USDA Seeking Comments from Farmers and Forest Managers on Conservation Programs

February 6, 2023 By: Torin Miller

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a nationwide feedback survey targeting farmers, ranchers, and forest managers. Information received from the survey will assist USDA’s agencies that deliver farm programs, including the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA) in learning about way to enhance support and improve programs and services, increase access and advance equity for new and existing customers.

Many of the National Deer Association’s (NDA) members and supporters would fall into one of these three categories: farmers, ranchers and/or forest managers. We encourage our members and supporters to take advantage of USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) programs and services, which bolster conservation and management efforts of private landowners. Landowners who are current customers, or those interested in utilizing these programs and services, are encouraged to take the survey.

The survey is anonymous, takes about 10 minutes to complete, is open until March 31, 2023, and can be found at http://www.farmers.gov/survey.

The FPAC mission area, which includes the program agencies of FSA, NRSC and RMA, works to support agriculture by helping farmers, ranchers and forest managers leverage natural resources and mitigate the significant risks of farming through crop insurance, conservation programs, farm safety net programs, lending and disaster programs. From helping farmers recover after natural disasters and market fluctuations, to providing financial and technical assistance to improve operations through voluntary conservation, FPAC agencies work together in partnership with private landowners and partners to protect and enhance natural resources.

About Torin Miller:

Torin Miller is a licensed attorney and NDA’s Senior Director of Policy. He works at the intersection of conservation and natural resources law, policy, advocacy and education. He has bachelor's and master's degrees in wildlife and fisheries science from Penn State University and a J.D. from Penn State Law. Torin came to NDA via the National Deer Alliance, where he served as the Policy and Outreach Coordinator.