March 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 19 available, but there may be more paperwork involved, and application deadlines may only come once a year. Non-governmental organizations are sometimes able to be more flexible in program offerings, but funding might be more limited. The first step is to reach out and discuss what route makes the most sense for you. In most cases with any program, cost share is available to help offset the costs of implementing new practices but may not pay for the full price of the practice. Partnerships and Teamwork A strength of Nebraska’s conservation organizations is their teamwork to provide the best technical assistance possible and seek out the most feasible financial assistance that works for each individual participant. While there may seem to be many differences between agencies and organizations, many work together regularly and have overlapping goals of helping private land managers improve land for both agronomic and natural resource benefits. One example of this would be the coordination of many of these organizations working within the Great Plains Grassland Initiative, which encompasses the Sandhills, Loess Canyons and Central Loess Hills portions of Nebraska. Organizations in this geographic area are working together with ranchers to slow the spread of eastern red cedar. Similar coordination like this happens throughout the landscapes of Nebraska. The Nebraska Grassland Alliance is a group consisting of government organizations, NGOs, ranchers, researchers, tribal nations and businesses that have come together with a shared vision of sustainable grasslands for Nebraska. Through the alliance, the groups can stay informed and coordinate with each other on projects, proposals and outreach events which will ultimately improve customer service to the land managers on the landscape. If you choose to look into conservation opportunities, be open to conversations and suggestions. Ask a lot of questions and attend workshops to learn more about organizations and programs. A particular recommendation or program may not work for your current situation but could be something to incorporate later or may work for a neighbor. Conservation resource professionals appreciate the opportunity to assist and learn alongside private land managers to work towards our common goals. When you are ready, we look forward to meeting with you! ~NC~ CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS • U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) • USDA Conservation Reserve Program • U.S. Fish and Wildlife • Natural Resource Districts • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • Nebraska Grassland Alliance
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