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.
Forest Service: USDA Forest Service Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments tackle the threat of invasive species across the nation
10/10/2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is awarding $16 million in strategic investment in more than 100 projects in 37 states and two territories to combat the spread of invasive species threatening ecosystems. Thanks to the Forest Health provision of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Forest Service has invested $56 million to combat invasive species since 2022.
Agriculture Dive: US farms on track to harvest record corn and soybean crops
By Sarah Zimmerman
10/14/2024
Corn and soybean farmers remain on track to harvest record yields, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said last week, reaffirming financial difficulties for producers as an oversupply depresses global prices.
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition: Stewarding Success: IRA Funding is Cultivating New Conservation Acres and Farmers
10/15/2024
The conservation title of the Farm Bill provides funding for CSP, but the program received a significant boost on top of its farm bill funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. NSAC’s analysis confirms that the IRA has been a resounding success in CSP, bringing thousands of new farmers into this vital program and expanding its conservation footprint.
USDA: USDA Makes Indemnity Payments to Producers Impacted by Hurricane Helene
10/15/2024
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced additional assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help producers impacted by Hurricane Helene in the recovery process. USDA is announcing the counties that have triggered for payment under the Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index (HIP-WI) endorsement for Hurricane Helene. As a result, Approved Insurance Providers (AIP) have 30 days to issue payments to producers, but AIPs typically issue payments much sooner.
Agriculture Dive: Organic crop farming faces shrinking profits
By Rose Palazzolo
10/17/2024
Farmers producing organic crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat are facing financial challenges as commodity prices decline, according to a recent study by Argus. As prices return to pre-pandemic levels, farmers are left struggling to cover their costs, leading to a record low net return of just $42 per acre, despite improved crop yields, according to the Argus report. The outlook for 2025 is similar.
%20(1).png?w=600&ssl=1)
Agriculture Dive: Pecan farmers suffer devastating blow from Hurricane Helene
By Elizabeth Flood | Georgia | Southeast Region
10/10/2024
While Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on many crops in the Southeast, the pecan — one of Georgia’s most beloved and iconic exports — has been hit particularly hard. The recent hurricane isn’t the first time the crop has faced destruction, though. Over the last 50 years, Georgia has lost 70% of its pecan trees, having a profound impact on farmers.
Farms.com: Inflation Reduction Act in Action: NRCS Helps Family Farm Boldly Invest in Their Future
Skagit Valley, WA | Pacific Region
10/14/2024
In the Spring of 2023, Amy, Jacob, and NRCS teamed up with the local Skagit Conservation District to utilize the first round of Inflation Reduction Act funding to make their packing warehouse more energy efficient. The project was completed in October of that year.
Yahoo! News: New program cultivates kids’ gardening skills and ties to Stanislaus County agriculture
By Julietta Bisharyan | Stanislaus County, CA | Pacific Region
10/15/2024
While the program taps into Stanislaus County’s agricultural roots, Meriam Jacobs, education programs manager at East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District, acknowledges a disconnect many children — and even adults — have with food production.
The Allegheny Foundation: Pittsburgh urban farmers get a nearly $900K boost from USDA
By Alayna Hutchinson | Allegheny County, PA | Northeast Region
10/16/2024
The Allegheny County Conservation District, an urban conservation organization, was awarded $894,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency to support urban farming in the county through outreach, education and technical assistance.
Penn Watch: Pennsylvania Awards $3.4 Million for Stream and Watershed Restoration Projects
Pennsylvania | Northeast Region
10/17/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania’s part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds.
The Bradford Era: Conservation District holds annual BMP tour at landfill
Smethport, PA | Northeast Region
10/17/2024
On Oct. 4, the McKean County Conservation District held its annual BMP Tour to showcase water quality projects and partnerships. At the beginning of the program Jason Pennypacker from WAGA Energy. He stated, “WAGA Energy are engineer, entrepreneurs, and environmentalists committed to mitigating climate change for future generations.”
Daily Republic: Solano 3rd-, 6th-graders explore water-based environments
By Todd R. Hansen | Fairfield, CA | Pacific Region
10/17/2024
Solano County students are getting to know their local watersheds. It is part of the ongoing environmental and science education program offered by the Solano Resource Conservation District. “There is a growing well of evidence on how beneficial time spent outdoors connecting to the natural world is for both children and adults,” Solano RCD Education Director Marianne Butler said.