USDA Modernizes Conservation Solutions to Better Conserve Natural Resources, Support Working Lands

(Washington, D.C., June 29, 2026) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is improving and modernizing 32 key conservation practices, part of a broad effort by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to put farmers first by strengthening conservation solutions. To gather feedback to update the practice standards, NRCS held more than 150 roundtables, bringing together more than 2,000 agricultural producers in every state and territory. Additionally, NRCS is currently accepting input now through July 6, 2026, on the Federal Register.

"We want to make sure our conservation practices meet the needs of farmers, supporting their efforts to solve natural resource challenges and grow more productively and profitably," said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. "We listened to farmers and fine-tuned our practices to better integrate their real-world needs, including considerations for precision and regenerative agriculture. Ultimately, we want to keep working lands in working hands."

NRCS's conservation practices offer guidelines for planning, installing, operating and maintaining conservation practices used by farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners nationwide.

A few examples of updated practices:

• Livestock pipeline, now with expanded options like collapsible lay flat tubing.
• Combustion system improvement, now with greater flexibility at the local level to make improvements that reduce air emissions or improve energy efficiency.
• Spring development, now with expanded flexibilities for the landowner, such as allowing the use of a pump when needed and the option to install a water battery for storing water during high flow seasons for later use during low flow seasons.
• Waste separation facility, now more aligned with industry standards.

The full list of conservation practices is available in the Federal Register notice.

Submitting Comments

NRCS is encouraging agricultural producers, landowners, organizations, Tribes and others that use its conservation practices to comment on these 32 revised conservation practice standards by July 6, 2026. NRCS will use public comments to further enhance its conservation practice standards.

The proposed revisions to the 32 conservation practice standards are available on the Federal Register portal under docket number NRCS-2026-0034. Follow online instructions for submitting comments virtually or via mail/hand delivery.

For more than 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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