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.
Farmers.gov: Inflation Reduction Act in Action: Energy Efficiencies Help Farmer Lower Costs While Protecting His Flock
By Brandon O’Connor
09/26/2024
In the rolling hills of Washington County, Indiana, dedicated turkey farmer John Baker faces a growing concern – rising energy costs and inefficiency on his bustling poultry operation. John has three turkey barns and raises about 28,000 turkeys at a time. He receives them at five-weeks-old and keeps them for 15 weeks with the goal of raising each bird to top 45 pounds.
Agriculture Dive: Hurricane Helene devastates farms across the Southeast
By Sarah Zimmerman
09/30/2024
Farmers are reporting significant damage to cotton and pecan crops from Hurricane Helene, which caused deadly flooding and widespread infrastructure damage after tearing through the U.S. Southeast over the weekend.
The Gazette: Farm bill expires, frustrating farmers and ag state politicians
10/01/2024
Since the last farm bill was enacted in 2018, international wars and a pandemic have disrupted supply chains, inflation has skyrocketed and worsening climate change has put a renewed emphasis on conservation practices.
Farmers feel left behind and forgotten.
USDA-NRCS: Biden-Harris Administration Makes up to $7.7 Billion Available for Climate-Smart Practices on Agricultural Lands as Part of Investing in America Agenda
10/02/2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced up to $7.7 billion in assistance for fiscal year 2025 to help agricultural and forestry producers adopt conservation practices on working lands. This includes up to $5.7 billion for climate-smart practices, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, which is part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda and $2 billion in Farm Bill funding. This is more than double the amount available last year and the most conservation assistance made available in a single year in U.S. history for popular USDA conservation programs.
USDA-NRCS: NRCS Announces Conservation Funding Opportunities for FY 2025
10/03/2024
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing fiscal year 2025 assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners for key conservation programs, such as the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program, Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Greenfield Recorder: After year of planning, Colrain Pollinator Garden complete
By Madison Schofield | Greenfield, MA | Northeast Region
09/27/2024
Native shrubs and flowers have been planted in the town center, encouraging native insects to make Colrain their home. The plants were funded through a grant from the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, with organizational assistance from the Franklin Conservation District and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG).
Shaw Local News Network: McHenry County Conservation District news: Making nature accessible to everyone
Woodstock, IL | North Central Region
09/28/2024
Nature is for everyone, and McHenry County Conservation District is committed to providing access for all, including those with disabilities. This year, the District will host its annual OAKtober Big Woods Planting Party at Coral Woods Conservation Area in Marengo on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature an accessible tree planting area using Access Trax mobility matting to allow for individuals with mobility aids or those needing flat surfaces to participate in this activity.
The Gazette: New grant funds will help to improve habitat connectivity in Washington County
By Angie Rock | Washington County, MN | North Central Region
09/29/2024
You can expect to see prairies, meadows, and pocket plantings springing up around Washington County from Forest Lake to St. Paul Park, thanks to new grant funding from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. In the coming year, Washington Conservation District will receive $185,000 in funding through the Pollinator Pathways program and $246,000 through the Habitat Enhancement Landscape Program (HELP) to restore and improve wildlife and pollinator habitat in more than a dozen priority locations.
Yahoo! News: NRCS climate-smart programs help ranchers, farmers improve land
By Lee Guthrie | Tahlequah, OK | South Central Region
10/01/2024
The deadline to apply for climate-smart programs through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program is coming up in November, and these funds can be used to improve farm and ranch land with various programs to sequester carbon.
South Tahoe Now: Over 100 Keep Tahoe Blue volunteers turn out to revitalize a meadow and creek
Stateline, NV | Southwest Region
10/02/2024
Since 1997, annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship Days events hosted by the League to Save Lake Tahoe (League) have invited the community to take part in restoring this natural filtration system. The League recently celebrated 27 years of hands-on, land-healing work by restoring Rabe Meadow and Burke Creek in Stateline, Nevada alongside 93 volunteers and 14 people from partner organizations the Nevada Tahoe Conservation District (NTCD) and USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (USFS).
Morning Times: BCCD, Bradford Solar unveil renewable energy trailer
Towanda, PA | Northeast Region
10/02/2024
The Bradford County Conservation District and Bradford Solar proudly announced their partnership with the launch of a new Renewable Energy Trailer at the Green Jobs Fair Friday at Mount Pisgah State Park. The Renewable Energy Trailer is an educational tool that will travel around the county to fairs, schools, and community events to teach people about renewable energy. The trailer offers a unique, hands-on experience that will appeal to people of all ages.