A Farmer’s Perspective on Agricultural Conservation

By: Alix Clausen

To highlight our Agricultural Conservation Program and its focus on community and partnerships, I recently connected with local farmer and former board member Darrel Cordova to talk about his experience working with the East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District.

For Darrell, the value of working with the RCD comes down to access and opportunity. “With the funding we were able to obtain, we could expand our coverage for growers and farmers that we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise,” he shared. He emphasized that these programs help reach producers who may not know where to start or assume support only comes in the form of regulation. “The RCD is here and ready to help,” he said. “It’s not just the government coming in with oversight.”

From a farmer’s perspective, Darrell described the relationship as practical and results-driven. “We were able to accomplish different things we wouldn’t be able to do on our own,” he explained, pointing to projects like hedgerow plantings and irrigation improvements where RCD staff helped guide the process from planning through installation.

For Darrell, agricultural conservation works best when farmers feel supported and informed.

“If you have a desire for a certain project, don’t overlook it,” he said, encouraging farmers to reach out to the ESRCD to see what options are available.

We’re grateful to Darrell for taking the time to share his experience and for the role he plays in supporting agricultural conservation in our community.