Yesterday, Adam Robert Kramer of Patch Grove, Wis., was named this year’s recipient of the Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Conservationist of the Year Award.
The 2021 Award was announced by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Associate Chief Louis Aspey to Kramer during a virtual ceremony hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The annual CCA Conservationist of the Year Award recognizes a certified crop adviser who exhibits dedication to exceptional conservation delivery and customer service and has shown to be a leader in their industry.
This year’s award recognizes Kramer, co-founder of Black Sand Granary (BSG), for his 15 years of crop advising experience. His work includes demonstrating practices and products to boost soil health to farmers, improve yield and profit, and create areas for native restoration. He actively uses demonstration farms to allow producers to see the strategies he advocates for in the field.
“Mr. Kramer’s dedication to enhancing conservation and establishing the best possible management practices on the land is an inspiration to us all,” said NACD President Michael Crowder while presenting the award. “Mr. Kramer and BSG’s influence continues to grow, making him a true leader of stewardship and soil health.”
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ANNUAL MEETING EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS NEXT WEEK |
NACD's 76th Annual Meeting, hosted in partnership with the Association of Florida Conservation Districts, will be held in Orlando, Fla., from Feb. 12-16, 2022, at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista at Disney Springs Resort. The theme for next year's meeting is "Conservation Defined For All," which will be integrated into sessions and activities at the event!
Conference registration is open and includes entry into the Conservation Expo, NACD General and Concurrent Sessions, Monday’s Leadership Lunch and Live Auction, and NACD Training Sessions and Workshops. Early bird registration for the discounted price of $470 is open now through December 16, 2021. Registration will be available after Dec. 16 at the full price of $520.
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During the annual meeting, the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) will host their auction to support Envirothon, the Next Generation Leadership Institute, and conservation education programs. The auction will be held in person and virtually on Monday, Feb. 14 at 6:00 p.m.
The NCF Auction is a great opportunity to support conservation and we are accepting donations for the 2022 event now! The deadline for donations is Jan. 7, 2022.
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UAC Grants Information
Session Happening Soon
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As urban and community agriculture continues to grow in importance for clients of conservation districts, NACD is proud to continue our partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in the delivery of our Urban Agriculture Conservation (UAC) Grant Initiative.
We are again accepting applications for up to $50,000 to support projects that promote the delivery of conservation technical assistance in urban and community-oriented settings, including projects that serve rural populations. See the full RFP online, with applications due Jan. 31, 2022, 11:59 p.m. local time.
Interested UAC applicants may also attend an upcoming Information Session on Dec. 14, 2021, 4 p.m. Eastern. NACD Leadership and past grantees will present on the program and previous projects and will be available to answer any questions from applicants. Come prepared with questions after reviewing the RFP and past grantee projects.
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Dan and Kris Nigg operate a farm near Sisseton, S.D., growing soybeans, corn, and wheat. When Dan started farming with his dad after high school graduation in 1982, they were already practicing crop rotation, but over the years, the Niggs have added conservation practices including no-till, reduced tillage, and cover crops into their operation as well.
It’s the combination of these practices and having the right technology and equipment to do the work that has helped the Niggs continue to increase yields while also building healthy soil. When switching to no-till and reduced tillage, the Niggs invested in equipment like a row cleaner that was added to his planter to help manage the residue left on the field.
A rotation of wheat provides the Niggs multiple benefits because it requires a different mode of herbicide than corn and soybeans. Varying herbicide modes help to keep herbicide-resistant weeds under control. Additionally, wheat is a crop that is high in carbon, which helps to build organic matter in the soil.
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Dan has been tracking his soil organic matter, and over the past 20 years, he has seen levels that exceed five percent in most fields; in some, it is nearly six percent. Through the use of the “Haney Soil Test,” Dan is measuring the biological activity in the soil which will then help him decide what cover crops will best benefit his soil.
The benefits to planting cover crops are numerous, but Dan uses them to help breakdown the crop residue, help with nitrogen recovery, build organic matter in the soil, and help increase water infiltration through the root systems. To get his cover crops planted, Nigg uses an air cart to seed just behind the combine at harvest. This system helps him get the crops planted early enough so they have the fall to get established and grow. Throughout the northern plains region, getting cover crops planted can be a challenge. Nigg also chooses a cover crop mix that will winterkill. This means Nigg does not have to tend to his fields in the spring to burn down (kill) his cover crops with herbicide. By eliminating this extra step, he reaps all the benefits of the cover crops, but saves on fuel and doesn’t contribute to compaction on this fields – keeping the equipment off the field.
If you or someone you know would like to join the NACD Soil Health Champions Network, please visit the NACD website or contact NACD North Central Region Representative Beth Mason at beth-mason@nacdnet.org for more information. |
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Last Call for
NACD's District Officials State Training Recognition Program Applications
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The program recognizes states and territories that have developed and implemented a district officials training program. To qualify, a district officials training program must include 50 percent or more of the elements in all 15 categories identified by NACD and the National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA).
For states that have been recognized previously, you are required to re-submit a checklist every two years for recognition.
To apply, visit this web page. Recognition will take place during the 2022 NACD Annual Meeting.
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Last Call for NACD Hall of Distinction Nominations |
NACD is currently seeking nominations for its Hall of Distinction!
Through NACD’s Hall of Distinction, state and territory associations can recognize current and past conservation leaders for their extraordinary work to advance conservation at the national level.
States and territories may induct one person to the Hall of Distinction every year. Inductees are reviewed by the District Operations and Member Services Committee.
To make an induction, state and territory associations are asked to send NACD information via this online form by Dec. 12. Learn more about the Hall of Distinction, including eligibility criteria, here. |
Restore America's Estuaries Hosting Webinar on Coastal Conservation |
Many conservation districts (CD) conduct activities related to coastal conservation, as does NACD’s partner, Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE). Daniel Hayden, President and CEO of RAE, and NACD CEO Jeremy Peters will speak in an upcoming webinar on Dec. 9, 2021, 1:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern. Peters will provide examples of conservation district activities under the farm bill that have directly contributed to coastal conservation. Partners from the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service will also join the session to provide additional examples of coastal conservation activities.
Watch the recent Urban & Community webinar with RAE on NACD's YouTube page. Register for RAE’s Farm Bill and Coastal Conservation webinar online for free here. |
Promote your conservation district or state association's tree sale, annual meeting, webinar, field day or more on NACD's Calendar of Events!
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