The National Association of Conservation Districts is one of 76 groups that’s written to Congress requesting full funding for conservation programs and technical assistance in the fiscal year 2021 Appropriations legislation. NACD President and Iowa producer Tim Palmer says conservation funding in the past has eclipsed $840 million.

He says one of the most critical needs is getting technical assistors out to landowners at the local level to enhance conservation.

Palmer says the pilot Soil Health Income Protection Program or SHIPP in the Prairie Pothole Region is a great addition to conservation efforts.

Palmer says effective conservation programs have a very positive effect on the environment and need to be supported at the local, state and federal levels.