Working alongside USDA agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is second nature for the Texas Small Farmers and Ranchers Community Based Organization.
Founded in 1998, the organization is dedicated to assisting limited resource agricultural producers in parts of Texas with accessing services and programs offered by state and federal agricultural agencies.
Today, the Texas Small Farmers and Ranchers Community Based Organization has grown into a dynamic 400-member organization. It works closely with NRCS staff across Central and East Texas to ensure the success of the nonprofit’s outreach efforts to landowners.
For example, NRCS employees speak at many of the organization’s meetings, workshops and field days and meet one on one with landowners about conservation practices and financial and technical assistance opportunities the agency offers. Last year, the nonprofit held more than 50 workshops, and its members and partners have reached hundreds of landowners with the tools they need to help them meet their farming, ranching or land-management goals.
![Willie Holmon, soil conservationist with the NRCS in Bryan, gave a soil survey map review presentation.](http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7678675586_6e7116912d.jpg)
The Texas Small Farmers and Ranchers Community Based Organization recently opened its first-ever state headquarters in Navasota, Tex. This building will enable the organization to help its customers in a hands-on training environment, as there is land attached for outdoor projects and demonstration areas.
![Members and visitors attended the Texas Small Farmers and Ranchers Community Based Organization’s inaugural meeting April 3 at its new headquarters.](http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7678674776_d110531ab7.jpg)