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Landowners and operators have spent generations becoming range stewards and leaving their piece of Earth better than how it was received. Ranching in the Texas Hill Country is a passion for most and a hobby for few. With the help of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) producers across the region can obtain assistance and cost-share in implementing conservation practices.

The 2008 Farm Bill authorized some key programs for technical and financial assistance.

The first step in optimizing and utilizing NRCS services is technical assistance and conservation planning. Local NRCS district conservationists offer one-on-one professional assistance and can explain the agency’s voluntary programs.

A conservation plan is a written record of your management decisions and practices and systems you plan to use and maintain on your operation. Carrying out your plan will achieve the goals of protecting the environment on and off your farm or ranch, as well as meeting your individual management objectives. Producers provide a wealth of environmental and social benefits to all. These include clean water and air, healthy wildlife habitat, open space, food and fiber and sustainable rural and urban communities. Conservation planning is a road map for your effort in managing your land.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers technical and financial assistance in order to install and/or implement structural, vegetative and management practices that can benefit the soil, water, air, plants, animals and humans. Each county in the state receives annual funds to offset implementation costs of these practices.

NRCS specialists combine the knowledge of you and your land with science-based technology and education. For more information about getting started with your personalized conservation plan, technical or financial assistance contact the Johnson City NRCS Field Office at 830-868-7237 ext. 3.