Terminology and Programs

Conservation Programs

The MDA Conservation Funding Guide describes which conservation practices are covered by federal and state conservation incentive programs.
Minnesota Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Programs describes federal Farm Bill conservation programs.
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) provides information on state cost-share programs.

Definitions of Conservation Plans

Table of Conservation Plans (MS Excel, 52 KB) contains three detailed tables comparing the conservation plans listed below, summarizing their differences, and providing information about conservation assessment tools.

Whole Farm Conservation Plans

Conservation Plan

Comprehensive assessment and planning recommended by NRCS for all farms before implementing conservation practices. Good conservation planning helps ensure that effective practices are selected and integrated.

Rapid Whole Farm Resource Assessment (RWFRA) and Rapid Conservation Plan (RCP)

An assessment and planning system intended to provide a rapid whole farm assessment to help landowners choose conservation practices or help program sponsors monitor participation. The RWFRA and RCP are based on a suite of existing indices making them easy to conduct and interpret but less comprehensive than a Conservation Plan.

Environmental Quality Assurance (EQA), Star Farm

A comprehensive checklist of practices to help producers assess the environmental impact of their operation, get assistance in making environmental management improvements, and to get acknowledgement for good stewardship. EQA is a voluntary program.

Nutrient & Manure Management Plans

Nutrient Management (590) Plan (NMP)

Required by NRCS for recipients of federal conservation cost share such as EQIP. An NMP addresses nutrients from manure and inorganic sources.

Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP)

Required by NRCS for recipients of some federal conservation cost share under EQIP. A CNMP is an NMP plus an assessment and plan for farmstead waste storage and handling facilities.

Why do farmers choose a CNMP? (.pdf)

Manure Management Plan (MMP) for CAFOs

Required by MPCA when applying for a permit for operations with >100 animal units, or when applying manure from feedlots capable of holding 300+ animal units.An MMP is less comprehensive than a CNMP. For example, the nutrient application plan does not consider potassium or non-manured fields.

Manure Management Plan (MMP) for non-CAFOs

Required by MPCA for non-permitted livestock operations. Unlike the CAFO MMP, this MMP does not require plans for conservation practices, emergency spill response, and air emissions.

Other Practice Plans

Pest Management Plan (595 plan)

Required by NRCS for recipients of some federal conservation cost share under EQIP. The assessment and plan ensure pesticide handling practices are safe and prevent water contamination.

Grazing Plan

An optional planning tool used to improve pasture management and profitability.