Registration is now open for NACD's 2025 Summer Conservation Forum & Tours! Hosted with Wisconsin Land + Water, the NACD Summer Meeting will be held in Milwaukee, WI, this July 25-29, 2025.

Early bird registration is only open for a limited time, so don't delay. Save $50 per person by registering before July 7.

This summer, we have an exciting line-up of speakers during our Conservation Forum and Luncheon, including Mike Lessiter, President of Lessiter Media, an ag media company whose brands—including No-Till Farmer and Cover Crop Strategies—are recognized as a trusted source of information by conservation districts and the producers they serve. Mike will share key elements of no-till history, why it’s a blueprint for future change, critical success factors to sustain and grow conservation practices, and the role of districts in making successful conservation transitions and adoption a reality.

Learn more about the Summer Meeting, plan your travel, see the agenda, and reserve your spot amongst the action now!

NATIONAL CONSERVATION FOUNDATION RELEASES 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

Last year, the National Conservation Foundation and its two flagship programs, NCF-Envirothon and the Next Generational Leadership Institute (NGLI), had another busy year.

In this edition of the NCF Annual Report, you'll find updates on the 35th Annual Envirothon, grant awardees, and NGLI's 2024 Cohort! From youth conservation education to professional conservation leadership development, read how NCF is supporting and uplifting the next generation of conservation leaders!

The NCF is thankful for all the sponsors, volunteers, and conservation partners who made these programs possible in 2024 and looks forward to the work they'll continue to accomplish together in 2025. Read the full report here.

WHAT'S UP IN WASHINGTON? GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE

This week, Senate Republicans are drafting their version of the House’s budget reconciliation bill, known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act. Key provisions such as proposed cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and climate-related tax incentives are likely to draw amendments from Senators. The Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to release its version of the bill later this week.

Meanwhile, several House committees will meet to discuss Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) appropriations packages. Notably, the full House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to mark up the USDA and FDA funding bill tomorrow, June 11, at 10:00 a.m. ET. A live stream and recording will be available here. Other appropriations under review this week include funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service.

Also this week, the nomination of Stephen Vaden for Deputy Agriculture Secretary made it to the Senate floor for a confirmation vote. Having passed a cloture vote this morning, the nomination is expected to be voted on this afternoon. In the same meeting, David Fotouhi was confirmed to be Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. NACD applauds the continuous filling of critical conservation roles and looks forward to connecting with new leaders.

Upcoming Committee Meetings

Wednesday, June 11, at 10 a.m. ET - The House Committee on Agriculture will receive testimony from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. Stream here.

Wednesday, June 11, at 10 a.m. ET - House Appropriations Committee, "Full Committee Markup of FY26 Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Bill." Stream here.

Wednesday, June 11, at 10 a.m. ET - Senate Appropriations Energy and Water Development Subcommittee, "Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation." Stream here.

Wednesday, June 11, at 10:30 a.m. ET - Senate Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, "Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the United States Forest Service." Stream here.

CAPE ATLANTIC CD SUPPORTS BEGINNING FARMERS WITH NACD TA GRANTS

In the Atlantic and Cape May Counties of New Jersey, the Cape Atlantic Conservation District (CD) is using NACD Outreach and Technical Assistance (TA) Grant funding to build capacity and better support producers in their community. In the most densely populated state in the country, conservation support may look a little different here.

In densely populated counties like those that the Cape Atlantic CD serves, small-scale, urban, and beginning farmers are at the center of conservation work. As Cape Atlantic CD Agriculture Conservation Specialist, Riley Blankenship explains, “The [TA] grant has definitely helped us increase our outreach to new and underserved producers. We’ve been able to work a lot with new beginning farmers because of the technical assistance aspect.”

For first-time farmers like Melanie and Stan Ganzman of Fluffy Farms, a little more support is needed as they learn to run their operation. The Cape Atlantic CD has been able to provide planning and technical assistance as the Ganzmans continue to learn about farming and conservation practices. The district has also been integral in helping Fluffy Farms apply for a series of NRCS grants. According to Melanie Ganzman, “The language [in conservation programs] can be a barrier for first generation farmers. Riley does a great job of explaining it in a way that you can understand and helps you navigate.”

Read the full blog on NACD's website and learn more about the Cape Atlantic Conservation District and Fluffy Farms in this video!