 Welcome to an introduction to vegetative buffer strips. This key farm element can be part of a sustainable farming system that considers conservation of natural resources, farm economic sustainability, and produce safety. In the next few minutes, you'll hear and see an overview of key buffer strip consideration for farm enhancement from a whole farm planning perspective. Buffer strips are small areas or strips of land in permanent vegetation and designed to intercept pollutants and manage other environmental concerns. Have you ever wondered how establishing a buffer strip adjacent to a growing area or waterway might affect wildlife and the movement of water through the landscape? Different types of buffers include riparian buffers, witty wind barriers, vegetative buffers, and contour grass strips. Riparian buffers, which are found along rivers and streams, help protect our waterways from erosion and contamination carried in runoffs from adjacent areas. Vegetation in these areas reduces the velocity of flood waters, which reduces erosion. These areas can also serve as natural filters to trap sediments before it reaches rivers. Soil microbes found in these areas can help break down pollutants such as hydrocarbon and shallow water areas can help support native species and attract beneficial wildlife by providing habitat, food, and a place to cool off. Buffers also include witty wind barriers and vegetative barriers that can protect growing areas from wind-borne contamination and runoff and protect crops from wind and frost damage. Other examples of buffers are contour grass strips and diversion terraces which slows and guide the movement of water across a landscape. In addition to reducing erosion, attracting pollinators and encouraging a biodiverse farm ecosystem, buffer strips can help reduce runoffs from animal production areas which have the potential to carry human pathogens. Because wildlife is an important food safety concern, the implementation of buffer strips should be carefully observed for the effects of wildlife in the growing area. Buffer strips can reduce wildlife in the growing area or attract wildlife to it depending on the individual farm and landscape. Sometimes a strategically positioned fence can encourage wildlife to remain in the areas you provide for them. The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service can provide financial assistance for the implementation of conservation practices through the Equip Environmental Quality Incentive Program and Conservation Stewardship Program. The NRCS and Extension can also provide technical expertise to help implement buffer strips on your farm. Buffer strips are a common sense way to improve the conservation of natural resources, reduce food safety risks and maintain your farm's economic sustainability.