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.
USDA: USDA Announces $1.8 Billion in 2026 Conservation Program Payments
10/08/2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today it is issuing approximately $1.8 billion in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) payments to agricultural producers and landowners for their participation in key conservation programs for 2026.
Politico: Judge halts USDA’s reorganization
By Marcia Brown
10/13/2026
A federal court temporarily halted the Trump administration’s sweeping reorganization of the Agriculture Department late Tuesday, dealing a blow to Secretary Brooke Rollins.
USDA: USDA Announces $86.6 Million Investment into the U.S. Specialty Crop Industry
10/13/2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is awarding $86.6 million in grant funding to support the specialty crop industry through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program funds innovative projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.
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Farmers.gov: Fridays on the Farm: Thinking Big, Growing Local
| Midland, SD | Northern Plains Region
10/02/2026
Support from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helped them improve their operation over the years. In 2010, Bud and Peggy’s operation was the first operation in South Dakota to install a high tunnel with NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program, an investment that is still used for vegetable production today.
Rural Radio Network: Nebraska launches ONE RED program, offering eligible farmers up to $23,000
Nebraska | Northern Plains Region
10/07/2026
The ONE RED Ag Data Bank & Grants Program is being rolled out by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment in partnership with Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts, and is designed to help farmers adopt tools and practices that make economic sense on the farm while generating better information to support Nebraska’s long-term water, nutrient and soil resource management.
USDA-NRCS: Innovation and Adaptation: Evridge Farms Partners with NRCS to Reach Goals
By Wade Day | Texas | South Central Region
10/07/2026
Their commitment to farming and ranching in an area that is challenging due to its arid conditions, is a testament to their conservation mindset. The Everidge’s have tackled challenges with a blend of practicality and innovation, creating a balance that leverages each person’s strengths.
Penn Live: Health of Chesapeake Bay receives best report card yet, but Lower Susquehanna gets poor scores
By Tom Lisi | Pennsylvania | Northeast Region
10/13/2026
(Edited) Chris Thompson, district manager at the Lancaster County Conservation District, called the D+ grade “disappointing,” but said he remained optimistic that local water quality measures will show improvement in future years. The projects are as varied as they are numerous. They include conservation improvements on farms, such as a new roof for a cattle barnyard to limit runoff of manure, the addition of cover crops to farms to limit erosion, the planting of trees and vegetation along streams to slow runoff and much more.
Northwest Public Broadcasting: How salmon ‘rest stops’ on the Yakima River could help fish migrate through hot water
By Courtney Flatt | Washington | Pacific Region
10/13/2026
“We are creating, essentially, rest stops for (salmon) as they are migrating,” said Marcella Appel, Benton Conservation District manager. “Our hope is that the cold water refuge can increase some of our summer run populations.”