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Strong communities start with trustworthy reporting—give to local news now! Editor, I've been farming in lowa for over four decades, continuing a legacy that began when my father started our operation in 1959. Today, I run a swine and corn farm and serve as a partner at Saratoga Partnership, where we combine decades of agronomic expertise with a commitment to sustainable, community-focused farming. We've weathered our share of storms-both literal and economic-but the challenges we're facing now make it more important than ever to ensure strong support for agriculture. Recent proposals to significantly reduce funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would have serious consequences for farmers and for the communities we support. These cuts would impact nearly every major USDA initiative, including conservation programs that are not just helpful, but essential to our operations. The Farm Service Agency (FSA), which provides critical support for farm loans, conservation, and disaster assistance, would be cut by $372 million. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) a key partner in promoting sustainable land management-would see even more significant reductions. NRCS programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) have been instrumental in helping us manage risk, protect our land, and build resilience. I've used EQIP for years to implement erosion control practices that keep our soil healthy and productive. CSP has helped us take a broader look at our farm's environmental footprint and identify ways to improve our long-term sustainability. These aren't one-time fixes. Conservation is a long game. It takes years-sometimes decades for practices like cover cropping, nutrient management, and erosion control to deliver their full benefits. That's why continued, stable investment in conservation is so critical. lowa's farmers are facing increasing challenges: more frequent extreme weather, rising input costs, and volatile markets. (In 2024 alone, we saw some of the toughest growing conditions in recent memory) NRCS assistance has been vital-not just helping famers survive the next storm, but in building farms that can thrive for generations. More than 90% of lowa farms are family-owned. These are not corporate giants-they're multigenerational operations built on hard work, deep roots, and a commitment to the land. Agriculture supports one in five lowans and drives our state's economy. When we invest in conservation, we're not just protecting soil and water-we're investing in the future of rural America. With continued support and the right tools, farmers can keep doing what we've always done: feed our nation, care for the land, and serve our local communities. Sustaining conservation funding today is an investment in tomorrow's agriculture-one that helps us grow stronger, smarter, and more prepared for the challenges ahead. Signed, Tim L Richter Lime Springs, Iowa Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.

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Letter to the Editor - USDA Conservation Programs Are Essential to the Future of lowa Agriculture