| 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.
Wallace Center: EPA Historically Underserved Farmers Subaward Program: Supporting Farmer Changemakers in the Mississippi River Basin The Wallace Center recently launched a request for applications for it’s subaward agreement with the EPA’s Gulf of Mexico Division. The application window will be open until May 1. Growing Produce: $10 Million Grant To Help the U.S. Double Its Acreage of Cover Crops by 2030 A new $10 million grant project from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is in motion to support farmers and improve agriculture practices during severe weather and a warming climate. USDA: Biden-Harris Administration Invests More Than $12 Million In Support of the Tribal Forest Protection Act More than $12 million from the Infrastructure Law will be invested in fiscal year 2023 to complete projects in support of the Tribal Forest Protection Act (TFPA). Feedstuffs: USDA Awards $95M Through Farmers for Soil Health Initiative USDA awarded $95 million in climate-smart commodity grants to farmers in 20 states transitioning to cover crops. The grants will help with financial and technical assistance. Brownfield Ag News: Farmers Say Investment in Cover Crops are Good News for Agriculture Farm Bureau: Getting the Most Out of Cover Crops – It Starts With Seed While there are plenty of reasons for farmers to consider using cover crops, it can sometimes be a challenge knowing where to start and which factors to keep in mind to ensure the best results for the investment. Morning Ag Clips: Workshop to Focus on Cover Crops for All Experience Levels An upcoming Penn State Extension workshop, “Making Cover Crops Work for You,” is aimed at agronomic crop producers with any level of cover-cropping experience who want to get more out of their cover crops. Attendees also can earn certified crop adviser credits. KCBD: West Texas Farmers Use Cover Crops to Fight Soil Erosion Producers have improved a lot on preventing soil erosion, including but not limited to planting cover crops on their fields. Brownfield Ag News: Nebraska Farmer Discusses Concerns for ’23 Season, Trade and Cover Crops Southeast Nebraska farmer says input costs and drought continue to be a concern heading into this year’s growing season. But cover crops have helped keep some moisture in the soil profile. West Central Tribune: Western Minnesota Farmers Engaged in ‘Regenerative Agriculture’ Say it Grows the Bottom Line A Renville County farmer who jumped into it headfirst says “there’s no turning back” after seeing the benefits regenerative agriculture offers. Fauquier Times: In Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Oysters Bounce Back The Virginia Marine Resources Commission recently approved a harvest increase for oysters following the resurgence of the species, one bright spot in a recent report on the current health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. KVUE: Invasive Grass Species Spreading Through Central Texas University of Texas at Austin researchers say they’ve found an invasive grass in Austin that may be damaging to the ecosystem and increases risk of wildfire. Sheridan Media: Sheridan County Conservation District Approves Projects Along Prairie Dog Creek Areas along the Prairie Dog Creek waterbody will soon have some work done to improve the water quality. The Sheridan County Conservation District recently approved $37,000 in funding assistance for two water quality improvement projects. NRCS: USDA Grants Available to Spur Innovative Technologies in Massachusetts USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced up to $290,000 in grant funding available to stimulate the development of innovative conservation approaches in Massachusetts. WGN9: $11 Million to Restore the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed Ecosystem The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a new project in Lake County following an $11 million earmark. Construction will begin soon on a combined flood protection and ecosystem restoration project for the Upper Des Plaines River watershed. Tri-State Alert: PA Announces Findings of Invasive Species Survey, Create Management Program The Pennsylvania invasive species council shared findings from a statewide survey of impacts and announced that a pilot test of a regional invasive species management program will launch this summer. The Bradford Era: McKean Co. Conservation District Awarded Funding for Outreach Events The McKean County Conservation District received $2,000 to hold a series of outreach events to provide participants with the knowledge and tools to implement practices to improve water quality in their watershed and to prevent non-point source pollution. NRCS: A Dream Come True a World Away A rancher in Texas shares her story of growing up on a cattle farm in Kenya and her journey of working to implement conservation on her 142 acre operation in Texas. GACD: Save the Date for Natural Resources Conservation Workshop Sponsored by the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop, is available to Georgia’s Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. This workshop showcases opportunities in natural resources management and conservation for students in college and beyond. County News Review: Strategic Farming Episode Talks About Cover Crops Soil health specialists from the University of Minnesota Extension talk cover crops and the ecosystem services that they provide. Soil that is not covered is exposed to wind and falling raindrops, both of which can contribute to soil erosion. Morning Ag Clips: Promoting Soil Health in Nebraska Area farmers, ranchers, agronomists, and agency representatives joined the first installment of three Nebraska Soil Health School events taking place this year to learn about the benefits of soil health. NRCS: NRCS Program Offering New Funding in 32 Virginia Cities and Counties for Wetland Easements USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting applications to its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. Applications must be for Wetland Reserve Easements and include conservation practices that improve soil carbon or reduce nutrient losses.
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