America’s farmers and ranchers
often must “go it alone,” but when it
comes to buffers, other partners have
jumped in to help. Their message is,
“We’re in this together!”
•Groups like Pheasants Forever,
Trout Unlimited and Quail
Unlimited believe so strongly in
buffers that they are committing
thousands of dollars and
volunteer assistance to increase
buffer establishment.
•Citizen groups are providing
funding and volunteer support
for buffer programs.
•States and cities are supporting
buffer programs on rural land, in
recognition of the positive
impacts buffers have on drinking
water supplies.
•Rural lenders often promote
buffers as a wise economic
choice.
• Many farm-related groups and
businesses, including coopera-
tives, also support buffer use.
Talk to USDA service center or
conservation district personnel about
partners in your area.
In addition to providing economic
benefits, buffers can help you
achieve a number of important
conservation objectives. When used
with supporting practices, buffers
can help you:
•Prevent soil erosion.
•Improve water quality by
removing sediment, fertilizers,
pesticides and other pollutants
from runoff.
•Improve air quality.
•Enhance fish and wildlife
habitat.
•Control flooding.
•Improve farm safety.
•Protect buildings, roads and
livestock.
• Conserve energy.
• Beautify the landscape.
USDA’s voluntary incentive
programs, including the
continuous Conservation Reserve
Program — CCRP — are stronger
than ever. They are valuable tools
that can help you sustain your
operation and protect the
environment. That’s good news for
today and tomorrow!
Are conservation buffers a good
economic choice for your operation?
Your neighbor may be the best
person to ask. Farmers and ranchers
are among the strongest and most
credible advocates for use of buffers
and supporting practices.
•More than 250,000 buffer
contracts with USDA have been
signed.
•Nearly 160,000 farms and
ranches have buffers, installed
under voluntary programs that
provide annual rental payments
and other financ