| 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.
Farm Progress: How to Get the Most Out of Cover Crops Cover crops have long been seen as a conversation multitool that can reduce erosion, break up soil compaction, suppress weeds, increase organic matter and more. In-field assessments allow farmers to evaluate whether their practices paid off. USDA: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $500 Million for Improved Regional Conservation Partnership Program The Biden-Harris Administration announced the availability of $500 million in funding to advance partner-driven solutions to conservation on agricultural land through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program. National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition: Grazing Lands Awards Bolster Sustainable Conservation Practices The most recent cooperative agreements through USDA’s Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative total $12 million, expanding the ability of partners around the country to provide technical assistance to livestock producers and increase conservation practice implementation on grazing operations. Morning Ag Clips: Infrastructure Investments Help Communities Manage Natural Disasters USDA is investing $265 million through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in 28 Emergency Watershed Protection infrastructure projects in 16 states impacted by extreme weather events. These projects include streambank stabilization, flood prevention and watershed restoration projects.
Hastings Tribune: Regenerative Approach to Soil Health Good for Water, Farm Profits Some Nebraska farmers and researchers are fighting back against the state’s groundwater problem with technology. They are embracing new methods that can reduce nitrate leaching into groundwater; improve their soil’s health; and also, they say, boost the bottom line. The Daily Item: Conservation District Offering Assistance for Farm Plans Development Two options are available for farmers interested in having necessary plans written or updated from the Snyder County Conservation District. These plans can help farmers seeking financial assistance to install conservation practices from various programs and sources. Agri-View: Cover Crops Curb Nitrate Flow As Corn Belt states seek ways to curb nitrogen flow from farms into the Gulf of Mexico, new research shows that winter cover crops could be part of the solution. Widespread planting of cereal rye in Illinois could reduce nitrate in the state’s tile drainage water by 30 percent. Addison County Independent: Grants Available for Field Cover Crops The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Foods and Markets recently announced that its Farm Agronomic Practices Program invests state funds in soil-based agronomic practices to improve soil quality, increase crop production, and reduce erosion and surface runoff from agricultural fields. Farm Progress: Students Take Deep Dive Into Soil and Water Health Each year, fifth and sixth grade students across Iowa’s Buena Vista County spend 10 days learning about soil and water health through a program sponsored by the Buena Vista County Soil and Water Conservation District. USDA Agricultural Research Service: Growing Plants in a Hotter World Heat stress and drought are hard on plants. But what, exactly, is happening to the plants under these conditions, and what can we do about it? These questions are becoming ever more urgent as we move toward a future with more carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air, more heat, and more erratic weather. NRCS: Preparing Students for Climate Smart Agriculture Careers The future of agriculture lies in the hands of today’s students. As the nation’s population becomes increasingly urbanized, it can be challenging for university to build academic pathways for students to pursue careers in agriculture fields. Ag Week: Grand Forks County Soil Conservation District Planting Crew Has Miles to Go Before it Sleeps Foot by foot, row by row, miles of trees are going into the ground this spring in Grand Forks County. During May 2023 the Grand Forks County Soil Conservation District will plant 20 miles of shelterbelts for landowners. Ohio Country Journal: Brandt Passed Away, Leaving a Legacy of Conservation Ohio agriculture has never before known a global cultural phenomenon and conservation icon quite like David Brandt, of Fairfield County, who passed away at the age of 76. NBC Montana: Missoula CD Opens Applications for Mini Grants The Missoula Conservation District (CD) opened an application process for local community groups, schools, conservation organizations and individuals for three mini grants ranging up to $500. Spectrum News 1: Invasive Spotted Lanternflies Have Been Seen Throughout North Carolina Spotted lanternflies are in the Tar Heel state again, and they may take a bite out of one of North Carolina’s biggest industries: agriculture. Courier Express: Elk County Conservation District Welcomes Technician, Debuts New Program The Elk County Conservation District has welcomed a new member to its dedicated team and launched a newly program to support local municipalities looking to fix dirt, gravel and low-volume roads that are having an adverse environmental impact. TSSWCB: Leadership Elected to the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) held a meeting on May 18 to elect a Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the board. TSSWCB works in conjunction with local soil and water conservation districts across Texas to encourage the wise and productive use of natural resources. Buckrail: Teton Conservation District Seeks Public Input on Fish Creek Watershed Management Plan The Teton Conservation District is leading a comprehensive watershed planning effort for Fish Creek, and is gathering stakeholder and public input, to prioritize watershed management practices and policies to improve and protect the creek. Nisqually Valley News: Pierce Conservation District Invites Public to Take Part in Wildfire Ready Neighbors Program The Washington State Department of Natural Resources, the Pierce Conservation District, and local fire departments have invited Pierce County residents to participate in Wildfire Ready Neighbors, a free program that offers tailored action plans and home wildfire risk assessments. Tri-State Neighbor: Unconventional: Hartford Farmer Aims for Maximum Diversity, Ultimate Soil Health The fourth-generation farmer aims to maximize diversity and strictly adhere to soil health principals on his farm near Hartford, South Dakota. USDA Forest Service: Tribal Teens Gain Hands-On Forest Experience With summer on the horizon, National Forests and Grasslands in Texas are preparing for the return of the Tribal Youth Conservation Corps program, which provides young people, ages 16-18, hands-on work experience and educational opportunities in nature. Spectrum1 News: Fratt Elementary School Planting the Future for Endangered Pollinators Students helped lay the groundwork for a pollinator patch at Fratt Elementary School. It’s all a part of a program at the school looking to make a difference in the local environment and help feed endangered pollinators.
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