Healthy soil and well-managed precipitation are what all farmers and ranchers depend on to grow crops. Food is the most obvious connection between farmers and ranchers who produce it, and their customers who consume it. A less obvious, but equally important, connection between these groups is fresh water.

Water is the single most important constraint on our thirsty planet. It's as much a product of farmland as the food we consume. The quantity and quality of our fresh water streams, lakes and underground aquifers are directly impacted by farmers and ranchers. That is why Sand County Foundation works at the intersection of upstream farmers and ranchers and downstream water users.

We demonstrate specific management practices that protect soil and water, utilize it more efficiently, and maximize the environmental benefits and productive capacity of agricultural systems. Sand County Foundation is a trusted partner to farmers and ranchers, which allows us access to private farmland to test, develop, demonstrate, monitor and promote new management tools.

In addition to these current projects, please visit our Success Stories for highlights of past projects that improved soil, water and wildlife habitat.