| 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 with accessing articles, please contact the NACD Communications Team.
Forbes: Why Farmers Are Our Most Important Advisors In The Next Phase Of Agriculture A technological revolution is also giving farmers more tools to boost efficiency, increase crop yields and maximize profits. WSB-TV 2: ‘A return to the land’: More minorities turning to farming industries during pandemic Farming is still a thriving industry despite setbacks from the pandemic and global supply chain issues. One national report found the food and agricultural sectors contributed more than $3 trillion to the U.S. economy last year alone. But USDA data shows a lack of diversity among farmers across the country. High Plains Journal: Farm bill debates expected to ramp up quickly in 2023 If you’ve been thinking about changes you’d like to see in a new farm bill, it’s time to make your opinions known, either through your state associations or with your congressional representatives. Farm Progress: Knowing your winter cover crops Adding winter cover crops to corn and soybean cropping systems has increased steadily over the past decade. Farmers who adopt this practice are doing so because of the cover crops’ ability to improve soil quality and crop production efficiency. That said, cover crops require management and growers should have an idea of the benefits they want to see in order to evaluate ROI. The Packer: Chefs champion soil health in new regenerative ag education program The Natural Resources Defense Council, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, is featuring 30 diverse chefs from across the U.S. as regenerative agriculture advocates in its Chefs for Healthy Soils program, according to a news release. The new program is based on the concept of soil as the foundation for a healthy food system. Eurasia Review: Think Global, Act Local: How To Manage Dryland Grazing In A Warming Climate An international team of more than 130 scientists has conducted the first global study to assess the impact of grazing on the world’s arid ecosystems. The findings of this study can contribute to the development of more sustainable rangeland management, as well as to the establishment of effective management and restoration actions to mitigate the effects of climate change and desertification. The Hill: Senators urge Agriculture secretary to help Western states in ’22-year mega-drought’ Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) is leading a letter signed by 14 other senators urging Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to help Western states survive what they are calling a “22-year mega-drought” that is threatening farms and ranches across the West. Successful Farming: 4 Resources to Help You Navigate the Wild West Carbon Market While the carbon market space has been dubbed the Wild West, it’s getting more and more settled every day. Numerous programs have already distributed payments to farmers, technologies to measure soil organic carbon are in testing, and the demand from corporations to offset their carbon emissions via agriculture has only increased.
The Day: Rain garden project underway The Eastern Connecticut Conservation District, Inc., is working on a project to install vegetated buffers along waterfronts and rain gardens using native plants, said Maura Robie, the group’s natural resource specialist. Several have already been installed, with more being planned. FOX 13: Agriculture program teaches children about growing food from the ground up The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences wants to plant the seeds of farming in a new generation by hosting third-graders at its AgVenture program at the Manatee County Fairgrounds. Aitkin Age: Margaret Vos, SWCD Outstanding Conservationist Margaret Vos, Isle, a Compass member from the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed Group (MLLWMG), has been named the Mille Lacs Soil and Water Conservation District’s (SWCD) Outstanding Conservationist for 2022. Vos will be honored at a special luncheon hosted by the MN Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts at an annual state convention in Bloomington. The T&D: Project examines how cover crops can aid vineyards, pollinator habitats A project in New Mexico may help vineyards maintain stable soil health while fostering an environment that promotes pollinator conservation. Nebraska TV: USDA researchers say grazing after corn harvest is a double win for farmers, ranchers When it comes to feeding cattle, farmers and ranchers may be leaving money on the table — or on the ground — if they don’t graze livestock on corn residue. Sand County Foundation: Pinhook Farm Receives First Iowa Leopold Conservation Award “All of the nominees for the inaugural Leopold Conservation Award in Iowa truly exemplify family farming and caring for the land. One look at what the Watkins family has done provides an impressive goal for other farmers,” said John Whitaker, Conservation Districts of Iowa Executive Director. UC Merced Newsroom: Experts Recommend a New, More Innovative Approach to Wildfire Research Fire scientists typically respond to agency opportunities and conduct research in response to past wildfires. But it is time they take more proactive, integrative, predictive approaches toward mitigating and adapting to this potentially devastating consequence of climate change, a group of scientists advocates. Farm Bureau: Looking for a Role in the Family Business, Kansas Farmer Becomes a Voice for Conservation Michael Thompson shares his knowledge and lessons learned with other farmers and ranchers. He’s a founding member and chairman of the Kansas Soil Health Alliance, president of No-till on the Plains, and a supervisor on the Norton County Conservation District Board. KTVZ: Merkley announces nearly $560,000 for West Coast monarch butterfly, pollinator conservation Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., announced Monday $557,600 in federal funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Monarch and Pollinator Fund to increase and improve western monarch butterfly and pollinator habitats in Oregon and California. NC State University: Groundtruthing Climate-Smart Grasslands These grasslands support almost 40% of the U.S. cow-calf operations and represent a significant opportunity to accumulate and store carbon deeper in the soil profile than cropland. But grazed grassland acreage is dwindling, displaced by development, row crops and hay production. Water World: ACWA announces Communication, Emissary awards The Association of California Water Agencies awarded its Excellence in Communication Award to Kings River Conservation District, and its annual Emissary Award to Anjanette Shadley. The Bradford Era: Lane elected to NACD executive board Cliff Lane was recently elected as the North East Region representative to the National Association of Conservation District’s (NACD) Executive Board. He will take office in early 2023. Farm & Ranch Guide: Hope for America’s declining grasslands – the Meadowlark Initiative The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has been tracking the decline of meadowlarks and other grassland birds and their habitat over the decades. About five years after updating North Dakota Wildlife Action Plan, they determined a more focused and intentional grasslands conservation effort was necessary. 9News: The impacts of urban sprawl on Colorado’s water supply Rebecca Mitchell, Director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board, said even with a stable or reduced population, there still may not be enough water. The Meadville Tribune: Make bird feeders at Conservation District program Do you like feeding the birds in the winter? The Crawford County Conservation District will host the outdoor program “Making Conifer Cone Bird Feeders” from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday at Woodcock Creek Nature Center. |