# Indiana

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We help Indiana's farmers and non-industrial forest landowners conserve the nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment.

## On This Page

            - Contact Information
            - State Programs and Initiatives
            - How to Get Assistance
            - Related News and Events

With the mission of “Helping People Help the Land,” the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Indiana provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers to implement conservation practices to address natural resource concerns on their land related to soil health, water and air quality, and wildlife habitat as well as implement climate-smart agriculture practices. With our help, producers are better able to conserve, maintain or improve their natural resources. As a result of our technical and financial assistance, land managers and communities take a comprehensive approach to the use and protection of natural resources in rural, suburban, urban, and developing areas.

Indiana NRCS has personnel in USDA Service Centers who work with local conservation districts and other partners to serve farmers and landowners throughout the state.

## Indiana State Office

                -    6013 Lakeside BlvdIndianapolis, IN46278-1989 

State Office Page

## Find Your Local Service Center

    USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.  

##   Indiana NRCS Assistance

        Indiana Technical Resources and Land Uses    

###                     Indiana Technical Resources and Land Uses                

Indiana NRCS's conservation programs and initiatives can help you address natural resource concerns throughout your operation.

Learn more.

        Indiana Special Initiatives    

###                     Indiana Special Initiatives                

NRCS uses Landscape Conservation Initiatives to accelerate the benefits of voluntary conservation programs, such as cleaner water and air, healthier soil and enhanced wildlife habitat. 

Learn more.

        Indiana Producer Success Stories    

###                     Indiana Producer Success Stories                

Our producers are the key to Indiana's conservation success and we want to share their stories with you. 

        Ask the Indiana NRCS Expert    

###                     Ask the Indiana NRCS Expert                

You have questions - we have answers! Visit the Ask the Indiana Expert page to answers to your frequently asked questions about cover crops, invasive species, urban agriculture and more.

Learn more.

        Indiana NRCS Publications    

###                     Indiana NRCS Publications                

The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides a variety of agency forms and free publications about conserving our natural resources.

Find publications to fit your needs.

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## State Programs and Initiatives

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - IndianaApply by:January 17, 2024

Conservation Innovation Grants - Indiana

Conservation Reserve Program - Indiana

Conservation Stewardship Program - IndianaApply by:March 15, 2024

Emergency Watershed Protection - Indiana

Environmental Quality Incentives Program - Indiana

Regional Conservation Partnership Program - Indiana

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## State Payment Schedule

NRCS provides financial assistance for selected conservation practices. The availability and amount of financial assistance can vary between states.

Learn More

## Civil Rights Committee

The National Civil Rights Advisory Committee to the Chief (NCRACC) is designed to provide management officials and employees with counsel and advice to enhance and ensure compliance with their equal employment opportunity and program delivery responsibilities.

Learn More

## State Technical Committee

State Technical Committees serve in an advisory capacity to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the implementation of the natural resources conservation provisions of Farm Bill legislation.

Learn More

##   How to Get Assistance

**Do you farm or ranch and want to make improvements to the land that you own or lease?**

Natural Resources Conservation Service offers technical and financial assistance to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners.

**Print this information

###         Step 1: Make a Plan    

**To get started with NRCS, we recommend you stop by your local NRCS field office. We’ll discuss your vision for your land.**

NRCS provides landowners with free technical assistance, or advice, for their land. Common technical assistance includes: resource assessment, practice design and resource monitoring. Your conservation planner will help you determine if financial assistance is right for you.

###         Step 2: Start an Application    

**We’ll walk you through the application process. To get started on applying for financial assistance, we’ll work with you:**
                        - To fill out an AD 1026, which ensures a conservation plan is in place before lands with highly erodible soils are farmed. It also ensures that identified wetland areas are protected.
                        - To meet other eligibility certifications.

Once complete, we’ll work with you on the application, or CPA 1200.

Applications for most programs are accepted on a continuous basis, but they’re considered for funding in different ranking periods. Be sure to ask your local NRCS district conservationist about the deadline for the ranking period to ensure you turn in your application in time.

###         Step 3: Check your eligibility    

**As part of the application process, we’ll check to see if you are eligible. To do this, you’ll need to bring:**
                        - An official tax ID (Social Security number or an employer ID)
                        - A property deed or lease agreement to show you have control of the property; and
                        - A farm number.

If you don’t have a farm number, you can get one from USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Typically, the local FSA office is located in the same building as the local NRCS office. You only need a farm number if you’re interested in financial assistance.

###         Step 4: Rank your application    

**NRCS will take a look at the applications and rank them** according to local resource concerns, the amount of conservation benefits the work will provide and the needs of applicants. View Application Ranking Dates by State.

###         Step 5: Implement your plan    

**If you’re selected, you can choose whether to sign the contract for the work to be done.**

Once you sign the contract, you’ll be provided standards and specifications for completing the practice or practices, and then you will have a specified amount of time to implement. Once the work is implemented and inspected, you’ll be paid the rate of compensation for the work if it meets NRCS standards and specifications.

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## Related News and Events

NewsNRCS seeks new priority watersheds for the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative and National Water Quality InitiativeApril 16, 2024

NewsIndiana NRCS Accepting Second Round Applications Farmers Helping Hellbenders RCPP ProjectApril 05, 2024

NewsOver $300,000 awarded to landowners to fund soil conservation in Western Lake Erie BasinApril 04, 2024

          -  View More News 
          -  View More Events