senior director of agriculture policy for the National Wildlife Federation, says this support is consistent no matter where farmers live.
The timing is important because Congress is currently discussing the next Farm Bill, which decides future funding for these conservation efforts. Although conservation has usually had bipartisan support, budget concerns and tax cut discussions may make it harder to secure funding this year.
Conservation practices help more than just farmers. They also protect the environment and save money for communities. For example, buffer strips planted along fields can stop harmful chemicals like nitrates from entering rivers and lakes. Making farmland stronger against floods helps reduce the cost of disaster cleanup in nearby towns.
Advocates believe that more people should learn about the good work farmers are doing to care for their land.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: South Dakota, General, Government & Policy