Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has released USDA’s 2018 Farm Bill policy goals and priorities. Two of the stated priorities are: 1) Ensure that voluntary conservation programs balance farm productivity with conservation benefits so the most fertile and productive lands remain in production while land retired for conservation purposes favor more environmentally sensitive acres. 2) Support conservation programs that ensure cost-effective financial assistance for improved soil health, water and air quality and other natural resource benefits.