If NRCS programs feel confusing or intimidating, you’re not alone. In this episode, Sam Tilton talks with Thomas Manley to unpack the cost-share opportunities available to organic grain farmers—and explain how good conservation planning can strengthen an operation long after the contract ends.

Resources from this episode:

• Certified Technical Service Providers directory: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/technical-assistance/technical-service-providers 
• EQIP Organic Initiative overview: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-organic-initiative 
• NRCS Organic Transition Initiative fact sheet (PDF): https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/2023-NRCS-Organic%20Transition%20Initiative%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf 
• NRCS conservation planning information: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/conservation-technical-assistance/conservation-planning 
• CSP program summary insert (PDF): https://sustainableagriculture.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-CSP-Insert-On-Screen.pdf 

This series is brought to you by the Organic Agronomy Training Service and Albert Lea Seed, a fourth-generation, family-owned company offering a full line of organic and non-GMO field crop seed.

This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

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