Interested in Conservation Stewardship? Check out this Opportunity in Five States

America’s Conservation Ag Movement has a new opportunity for farmers who are based in Arkansas, California, Indiana, Maryland and Nebraska.

Specifically, the organization announces a request for farmers interested in being one of 10 Conservation Stewards (two farmers from each of the five states) for the 2022 calendar year.

“Conservation Stewards are U.S. farmers who will play an integral role as we ramp up farmer outreach and, specifically, the creation of 10 new farmer-to-farmer learning communities,” says Ryan Heiniger, director of America’s Conservation Ag Movement.

“We are seeking farmers of diverse backgrounds representing different crops produced, stages of conservation ag adoption and geographic location,” he says. “Additionally, historically underserved producers are encouraged to apply.

The one common denominator that we are seeking is energetic and passionate conservation-minded farmers interested in convening and leading others to accelerate climate-smart ag conservation practice adoption in their local area.”

The Conservation Steward contract position can earn up to $6,000 annually through the successful completion of eight outreach events which will include hosting:
•    Six “shop talk” gatherings to convene a group of 10 to 15 dedicated conservation farmer leaders to form the core team of the farmer learning community
•    One field day/conservation practice tour
•    One broader farmer and community outreach event

Significant planning and logistical support will be provided by staff from Farm Journal’s Trust In Food team.
Interested farmers should send a letter of intent to Heiniger at rheiniger@farmjournal.com by 5 p.m. Central, Sunday, January 23, 2022.

The letter should include a description of your farm operation and location, your interest in conservation ag including any climate-smart ag programs or regenerative ag practices you have utilized, Heiniger says.

“Please include a list of your involvement in any conservation and agriculture organizations, familiarity and use of social media and preferred platforms, and other supporting information that helps describe your interest in supporting other farmers in accelerating voluntary conservation ag adoption,” he says.

To read the full contract position, click here.