Pretty Prairie farmer talks conservation in Washington

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Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext 1025

Washington, DC - Pretty Prairie farmer and rancher, Chad Basinger, recently met with Kansas legislators in Washington, DC to discuss conservation in the next farm bill.

On Nov. 8, Basinger joined farmers from South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and other states in a fly-in sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs and the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.

“He emphasized the importance of voluntary conservation programs like Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to the health and productivity of his farm,” said Jim French, senior advisor and consultant to the Center for Rural Affairs. “He pointed out the larger benefits of clean water and air, wildlife habitat, and future food security that good stewardship passes on to the public.”

Basinger is a long-time participant in conservation programs. He is currently enrolled in CSP and has an active EQIP contract.

In Washington, Basinger met with Rep. Roger Marshall. He also met with staff in the offices of Sens. Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran, and Reps. Ron Estes, Lynn Jenkins, and Kevin Yoder.

“The fly-in is part of a national effort to maintain and strengthen conservation of the nation’s resources, and support a healthy and thriving rural America,” French said.

The Kansas farmer grows wheat, soybeans, and grain sorghum in Reno County. He also manages a cow-calf herd, and backgrounds and finishes calves.

Congress has started work on the next farm bill. The current farm bill expires on Sept. 30, 2018.