Natural Resources Conservation Service Elevates Producer Input Through Conservation Practice Standard Roundtables

SALINA, KANSAS - United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kansas launched its first statewide Conservation Practice Standards (CPS) Producer Roundtable on March 25, 2026, in Hutchinson bringing together farmers and ranchers to share experience-based input on conservation practices. The roundtable initiative is central to the NRCS updated CPS review process, which places producer input at the forefront.

Kansas producers reviewed and provided feedback on six major practices, including Irrigation Systems (Microirrigation), High Tunnel Systems, Precision Land Forming and Land Smoothing, Water Harvesting Catchment, and Dust Control from Unpaved Roads and Surfaces. These discussions allow producers to speak directly about how each practice functions in Kansas' climate, soil, and production systems-and to identify opportunities to refine standards or streamline assistance.

Participants provided candid and constructive feedback on how NRCS programs support their operations and where improvements could further strengthen conservation delivery. Their comments highlighted the value of cost-share assistance, technical expertise, and long-term partnerships with NRCS staff.

"I went through the Organic Transition process in 2019 through NRCS. This detailed process provided me with the financial and technical assistance necessary to become USDA certified organic." - Chris Tecklenburg, Reno County, Kansas

"I have done a whole suite of NRCS projects from timber stand improvement to terraces and land smoothing. All the projects had a major impact on our farm. These NRCS programs have really helped." - Chasen Gann, Marion County, Kansas

These statements reflect strong producer support for NRCS conservation assistance-along with a desire to ensure practice standards continue to align with on-the-ground needs highlighting the Agency's long-standing belief that conservation works best when it is designed hand-in-hand with the people who steward the land. NRCS will continue hosting producer roundtables as part of its ongoing CPS review schedule and Farmers First initiative, ensuring the producers' perspective remains central to shaping conservation planning for years to come. Through this Farmers First approach, the Agency underscores a simple but powerful message: when producers lead the conversation, conservation outcomes strengthen.

More Information

To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don't have an account, sign up today.

For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.

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