WAWG
In late May, Franklin County wheat growers met with Roylene Comes At Night (right), Natural Resources Conservation Service’s state conservationist, to discuss potential conservation practices for dryland growers.
By Andrea Cox
Conservation Coordinator, Washington Association of Wheat Growers
In late May, Franklin County growers met with Roylene Comes At Night, Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) state conservationist, to continue brainstorming conservation practice ideas for dryland growers. Producers previously met with Comes At Night and other state staff in February to express their concerns about having utilized most practices available to growers in less-than-12-inch rainfall areas.
Kara Kaelber, Franklin Conservation District manager, also joined in the conversation focusing on the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and how NRCS and the conservation district could partner.
Participants discussed the Conservation Harvest Management Practice (NRCS Interim Conservation Practice Standard 809). This practice focuses on management or harvest techniques that enhance the orientation, amount, and distribution of residue left on the ground (standing or laying). There is one year left until this practice goes out to the public for comment.
Growers also discussed local working groups and how money and fund pools are allocated. Bobby Evans, NRCS state resource conservationist, explained the once-every-five-year process where the public can provide feedback on prices and that the state technical committee reviews practices. Discussions have been had about revisiting the evaluation process for local workgroups for 2026.
Andrew Schafer brought up to the group that in his opinion, the best way to judge success with NRCS programs is to look at whether practices are being continued after the timeline is complete.
Producers proposed several ideas for additional practices including the utilization of humus liquid biochar, upgrading GPS, and spraying fertilizer to help break down straw in high residue years.
Growers further expressed concern about struggles with practices during drought years. NRCS staff stressed the importance of contacting their planner to let them know what’s going on so it can be documented in their file.
State NRCS staff will review recommendations presented at the meeting and reconvene with growers at a later date to discuss opportunities.