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.
National Association of Counties: Farm Bill expiration: What counties need to know
By Owen Hart and Rachel Yeung
10/01/2025
On September 30, 2025, the 2018 Farm Bill, officially known as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334), expired. While this does not mean an immediate halt to all programs authorized in the Farm Bill, the expiration begins a period of uncertainty for counties and rural residents who rely on resources authorized in the Farm Bill.
Fortune.com: Trump’s former USDA chief economist warns the shutdown makes the president’s $15 billion farmer bailout a fantasy: ‘You can’t just flip a switch’
By Eva Roytburg and Sasha Rogelberg
10/08/2025
President Donald Trump’s plan to use tariff revenue to bail out farmers could be stalled by the ongoing government shutdown. Trump said last month the administration would roll out subsidies for struggling farmers using revenue from his sweeping tariff policies.
NPR: How the government shutdown is impacting farmers
By Scott Simon and Frank Morris
10/11/2025
Agriculture is in a deep recession. The government shutdown is making things worse for farmers. It’s cutting off information and funding from the shuttered Department of Agriculture, which means an expected bailout is on hold.
USDA Today: Government shutdown hits crucial tools for farmers and commodity traders
By Ryan Hanrahan
10/14/2025
Politico’s Rachel Shin reported that “the government shutdown is creating financial heartburn for farmers across the country, stalling the delivery of farm loans, the release of critical market reports and the Trump administration’s plans for cash bailouts.”
%20(1).png)
The Gazette: As cover crop adoption grows in Iowa, new research finds not all farmers intend to keep planting them
By Olivia Cohen | Iowa | North Central Region
10/05/25
The use of cover crops in Iowa has expanded significantly in recent years. The conservation practice, which has been shown to reduce erosion and enhance soil health, is promoted by the state through cost share incentives — an effort by the Iowa Department of Agriculture to reduce nutrients that contribute to the Gulf dead zone. But new research suggests that while the number of acres being planted with cover crops has grown, not all farmers are sticking with the practice.
KOSU: Invasive cedar removal is expensive. A new Oklahoma program covers some costs
By | Oklahoma | South Central Region
10/06/2025
Invasive cedar trees are a problem in Oklahoma, but there’s a new program to help get rid of them. Applications are open to the Oklahoma Conservation Commission’s Invasive Woody Species Cost Share program to manage the pesky plants.
How wildlife wins with conservation farming practices
Nate Birt | Missouri | North Central Region
10/07/2025
For farmers, conservation has always been grounded in soil health, water conservation and water quality. But a growing number of producers are discovering something more: Wildlife can thrive alongside profitable farming, often as a surprise bonus of smart management.
Citizen Portal: San Luis Valley ‘Coffee Project’ brings rural suicide-prevention trainings to Monte Vista
Monte Vista, CO | Southwest Region
10/09/2025
Larry Brown, a presenter invited by City Clerk Anita, told the Monte Vista City Council on Oct. 2 that the San Luis Valley “Coffee Project” brings informal community gatherings and short trainings aimed at suicide prevention to agricultural and rural communities.
The Bradford Era: Conservation district holds annual tour
Pennsylvania | Northeast Region
10/10/2025
The McKean County Conservation District held its Annual Best Management Practices (BMP) Tour on Oct. 3 to showcase water quality projects and partnerships. Tour participants included Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint; Tamara Bleggi, field representative for Sen. Cris Dush, R-Brookville; conservation district staff and directors; and representatives from the McKean County Planning Commission, Lafayette Township, State Conservation Commission and the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training.
The Islands Sounder: Youth Conservation Corps wraps up a successful 2025 summer season
San Juan Islands | Pacific Region
10/13/2025
The San Juan Islands Youth Conservation Corps has successfully concluded its 2025 summer program, providing youth ages 12-18 from Lopez, Orcas and San Juan islands with hands-on conservation experience, outdoor education and professional skill-building. Over the course of eight weeks, YCC engaged 38 local youth led by seven experienced crew leaders in stewardship projects across San Juan County.
Citizens take plant ID tour through a field of dreams
Braden Harper | Coweta, OK | South Central Region
10/14/2025
Weather conditions on Thursday, Oct. 9 could not have been more perfect for a stroll outside to learn more about the plant species found on the Mvskoke Reservation. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Conservation District held their annual Plant ID Field Day where citizens were invited to go on a walk in a field filled with hundreds of plant species.