Phase 1
In Phase 1, the producer will attend classroom instruction on environmental stewardship related to:
- The Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972
- National & Louisiana water quality standards
- Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)
- Impacts of NPS Pollution on the Coastal Zone
- Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Role of Conservation Districts in conservation planning and implementation
- The NRCS Planning Process
- Conservation Programs
Phase 2
Phase 2 of the Master Farmer certification program consists of a visit to a commodity-specific model farm. Model farms demonstrating on-the-ground environmental BMPs for each commodity will be developed in each watershed. Water quality monitoring stations will be installed to evaluate the effectiveness of these conservation practices. The program is also beginning the process of producing several “virtual” commodity specific model farms. These will consist of commodity-specific BMP implementation videos and details on suitable BMPs.
Phase 3
Phase 3 is the development of farm-specific conservation plans. Farm conservation plans should be developed in cooperation with your NRCS area conservationist and/or the Soil and Water Conservation District office covering your region.
Upon completion of all three phases of the Louisiana Master Farmer program, producers will be in presumed compliance of Louisiana’s soil and water conservation requirements.