Managing for Soil Health
The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry is focusing its attention on soil health and conservation.Chairwoman Abigail Spanberger of Virginia told the members and witnesses at a recent hearing that soil health is critical to address because it underpins so many other conservation efforts.
Chad Ellis, Chairman, National Grazing Lands Coalition, told committee members managed grazing plans are critical for producers.
"Grazing plans are conservation plans for the grazing lands, a well designed grazing plan results in health soils and grasses, proper nutrition for the grazing animals and a greater livestock production at a lower cost
Ellis also told lawmakers grazing plans are sophisticated systems and producers could benefit from more USDA and Forestry scientists and experts
USDA provides some financial support to farmers to implement soil health practices, through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, and the Conservation Reserve Program.