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54 <br /> DRAFT/March 28, 2025 <br /> *The National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) describes Prime Farmland as of major <br /> importance in meeting the Nation's short-and long-range needs for food and fiber. Because the <br /> supply of high-quality farmland is limited, the USDA recognizes that responsible levels of <br /> government, as well as individuals, should encourage and facilitate the wise use of our Nation's <br /> prime farmland. . .. Prime farmland, as defined by the USDA, is land that has the best <br /> combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, <br /> and oilseed crops and is available for these uses. It could be cultivated land, pastureland, <br /> forestland, or other land, but it is not urban or built-up land or water areas. The soil quality, <br /> growing season, and moisture supply are those needed for the soil to economically produce <br /> sustained high yields of crops when proper management, including water management, and <br /> acceptable farming methods are applied. In general, prime farmland has an adequate and <br /> dependable supply of moisture from precipitation or irrigation, a favorable temperature and <br /> growing season, acceptable acidity or alkalinity, an acceptable salt and sodium content, and <br /> few or no rocks. The water supply is dependable and of adequate quality. Prime farmland is <br /> permeable to water and air. It is not excessively erodible or saturated with water for long <br /> periods, and it either is not frequently flooded during the growing season or is protected from <br /> flooding. Slope ranges mainly from 0 to 6 percent. <br /> 52 <br />