The National Association of Conservation Districts along with a coalition of ag, conservation and wildlife groups are urging Congress to include $28 billion for conservation in the final budget package. NACD Second Vice President and Pipestone area Minnesota farmer Ian Cunningham says delivering conservation programs locally and having that funding in the package is what makes conservation work and benefit everyone.

He says one of the most important parts of the budget bill for conservation is enough funding to keep technicians on the ground to help producers with their conservation practices.

Cunningham says it was his father that helped his family convert their own farming practices to meet environmental and soil health goals.

Cunningham says he and his family also integrate livestock into their operation with a managed grazing system on their perennial forages.