Agricultural Partners & Programs

Natural Resources Conservation Serive (NRCS)

NRCS Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI)

The NRCS Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative focuses on improving water quality and soil health across the Mississippi River Basin by supporting conservation practices on agricultural lands. This initiative provides technical and financial assistance to farmers to implement practices that reduce nutrient runoff and improve water quality.

NRCS National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI)

The NRCS National Water Quality Initiative targets high-priority watersheds to enhance water quality by promoting conservation practices that address nutrient and sediment runoff. Through this initiative, NRCS collaborates with farmers to implement best management practices (BMPs) that protect water resources and improve overall watershed health. 

NRCS Tennessee (NRCS TN)

With the mission of “Helping People Help the Land,” NRCS Tennessee provides products and services that enable people to be good stewards of the Nation’s soil, water, plants and other related natural resources on private lands through voluntary conservation efforts.

NRCS Conservation Practices

The Tennessee Nutrient Reduction Task force Agricultural BMP workgroup identified the following "priority" conservation practices:

NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Number and Descriptions:
328 Conservation Crop Rotation
329 Residue Management, No Till
340 Cover Crop
512 Pasture & Hay Planting
528 Prescribed Grazing
590 Nutrient Management
 

Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA)

319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program

The TDA 319 Nonpoint Source Program aims to reduce nonpoint source pollution through the implementation of BMPs and educational outreach. Funded by the Clean Water Act, this program supports projects that address nutrient runoff and improve water quality in Tennessee's rivers and streams. 

University of Tennessee (UT)

UT Extension

UT Extension provides research-based information and educational programs to support sustainable agricultural practices. Through workshops, demonstrations, and publications, the Extension helps farmers adopt practices that enhance soil health and reduce nutrient loss. 

Agricultural Associations and Groups

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation provides support and advocacy for all types of farmers in Tennessee, including promoting sustainable agricultural practices and policies.

The Tennessee Soybean

The Tennessee Soybean advocates for soybean farmers by promoting research, education, and policy initiatives. Membership organization concerned with policies that affect soybean producer profits in Tennessee and affiliated with the American Soybean Association.

The Tennessee Corn

The Tennessee Corn represents the interests of corn farmers by supporting research, education, and policy development.

Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association

Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association focuses on the interests of cattle producers by supporting practices that improve livestock management and environmental stewardship.

Environmental Conservancy Groups

Cumberland River Compact

Cumberland River Compact Working Lands Program works with the professionals who manage pastures, farms, and forests to improve water quality.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy works to promote sustainable agricultural practices that improve soil health and water quality. The program provides guidance and support for farmers to implement conservation practices and environmental stewardship. 

Tennessee Watershed Collaboration

Watershed Planning Coordination