The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and other private landowners to help them conserve and protect their natural resources. The agency was established in 1935 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. NRCS's mission is to help people help the land by providing technical assistance, financial assistance, and education to landowners and land managers. The agency's services include conservation planning, conservation practices, and easement programs. NRCS employs approximately 11,000 people and has offices in every state and territory of the United States.