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: Regenerative Agriculture in Action: Dan and Tami Sanders’ Journey on the Yellowstone
By Nicole Poitra, NACD Northern Plains Region Representative
01/13/2026
At the foot of Montana’s Crazy Mountains in Big Timber, Dan and Tami Sanders are transforming their leased 500-acre ranch along the Yellowstone River into a working model of regenerative agriculture. Guided by the wisdom of local ranchers and supported by modern soil-health practices, they’re blending tradition and innovation to tackle today’s agricultural challenges.
No-Till Farming: Ag Secretary Orders Changes to USDA Research Priorities
By John Dobberstein
12/31/2025
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Tuesday that the massive agency will be required to change its research focus to be more in alignment with the needs of farmers. Rollins says an obsessive focus on diversity, equity and inclusion programs and draconian environmental oversight during President Biden’s administration caused the USDA drift from its original mission and squander resources.
WWBL: Did You Get Your USDA Ballot? FSA County Committee Elections Close Feb. 2
01/13/2026
USDA has revised the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee voting period. That means if you’re an eligible ag producer and private landowner, you should be receiving your ballot this week. Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally.
Indigo: Indigo to Sell 2.85 Million Tonnes of Carbon Removal to Microsoft, Supporting Soil Health Through Regenerative Agriculture
01/15/2026
Regenerative agriculture practices have been recognized by governments and climate organizations as a valuable tool for carbon removal, with the ability to remove more than 3.5 gigatons of carbon-dioxide equivalent every year* in addition to improving soil health, increasing crop resiliency and yields, and scaling local investment. Amidst rising water scarcity, regenerative agriculture programs also offer support to rural communities with meaningful co-benefits including improved water infiltration and water conservation.
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KGOU: Rural Oklahoma backpack program encourages kids to learn about invasive species
By Anna Pope | Oklahoma | South Central Region
01/05/2025
The Oklahoma Forestry Services launched a Rural Library Backpack Program in 84 of the state’s libraries outside of major metropolitan areas. Kids of different ages can grab a backpack from their local library and get outside to learn about the state’s forests and the invasive species creeping in.
Morning Ag Clips: How Wild Roots Farm Grows More Than Food
Troutdale, OR | Pacific Region
01/13/2026
In 2015, Colombo entered the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District’s (EMSWCD) Headwaters Farm Business Incubator program, a training ground for beginning farmers. Over four years, she honed her skills in production, business and resource management. When she graduated in 2019, she moved to Wild Roots Farm’s current 9-acre site.
Gillette News Record: Northeast Wyoming ranchers express calculated interest in virtual fencing at symposium
By David Neri | Wyoming | Southwest Region
01/13/2026
Framing the event as a joint effort coming from a multitude of northeast Wyoming conservation districts, foundations and state offices, Clear Creek Conservation District Manager Zach Byram said that he was initially inspired by a similar event held in Cody last year. He wanted to provide local ranchers with up-to-date information, so he reached out to other conservation districts and related organizations, with the planning committee feeling that casting a wider net would attract more interest.
Soo Leader: Why Michigan can’t afford to overlook Conservation Districts
By Andrew Truax | Michigan | North Central Region
01/13/2026
To understand the true value of Michigan’s 75 Conservation Districts, one must look beyond the fence lines of our farms. Born from the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, modern Conservation Districts protect public health, safeguard Michigan’s freshwater resources, and stabilize rural and urban communities.
The Islands’ Sounder: San Juan Islands Conservation District offers free biochar kiln workshops to combat wildfire risk and boost soil health
By Darell Kirk | San Juan Islands | Pacific Region
01/15/2026
San Juan County landowners have a unique opportunity this winter to learn a centuries-old practice with modern applications: converting woody debris into biochar using low-emission kilns. The San Juan Islands Conservation District is offering free hands-on workshops on all three ferry-served islands, training participants to address two critical challenges facing the region — wildfire prevention and soil health.