Public Comment Opportunity: Conservation Practice Standards to Support Working Lands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced updates to 32 conservation practice standards aimed at strengthening conservation solutions for farmers, ranchers, and private landowners.

The proposed changes reflect feedback from more than 2,000 agricultural producers who participated in over 150 roundtable discussions held across every state and territory. Updates include considerations for precision agriculture, regenerative practices, and other approaches that help producers address natural resource concerns while maintaining productive and profitable operations.

Conservation practice standards provide guidance for planning, installing, operating, and maintaining conservation practices nationwide and serve as a foundation for local conservation delivery efforts.

MACD encourages Montana Conservation Districts, producers, and community partners to review the proposed updates and participate in the public comment process, which remains open through July 6, 2026.

Learn More

• USDA News Release: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/national-admin/ced/news/usda-modernizes-conservation-solutions-to-better-conserve-natural-resources
• Federal Register Public Comment Opportunity: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/27/2026-14059/proposed-revisions-to-conservation-practice-standards