ASTA Submits Comments on Conservation Practice Standards

As USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks to update the conservation practice standards (CPS) in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP), ASTA submitted comments providing recommendations. ASTA offered suggested guidance on how to improve NRCS’ proposed edits of Practice 513 (Annual Forage Grazing Systems).

Conservation Practice Standards (CPS) are the NRCS’ technical documents that define the minimum science-based criteria for planning, designing, installing, and maintaining each conservation practice. Each standard outlines what the practice is, why and where it is applied, and the quality requirements needed for it to function as intended. CPS ensures that conservation work across the country is delivered with consistency, technical integrity, and measurable benefits to soil, water, air, plants, animals, and energy resources. You can learn more about conservation practice standards here.

Because natural resource conditions vary widely, NRCS develops national standards that set the baseline requirements, and each state adapts these standards through its Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) to address local soils, climate, topography, and regulations.