Agricultural Conservation Programs
The Ingham Conservation District actively supports agricultural producers by connecting them to state and federal conservation programs.
The Michigan Agriculture and Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and the Natural Resource Conservation Service are critical partners of the Conservation District, delivering technical assistance to enhance conservation activities on agricultural lands and reduce environmental risks.
The MAEAP program is a voluntary, confidential, non-regulatory program dedicated to helping agricultural producers reduce environmental risk on their land.
This state program is delivered by conservation districts, local leaders you know. Your local MAEAP Technician will be can help you adopt cost-effective stewardship practices. This, in turn, helps in complying with state and federal laws.
Landowners who earn MAEAP recognition will receive a sign to display at their property. This sign will show that you are a top steward in your community. You may also benefit from regulatory protections and be at an advantage for additional expert help and cost share.
Your land can be verified under four different systems:
- Farmstead
- Cropping
- Livestock
- Forest, Wetland and Habitat
This program is free and voluntary. Everything we learn about your land is 100% confidential. This is guaranteed by state law.
The Technician will tour your farm/property and make recommendations on practices you can take to reduce environmental risks on your land and practice good stewardship. Everything the technician learns about your farm will remain confidential and will not be shared with your competition or environmental regulators. This program allows you to work at your own pace, with your Technician available to assist with paperwork and cutting through red tape.
Join the 5,000 farms and properties across the state that have been MAEAP Verified!
Learn more about MAEAP
Contact your local MAEAP Technician
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides assistance to agriculture producers from small family farms to large operations. This includes those interested in Farm Bill Programs and/or other technical assistance as well as customers that have an existing conservation contract. NRCS staff assist with developing and implementing conservation plans as well as planning and applying conservation practices.
Conservation practices can include:
- Brush management
- Conservation cover
- Fencing
- Crop rotation
- Nutrient management
- Integrated pest management
- Filter strips
- Prescribed grazing
- Seasonal high tunnels
- Wildlife habitat
- Tree Plantings
- Wetland restoration/enhancement
- Pollinator plantings
- Waste management
- And more
There are a variety of programs that can support you in your stewardship efforts. Find out which of these programs can help you achieve your land management goals.
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program – Farmers, ranchers, private forest land owners and Federally-recognized American Indian tribes may receive financial and technical assistance to implement structural and land management conservation practices on eligible agricultural land.
- Conservation Stewardship Program – The CSP helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation. Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop yields, or develop wildlife habitat, we can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals.
- Conservation Reserve Program – This program is administered through the Farm Service Agency with technical assistance from NRCS. In exchange for a yearly rental payment, farmers enrolled in the program agree to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality.
- Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements protect the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply by preventing conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses. Land protected by agricultural land easements provides additional public benefits, including environmental quality, historic preservation, wildlife habitat and protection of open space.
For more information contact the District Conservationist for Ingham and Livingston Counties at 517-676-4644 ext 3.
Additional Resources
Farm Service Agency – The FSA helps farmers, ranchers and landowners make investments in their agricultural operations and assists with recovery from natural disasters and market fluctuations. Learn more by watching this short video.
Michigan State University Extension – MSUE assists farms and farmers markets’ efforts by bringing together partners, identifying successful market models, establishing rules and regulations, identifying and training managers and helping recruit vendors.
Michigan Farm Bureau – Michigan Farm Bureau represents Michigan’s agriculture diversity, from crops and livestock, to fruits and vegetables, greenhouses, forestry and more. Representing farms of all sizes and varying styles of production including conventional and organic practices, Michigan Farm Bureau is the voice of Michigan agriculture, one of Michigan’s primary economic drivers.
