| 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.
NACD Blog: Confronting Emerald Ash Borer in St. Lawrence County Since its establishment in 1957, the St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District in New York has been committed to safeguarding environmental resources. The district has evolved to encompass a wide range of initiatives, including forestry management. In 2004, the district assumed responsibility for the management of all county-owned forestry land, effectively replacing the traditional forestry department.
Successful Farming: Corn planting progress surges despite severe weather across Midwest USDA says as of April 28, 27% of the 2024 corn crop has been planted in the top 18 corn-growing states. This is up from 12% the week prior and ahead of the five-year average of 22%. According to the report, planting has begun in all of the top 18 growing states.
USDA-Farm Service Agency: USDA Reminds Producers of Climate-Smart Opportunities Using Farm Loan Programs The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds agricultural producers that Farm Loan Programs can be used to support a variety of climate-smart agriculture practices, which build on many practices that farmers and ranchers already use, like cover cropping, nutrient management and conservation tillage.
Civil Eats: Across Farm Country, Fertilizer Pollution Impacts Not Just Health, but Water Costs, Too The root of water-quality issues in the Midwest starts with its cropland drainage system, a network of underground, cylindrical tiles that drain excess water and nutrients from the land and funnel it downstream. Those tiles, which were first installed in the mid-1800s and have now largely been replaced with plastic pipes, ultimately allowed farmers to grow crops on land that was once too wet to farm.
Agriculture Dive: Dueling Senate farm bill plan reveals divisions on climate, SNAP Senate Democrats’ plan for the farm bill shows the two parties are still apart on issues related to climate and food aid funding, setting up the potential for a partisan stalemate as House Republicans push for action on the $1.5 trillion package before the end of the month.
The Fence Post: Fridays on the Farm: An opportunity of a lifetime This Friday meet Jesse Hegemann, a first-generation farmer and rancher from Burchard, Neb. Growing up, Hegemann developed a passion for agriculture while helping on his uncles’ farms and watching his dad raise hogs. He aspired to start his own operation, but without an easy claim to land, it seemed like a difficult path to pursue until he found a unique opportunity with a local farmer.
My Journal Courier: Specialty crop farming is a high-risk, high-reward vocation Specialty farmers face unique challenges in growing their crops compared to farmers who raise crops such as corn and soybeans. While crop farming is heavily automated, specialty crops involve more manual labor — and more financial risk.
Farms.com: Earth Team Volunteers Help USDA Conservation Agency to Protect Minnesota’s Natural Resources U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) leaders and employees honor Earth Team volunteers and celebrate their numerous contributions to protecting Minnesota natural resources during National Volunteer Week, April 21 – 27, 2024.
The Herald Republican: SWCD celebrates national Stewardship week The Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation District, in partnership with the National Association of Conservation Districts, is celebrating the 69th annual Stewardship Week through Sunday, and since May 4 is also known as Star Wars Day, this year’s theme is “May the Forest Be with You Always.”
The Bradford Era: McKean County Conservation District works to improve water quality The McKean County Conservation District completed a wide variety of water quality projects in 2023 to prevent nonpoint source pollution of local waterways and improve natural resources.
Farm Forum: ISU Extension and Outreach celebrates Soil and Water Conservation Week Soil and water are valuable resources in Iowa. They sustain life and provide economic and quality of life opportunities for farmers, landowners and urban residents. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach recognizes the importance of our natural resources and is proud to celebrate Soil and Water Conservation Week, April 28 through May 5. |