NDASCD Farm Bill Specialist Program The combined effort of this agreement will result in enhancing the protection of land and water resources of North Dakota, keep viable working lands productive, and demonstrate the benefits of conservation and restoration of wildlife habitat with participating private landowners.

Farm Bill Specialist Work in NRCS Field Offices Provide landowners with information from the array of program options Federal, state, local , and non-profit organization programs Work closely with NRCS Act as a “one stop shop” for producers in any program. Work for the producer and the resource.

FBS Description FBS take workload direction from the District Conservationist (NRCS) in each office. FBS work on everything from program outreach to writing the contracts. FBS cannot work with any sort of compliance; only the voluntary portion of the Farm Bill. FBS also have knowledge of other programs available to producers. FBS do not always complete these contracts, but they can get the producer in touch with the agency that does.

NDASCD All FBS are employees of NDASCD FBS take daily workload direction From NRCS District Conservationists FBS Supervisor deals with administration, overall performance, training, etc. This structure allows for more flexibility in hiring, locations, and work. Essentially we are the sub-contractor.

Natural Resources Conservation Service The NRCS and NDASCD currently have a three year contract (expiration 09/30/2018) NRCS provides computer, office supplies, vehicle, & training to FBS. “NRCS will not have direct supervision or responsibilities over NDASCD employees (such responsibilities rest with NDASCD)” as per our contract. FBS are allowed the same trainings/workshops as NRCS employees

Work Products/Deliverables The NRCS pay NDASCD on the amount of work completed based off of the deliverables generated each month. Each FBS keeps a log detailing every hour of their time, the program, landowner info, and the associated work product. Each month the FBS Supervisor tallies all of the work products and sends them to the NRCS for payment.

NRCS Ceiling Since the NRCS pays half of the cost of each deliverable, there is a “ceiling” that the NDASCD can earn up to. The amount of this ceiling is based off of the amount that the coalition partners contribute. We are not guaranteed to reach this dollar amount. That depends on the amount of work we complete.

Agricultural Organizations Wildlife Organizations ND Farm Bureau ND Grain Growers Association US Durum Growers ND Corn Council (Checkoff) ND Soybean Council (Checkoff) Northern Canola Growers Association ND Game & Fish ND Natural Resources Trust Ducks Unlimited Delta Waterfowl Sakakawea Pheasants Forever chapter

Coalition The coalition partners sign 1 year agreements with NDASCD. The coalition partners do not have an agreement with the NRCS. Partners contribute funds yearly or monthly to NDASCD for FBS. The goal is to support the program an ensure the neutrality of the FBS.

Obstacles and Solutions Turnover Benefits, pay, environment Coalition partner’s roles in the program Define the roles of the members clearly. When a Coalition partner has a problem Set up a framework for partners to bring their problems or concerns to the whole group. Communication and transparency are key.

FY2017 Acres enrolled in Conservation CRP- 38,972.60 acres EQIP-50,614.60 acres CSP- 126,793.20 acres WBP- 3,836.0 acres Total- 220,216.40 acres 218 emergency CRP haying plans 98 emergency CRP grazing plans Countless contract modifications for mid-contract management

The Big Picture NDASCD FBS are out on the ground assisting ND producers in voluntary conservation programs. NRCS offices are severely short staffed around the state; we help to fill this gap. FBS work FOR the producer; giving them the options within these programs so that they can make the decision on which program best fits the needs of their operation. This model is working extremely well.

Questions