18 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2026 PERSPECTIVES Preserving Your Home on the Range CONSERVATION PROGRAMS FOR NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN JENNY PRENOSIL | AGRICULTURE PROGRAM MANAGER, NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION Nebraska’s ag producers are the primary stewards of the land. Some version of this statement frequently appears or comes up in conversations surrounding the conservation of our natural resources. However, adopting a new conservation practice or adjusting management is not always straightforward or feasible, and the unknowns of practice implementation impacting an operation’s finances can add to the burden of making those decisions. Whether you are a new or experienced land manager, there are numerous conservation opportunities. These opportunities are adjustable to meet your land and operation’s own unique needs, which can help offset the financial burden or provide guidance on how to apply conservation practices. There may be times when the wide variety of options might seem overwhelming. Where do I start? Who do I talk to? What if I just need some recommendations and not a program? Let’s start by trying to break down different categories of conservation organizations that offer financial and technical assistance. All of the following mentioned groups offer technical assistance or can give recommendations not tied to any contract or program. Participation in programs does not require opening your land up to the public. Scheduling a site visit is free and does not mean you are committed to any contract but, during these site visits, the resource professionals can help you navigate what program offerings are available and suitable to your specific needs. The simplest breakdown is splitting programs into those being provided through government-funded and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Government-Funded Programs The most widespread conservation funding available is through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is funded through federal Farm Bill dollars appropriated by Congress. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offers a variety of Farm Bill conservation programs to address a wide variety of resource concerns, including addressing eastern red cedar encroachment, adopting new grazing systems, addressing water quality and quantity, soil health and wildlife habitat by implementing new practices through cost share. The USDA Farm Service Agency also offers options through the Conservation Reserve Program, which would pay an annual rental payment for the duration of the contract. Contract terms typically involve a conservation plan to receive payment. There are several eligibility requirements for these federal programs, and typically there is one application cutoff date per year, but applications can be submitted year-round. Additional government agencies that have conservation program options and resource professionals for grasslands available include, but is not limited to, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Partners for Fish and Wildlife (federal funds), state government agencies such as the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and local governments such as natural resources districts. Each agency has its own rules for program eligibility and timelines for how applications or contracts are applied. Non-Governmental Organization Programs Nebraska is fortunate to have many NGOs on the landscape that offer conservation programs and provide technical assistance. Some programs complement the work of government programs, possibly helping to cover additional costs. Other programs offer land managers flexibility and additional options that don’t fit within the scope of a government program, such as meeting eligibility requirements. NGOs have their own means of fundraising or acquiring funds to offer programs that are specific to the mission of their organization. As such, program offerings between organizations are diverse. There are pros and cons to working with each type of program offering. Government funding is normally more widely
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