THE RESOURCE: FALL 2024 EDITION NOW AVAILABLE

NACD's most recent edition of The Resource is now available! Inside this edition you'll find a spotlight on the Duplin County Soil & Water Conservation District and how they've utilized Outreach and Technical Assistance grant funding, information on upcoming NACD meetings, updates on Stewardship Week, new resources available for conservation districts, What's Up in Washington, and more.

Explore the publication here and revisit past editions on NACD's website.

RESOURCES AND UPDATES FROM USDA ON HURRICANE HELENE RECOVERY & REBUILDING EFFORTS

Earlier this month, the USDA Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) brought together key figures from various agencies, including the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Risk Management Agency (RMA), to discuss available resources and strategies for assisting those affected by Hurricane Helene.

NACD has outlined the resources available from all three agencies, including flexible deadlines, costs assistance, waivers, and more in this blog post.

All members affected by Hurricane Helene are encouraged to engage with their local USDA office for support and guidance.

Interested in supporting hurricane relief efforts? Several impacted states have established relief funds. Georgia’s Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund supports impacted farmers. Contributions to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund help with unmet needs. The One SC Fund donates to local nonprofits providing disaster relief and recovery in South Carolina. The Farm and Forest Families of Tennessee Disaster Relief Fund helps farm families following natural disasters. The Virginia Cooperative Extension is connecting farmers in need in southwest Virginia with farmers willing to donate items. Visit this page to help, or make a cash donation.

NACD SECOND-VP BILL SIMSHAUSER HONORED FOR INVASIVE SPECIES ADVOCACY

The recent 32nd Annual North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) Conference brought together over 350 professionals from across North America to address the growing challenges posed by invasive species, including experts from government agencies, non-profits, academic institutions, and private organizations, all committed to the protection of ecosystems from the threat of non-native species.

A major highlight of the event was the national award ceremony that celebrated exceptional contributions to invasive species advocacy and management. Among the awardees was Bill Simshauser, a prominent advocate for invasive species prevention. Simshauser, who serves as a Second Vice President for NACD and Board Member for the Kearny County Conservation District, was recognized with a national award for his groundbreaking work in raising awareness and implementing strategies to control invasive species.

Simshauser has long been a champion of conservation and has dedicated years to combating invasive species at both the local and national levels. His advocacy efforts have not only helped mobilize resources for invasive species management but have also led to more collaborative initiatives that engage communities in active prevention and control strategies. His efforts through the NACD Invasive Species Subcommittee and Legislative Committee have influenced national policies aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of harmful species across borders. Simshauser’s work has emphasized the importance of education and community involvement, equipping stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to protect their lands from invasive threats.

Congratulations Bill!

FSH SEEKING FARMERS FOR COVER CROP ASSISTANCE

Farmers for Soil Health (FSH) is on a mission to improve soil health and farm profitability. Working with farmers to expand their adoption of cover crops, FSH aims to have cover crops on 30 million U.S. acres by 2030.

As a partner, NACD is excited to share that FSH is currently accepting enrollments from farmers seeking assistance planting cover crops in 20 states: Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

If you are a farmer interested in this opportunity, visit FSH’s enrollment page. Funding for technical and financial assistance is made possible by the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative.

More information, including an extensive Frequently Asked Questions page is available on FSH’s enrollment page. The online initial enrollment step is relatively short, with a follow-up step to provide more farm information later in the process. Each of the states also has a designated Technical Assistance organization to provide help to producers.

Please help spread the word and share this opportunity with farmers in eligible states!