Conservation Conversation – Bruce Knight

Bruce Knight describes himself as a “lifelong conservationist” following his father’s advice to “leave the land better than you found it,” He shares his journey from farming in South Dakota to leading the Natural Resources Conservation Service during the Bush administration to his role with Strategic Conservation Solutions. Rodger and Bruce explore various conservation programs including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and how these programs have evolved to support farmers in implementing practices like rotational grazing, no-till farming, and cover crops. Bruce explains how these programs have grown from initial federal funding to include private sector partnerships with food companies like McDonald’s and Nestle investing in regenerative agriculture initiatives. They discussed the balance between voluntary conservation incentives and regulatory compliance, noting that while some farmers are proactively seeking to improve their land, there is relatively light regulatory oversight. The conversation concluded with Bruce expressing optimism about the growing interest in conservation and sustainability among young people entering the field, noting that the food movement has made conservation popular again and created opportunities for both small and large-scale farmers.