Water is a crucial resource for farmers and ranchers, not only for keeping their crops, forage, and livestock healthy, but also as part of their families' and communities' water supply.
Farmers and ranchers protect water quality through various practices, including conservation tillage, cover crops, nutrient management, and livestock practices that reduce runoff.
Conservation tillage and cover cropping are key practices that protect against erosion, improve soil water retention, and reduce runoff, helping to keep water and nutrients in the field.
Water used on the farm is also part of their families' and communities' water supply.
This approach focuses on improving land's water retention, keeping water and nutrients in a field, and reducing runoff.
Author's summary: Farmers prioritize water quality through conservation practices.