| 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.
Defenders of Wildlife: What’s the Buzz Around Pollinators? About one in every three bites of food we consume is dependent on pollinators. In fact, native bees alone provide over $5 billion in crop pollination services annually in the United States.
USDA: USDA Awards $50 Million to Support Farmworkers and Agricultural Employers Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $50 million to 141 awardees in 40 states and Puerto Rico, through the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP Program), reaching 177 unique agricultural operations and over 11,000 workers.
USDA-Farm Service Agency: Farm Service Agency Seeking Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees Nominations are now being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2024 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2024.
Southeast AgNet: Sign-Up Ends June 28 for Grassland Conservation Reserve Program The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) invites agricultural producers and private landowners to sign-up for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which runs until June 28, 2024.
Morning AgClips: Pollinators Need Native Grasses Too! National Pollinator week is June 17-23 and while blooming plants are important to pollinators like bees, bats, butterflies, beetles, hummingbirds, and more, grasses play a foundational role in the pollinator lifecycle and in USDA-NRCS conservation practices. Grasses provide soil stability, protect waterways, create shelter and food for wildlife, and are an indicator of ecosystem health.
Nebraska’s Natural Resource District: Dams Protect Lives and Property During Intense Rainstorms Amid a series of intense rainstorms, eastern Nebraska faced a deluge that brought up to 10 inches of rain within hours. Thanks to a network of floodwater-reduction dams, lives were saved, and property damage was significantly mitigated. These dams, built through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in partnership with Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), proved their worth during this extreme weather event on May 21.
The Red & Black: Community Garden Field Day teaches Athens students about urban agriculture The event, held by the Equity in Conservation Outreach-Next Generation Farmer Leadership program supported by the Regenerative Institute of Community Education, highlighted sustainable urban agriculture practices with the use of technology and interactive activities. Students watched a rainfall simulator, tested soil sensors in the community garden, tried fresh radishes, learned about rocks and made bracelets out of beads representing different parts of the water cycle.
Up Matters: Marquette County Conservation District and Travel Marquette partner together for ‘Leave No Trace’ series Marquette County Conservation District and Travel Marquette are partnering together to leave no trace on the trails. ‘Leave No Trace’ is a set of seven principles that encourages people to leave any impact on the ecosystem when participating in outdoor recreation.
Fox Weather: California vineyards on alert after hitchhiking pest spotted in state for first time Eggs from an invasive planthopper, known for causing significant damage to local vegetation and potentially impacting the entire winegrape industry, were discovered in California for the first time.
Ashland Source: ‘Rain Beat on Main Street’ returns to Ashland this summer Wanna buy a rain barrel and support stormwater education at the same time? Starting June 18, you’re in luck. The fifth annual Rain Beat on Main Street, sponsored by Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District, will feature 26 unique rain barrels designed by area businesses and artists.
The Gilmer Mirror: NRCS Texas encourages producers to apply today for FY2024 Conservation Stewardship Program — Inflation Reduction Act funding The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas has more than $4 million remaining to fund eligible Conservation Stewardship Program-Inflation Reduction Act applications received through June 21, 2024. |