| 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.
USA Today: From fights to a miracle: How Congress averted a government shutdown In a stunning turn of events and in an eleventh-hour push, Congress averted a government shutdown with just hours to spare.
Modern Farmer: The Farm Bill Expired. What Happens Now? Congress did not pass this critical omnibus bill by the September 30th deadline. Here’s what to expect.
The Packer: The Government Didn’t Shut Down, And That’s Good News For The Farm Bill With the government funding in place for now, work on a new farm bill can continue, with the same questions (timing, funding, Title 1 reform, etc.) still being unanswered.
RFD-TV: USDA is putting large climate-smart grant to work for producers Last year, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced spending for 70 climate-smart commodities projects, with the National Association of Conservation Districts being one of the major recipients of that money. They are asking for folks to submit concept papers by October 13.
USFWS: Celebrate Nature Nearby During National Wildlife Refuge Week The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service encourages you to celebrate nature during National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 8-14, 2023. This special time is a chance to boost your health and enjoy the outdoors while experiencing the nation’s premier wildlife conservation network.
USDA: USDA Announces $27.6 Million to Support Underserved and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers through the 2501 Program The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $27.6 million in grants to provide training, outreach and technical assistance to underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters to help them own and operate successful farms, ranches, and forest lands.
Roll Call: House removal of speaker adds hurdle for new farm bill The farm bill could be collateral damage after the House removed Speaker Kevin McCarthy in a historic vote that may have “blown up any meaningful legislation,” House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson warned.
Ag Info: National Association of Conservation Districts Invests in Farmers The National Association of Conservation Districts was selected as one of the larger award recipients and is now charged with investing back to farmers Secretary and Treasurer, Mark masters explains.
Laconia Daily Sun: Fall flowers are important for pollinators and birds (Opinion) I know the importance of food for migrating monarchs at this time of year. They need to fill up on carbohydrates, fats and protein before flying long distances. That holds true for birds, too.
Maine Public: A fast-growing vine is one of the newest invasive species identified in Maine The discovery of an invasive vine in Maine has alarmed state officials who keep an eye out for non-native species. It’s called the mile-a-minute vine, and despite the name, it doesn’t grow 60 miles in one hour. But it can grow up to six inches in a day.
Red River Farm Network: Long-Term Benefits of Cover Crops While there can be some initial risks in a dry year with cover crops, the long-term benefits can help preserve soil moisture. “People who are tilling less and using cover crops are able to hold more water in the soil profile.”
Illinois Department of Agriculture: Illinois Engages with National Program to Advance Soil Health The program enables IDOA to implement legislation passed this year to increase use of cover crops, strip till, no till, and erosion and sediment control practices. Saving Tomorrow’s Agricultural Resources (STAR) is a model program started in Illinois by the Champaign County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Wisconsin State Farmer: Crop year deadline is far more important than Sept. 30 deadline for farm bill. Here’s why The Farm Bill is an all-encompassing, multiyear law that governs an array of agricultural and food programs. Expiring every five years, it provides an opportunity for policymakers to address a broad range of agricultural and food programs.
Colorado Sun: How Colorado training programs aim to cut mental health care stigma among farmers and ranchers Hundreds of clinicians, medical professionals and pastors have been trained in early detection, intervention and ways to listen with ears tuned to the stresses and loneliness of rural life.
Brownfield: Conservation Lease Addendums Help Illinois Farmers Discuss New Practices with Landowners A new resource from IL Corn and the University of Illinois helps guide conversations with landowners about implementing conservation practices.
Washington Post: Wildfire smoke from Canada invades East Coast as far south as Florida People up and down the Eastern Seaboard awoke to hazy skies Tuesday, with the culprit once again being wildfire smoke from Canada in what has been a historic and abnormally long-lasting season.
NPR: The risk of wildfires is growing across the Midwest, as harvest begins and drought lingers Hot and dry weather across the Midwest is creating a ripe situation for wildfires, especially as farmers head into the fields for harvest.
Manistee News: Wildlife Wednesday: How you can help biologists survey macroinvertebrates Members of the Manistee Conservation District are in search of much smaller creatures than king salmon, which are vital in keeping these waterways — and fish populations — healthy and thriving.
KTVZ: Dry grasslands have been serving as an unexpected carbon sink in recent decades due to fire reductions: study Dry grasslands may have been providing an unseen helping hand to slow the rate of climate warning, according to a new study which found that these grasslands have been storing more heat-trapping carbon than previously known. Need to update your contact information, unsubscribe or change your subscription preferences? Click here to manage your profile. |