Conservation Clips is a weekly collection of articles distributed by NACD that provides our members and partners with the latest news in what’s driving conservation. These articles are not indicative of NACD policy and are the opinions of their authors, unless otherwise noted. If you have a relevant submission or need assistance accessing articles, please contact the NACD Communications Team.
NACD Blog: Did You Know? Next Generation Leadership Institute Develops Conservation Leaders
By Desiree Van Dyke
08/25/2026
The National Conservation Foundation’s Next Generation Leadership Institute is a year-long program that helps conservation district officials develop and polish their leadership skills. This program was created in 2019 to equip conservation district leaders with the skills they need to rise to leadership positions within NACD, their state associations, and other civic and non-profit groups.
American Ag Network: CNH “Farmer Pulse” Report finds Precision Technology is Becoming Essential to North American Farmers
08/17/2026
Based on a survey of 217 farmers and ranchers across the United States and Canada in May 2026, the report finds that precision technology has become part of everyday farming for many operations. Nearly 9 in 10 respondents (89%) use auto-guidance technology, while 71% say precision technology is important to the success of their operation. More than half also expect to invest in additional precision technology over the next two years.
Progressive Farmer: Senators Target 20M Acres
By Jake Zajkowski
08/20/2026
This week at Dakotafest, a pair of bipartisan senators introduced legislation to open 20 million additional acres through a voluntary grazing program to aid in rebuilding the nation’s cow herd. Introduced by U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., the Rebuilding America’s National Cow Herd (RANCH) Act would provide enough grazing land to support an estimated two million to four million additional beef cows.
The Guardian: The US has a plan to save the Colorado River. Experts say it won’t be enough to stop the crisis
By Gabrielle Cannon
08/21/2026
Under the new federal framework, California, Arizona and Nevada could collectively lose up to 3m acre-feet of water – roughly 40% of their supply – per year. One acre-foot, a unit denoting the amount of water that can cover a football field one foot deep, is equal to roughly 326,000 gallons (1.2m liters) – enough to supply roughly three families for a year.
USDA-NRCS: From Field To Stream: How Farmers And Ranchers Are Protecting Water Quality
08/25/2026
August is National Water Quality Month, celebrating one of earth’s most vital resources: clean water. Across America, farmers and ranchers are working with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to protect the water that connects our country’s farms, families, and communities.
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WAPT: Mississippi farmers focus on soil health to tackle weather and pest challenges
By Allie Ware | Jackson, MS | Southwest Region
08/14/2026
Mississippi farmers are turning to soil restoration to combat challenges like drought, flooding, and parasites. For farmers, weather is more than just a forecast — it’s a critical business decision. Allen Williams, who works with Mississippi farmers to restore ecosystems and revitalize land, emphasized the importance of resilience.
Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board: Where Perspective Takes Root: A Lifetime of Learning from the Land
Temple, TX | South Central Region
08/21/2026
As longtime agricultural producers and Directors of the Matagorda County Soil and Water Conservation District, Baker and Mann have watched agriculture in their corner of Texas change dramatically. They have seen farmland give way to industry, endured drought and uncertain markets, adapted practices that generations before them never imagined and witnessed the growing importance of conserving increasingly limited land and water resources.
East Bay RI: Barrington’s composting effort: ‘This is above and beyond’
By Josh Bickford | Barrington, RI | Northeast Region
08/24/2026
In less than a year, the curbside composting program that is co-sponsored by the town has diverted more than 59 tons of waste from the state landfill. The program — it is led by Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District, the Town of Barrington, and Black Earth Composting — started in September 2025, and has grown over the past 11 months.
Coast Side News: Help test Coastside waters during the season’s first rain
By Emma Spaeth | California | Pacific Region
08/25/2026
The San Mateo Resource Conservation District is looking for volunteers willing to brave the rain—and potentially an early morning wake-up call—to help test local waterways during the first major storm of the season. The annual First Flush program sends teams to creek mouths and ocean outfalls between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay.
Pacific Daily News: ‘Changing times’: Panelists talk natural, policy challenges for conservation
By Skyler Obsipo | Fairfield, CA | Pacific Region
08/25/2026
Conservation locally and nationally is facing challenges from both nature and federal policy. There are nearly 3,000 conservation districts in the U.S. under the National Association of Conservation Districts. The Pacific Southwest region, which Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are part of, is the most geographically, and ecologically diverse, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said Tuesday, speaking to a room of conservationists, biologists, and researchers at the 2026 Pacific Southwest Region Meeting.
Stanwood Camano News: All about beavers: Camano program explores the engineers of the rodent kingdom
By Libby Williams | Cherokee, NC | Southeast Region
08/25/2026
If you’ve ever spotted a fallen tree during a walk on Camano Island, there could be incriminating buck-teeth marks in the wood. Snohomish Conservation District “Living With Beavers” Program Lead Ariana Winkler discussed best practices for cohabiting with these busy neighbors during the monthly Camano Wildlife Habitat program on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Winkler first explained the conservation district’s work.
Technology, Science, and Me: No-till is a win-win-win for soil health, crop production, and clean water
Washington | Pacific Region
08/27/2026
In the Hangman Creek watershed, producers and conservation partners are working together to improve water quality while supporting productive farms. A key tool is no‑till farming — planting directly into last year’s crop residue to protect soil health, retain moisture, and keep sediment out of the streams and rivers. Recently, partners of the Hangman Creek watershed workgroup gathered to see no-till practices in action with a presentation from the Spokane Conservation District.