U.S. Senator Roger Marshall recently discussed the Conservation Reserve Easement Program, or CREP, describing it as “CRP for water.” Much like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which pays farmers to set aside marginal cropland for grassland preservation, CREP encourages water conservation by rewarding producers who reduce water use through precision agriculture.

Marshall, who has worked closely on the program with Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, emphasized its importance to the Republican River basin, which begins in Colorado and runs through Nebraska and northwest Kansas. The basin is a key source for recharging the region’s aquifer, and CREP offers financial incentives to farmers practicing sustainable water management.

“What we’re trying to do is reward farmers, who as they move to precision agriculture, as they grow more with less, is to get them some type of a financial reward for retiring or using less of their water,” said Sen. Marshall.

Looking ahead, Marshall said he’s optimistic about expanding conservation programs through the upcoming farm bill. He emphasized his role in identifying what works for farmers and pushing to enhance those programs while phasing out less effective ones.

As for the broader farm bill, Marshall noted bipartisan work is underway, with hopes to pass legislation this summer. His top priorities include strengthening crop insurance and raising reference prices for Kansas crops. He’s also teaming up with Senator Amy Klobuchar to bring whole milk back to schools and into SNAP benefits to encourage healthy food choices.