On Thursday, Oct. 1, NACD President Tim Palmer will testify at the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry's hearing on federal conservation programs.
At the hearing, entitled "Challenges and Successes of Conservation Programs in 2020," President Palmer will explain the importance of voluntary, incentive-based conservation, and how locally-led conservation districts work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to deliver farm bill conservation programs. While Palmer will detail how 2020 and the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic have affected the delivery of these programs, conservation districts have a great story to tell, and NACD appreciates Congress providing oversight and review of these important programs.
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NACD RECOGNIZES
DEB BOGAR FOR 28 YEARS OF SERVICE
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This Wednesday, Sept. 30, NACD’s very own Senior Advisor Deb Bogar will conclude her tenure with NACD after more than 28 years of excellent service!
Deb has been with NACD since March 1992 and has served in a variety of positions, including Northeast Region Representative, Northern Plains Region Representative, director of field services, senior advisor and interim-executive director. Before that, Deb worked for conservation districts in Michigan. She has worked to strengthen conservation districts through efforts like the district outlook task force, on which she served in 2015-16.
Deb has also championed urban conservation throughout her career, which has resulted in an even stronger network of urban conservationists through NACD’s urban and community conservation webinar series and NACD’s urban agriculture conservation grants program.
Deb always showed up, helped out, and brought her best in all that she did. Deb also mentored and inspired many coworkers and members throughout her years. Her presence will definitely be missed. On behalf of everyone at NACD, we congratulate and thank Deb for her successful career with NACD, and we wish her a long and enjoyable retirement! Please join us in congratulating Deb by emailing her at deb-bogar@nacdnet.org.
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FRRCC CONVENES
FOR FIRST TIME
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In June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler appointed NACD President-elect Michael Crowder (pictured), along with more than 30 others from around the nation, to the EPA’s Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC). Established in 2008, the FRRCC provides independent policy advice, information and recommendations to the EPA administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities.
The newly populated committee met for the first time on Sept. 10-11 and discussed their charge topics, including creating a holistic pesticide program for the future, along with supporting environmental benchmarks with interagency partners. Emphasis will be initially on water quality, water quantity and
food loss and waste.
“I’m excited to work side-by-side with my committee members to provide advice to the EPA on how they can best coordinate with local entities and landowners,” Crowder said. “With NACD at the table, local landowners have a voice to promote collaborative approaches to problems, as well as helping build partnerships to get to solutions.”
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NEWLY LAUNCHED ALABAMA INITIATIVE SUPPORTS EFFICIENT IRRIGATION |
Pictured from left to right: Courtney Curenton (AACD), Sabra Sutton (AACD), Charles Holmes (Alabama SWCC), Congressman Robert Aderholt, Allen Pickens (Lawrence County SWCD Chairman), Milton Taylor (AACD Board) and Dr. William Puckett (Alabama SWCC).
In September, the newly formed Alabama Sustainable Irrigation Initiative began working to help farmers in the state efficiently irrigate new acres of cropland. Championed by Senator Richard Shelby and Congressman Robert Aderholt, the initiative was created through $30 million in federal funding, authorized through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to expand crop irrigation in three Alabama watersheds.
Through this initiative, farmers can receive up to 50 percent of the costs of a system for putting new acreage under irrigation. Historically underserved farmers are eligible for up to 65 percent. These irrigation systems are intended to provide a reliable water supply to increase yields and prevent crop loss during times of drought. A significant benefit will be helping Alabama keep some of America’s prime agricultural lands, including some experiencing intense urban development pressure, in farm production. The initiative is being rolled out first in Alabama’s Middle Tennessee area.
Farmers apply through their local soil and water conservation districts (SWCD). Applications are ranked on criteria, including measures related to potential success of proposed projects in meeting program goals and the producer’s documented history of using conservation practices. The irrigation systems installed use modern technology to increase efficiency and must be at least 85 percent efficient. Those already on the ground have higher efficiency ratings.
“Alabama’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts manage this initiative by publicizing the program, providing information to district cooperators, taking applications, and managing the payment process,” explains Charles Holmes, Alabama Soil and Water Conservation committee chair, NACD Soil Health Champion and former NACD board member.
The Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee and Alabama Association of Conservation Districts (AACD) have collaborated for years with their members of Congress to make this initiative a reality. Alabama is one of the Southeast Region states most impacted by drought, with one drought spanning 2010-2013 lasting 137 weeks. The use of efficient irrigation systems will help conserve water and reduce crop loss during droughts.
“This initiative is a game changer for some producers here," says Sabra Sutton, AACD executive director. One farmer, for example, said the difference this initiative will make for farmers is comparable to going from a “mule to a tractor.”
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SHOWCASING CONSERVATION DESPITE IN-PERSON
TOUR RESTRICTIONS
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The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has undoubtedly altered the day-to-day practices of conservation districts across the nation; however, conservation does not stop. The Northeast Elko Conservation District in Nevada found an innovative way to keep its annual Shoesole Resource Management Group Tour on the calendar and continue their important outreach work.
With a 2019 NACD Technical Assistance Grant, the conservation district was able to bring on Morgan Root, and despite starting during COVID-19 (coronavirus), she immediately began making a difference in the area. She has worked diligently to deliver and teach conservation.
One of Root’s tasks was helping to coordinate the Shoesole Resource Management Group Tour, which occurs every year in the summer. The Shoesole Resource Management Group is a collaborative group of three ranches working on natural resource management. The group is devoted to sustaining healthy and productive public and private landscapes.
“Typically, they update agency and community members about what they’ve been working on,” Root says.
Due to restrictions with COVID-19, the group wasn’t sure if they should cancel their June event. Root, who has been completing some trainings online, felt it would be possible to make the tour virtual given her experiences with Zoom.
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OCTOBER U&C WEBINAR FOCUSES ON URBAN AND RURAL RESILIENCE |
The next NACD Urban and Community (U&C) Conservation webinar, scheduled for 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Eastern on Oct. 15, 2020, will feature the Flood Center at the University of Iowa and their approach for urban and rural resilience.
The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) led the successful proposal development for the Iowa Watershed Approach for Urban and Rural Resilience (IWA) that brought $96,887,177 to the state of Iowa from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The IWA is working in nine watersheds across the state to help reduce flood impacts, improve water quality, and increase community flood resilience. The program represents a vision for Iowa’s future that voluntarily engages urban and rural stakeholders throughout the watershed to work together to achieve common goals.
The presentation will include a description of the IWA and discuss innovative tools and resources that are being used to support and carry out program goals.
These popular webinars, held on the third Thursday of each month, are sponsored by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation in partnership with the NACD Urban and Community Resource Policy Group. There is no cost to participate, but space is limited. Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To register, click here. If you have difficulty, please contact NACD Pacific Region Representative Ariel Rivers at |
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Field to Market
Releases New Climate Action Report
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The report synthesizes public climate goals made by more than 85 Field to Market member organizations and unveils a shared vision from nine leading conservation organizations.
The report also includes a joint statement entitled " A Shared Vision on Climate Action," which urges stakeholders from across the food and agriculture value chain to commit to meaningful climate action grounded in science. NACD, along with eight leading conservation organizations represented in Field to Market's Civil Society sector, were signatories of the statement.
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Last Call:
Submit Your HHB Awards Nominations
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The deadline to submit your nominations for the National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP)'s Hugh Hammond Bennett (HHB) Award for Conservation Excellence is this Thursday, Oct. 1.
The award has two categories:
- The producer award is presented to a producer who demonstrates a commitment to conservation planning, pioneering new opportunities, and leadership in the community.
- The conservation planner award is given to an individual who demonstrates a high standard of conservation planning and implementation for customers, as well as sharing his/her expertise with others.
Winners will be recognized during NACD's 75th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, La. The producer and conservation planner award winners are encouraged to attend the Appreciation Banquet, held Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. Travel expenses will be paid by NCPP partners for all non-federal employees.
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Register Now:
ASA-CSSA-SSA 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting
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From Nov. 9-13, 2020, the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) and the Soil Science Society of America (SSA) will hold their joint 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting, featuring the theme " Translating Visionary Science to Practice."
Featuring over 2,800 presentations and 350 innovative research sessions, this year's virtual meeting brings together thousands of scientific leaders from industry, government agencies and academic institutions working to confront the global food and agronomic challenges facing our world.
To learn more, read the full agenda, and register, click here. |
NACD Awards Archive Now Available Online |
Each year, NACD and its partners award conservation leaders for their hard work and dedication. You can now view an archive of past awards and their recipients on our website.
Be sure to check out the webpage to learn more about the awards NACD has offered, including the NACD Special Recognition and NACD Business Conservation Leadership Awards.
If you have corrections or additional information to add to this archive, please email NACD Communications Coordinator Katrina Vaitkus at katrina-vaitkus@nacdnet.org. |
Save the Date:
Getting Students Started with Careers in Conservation Webinar
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On Thursday, Oct. 8 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil and Plant Science Division will host a webinar on getting students started with careers in conservation.
This October, NRCS will be announcing one of the largest Pathway Internship and Recent Graduate Announcements in recent history. These job announcements only last a week, so NRCS plans to use this webinar to give more information on these opportunities and how to apply.
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Last Call for NOYF Awards Submissions |
The deadline for the Outstanding Farmers of America (OFA)'s National Outstanding Young Farmers (NOYF) Awards Program, the nation's longest running farmer recognition program, is next Monday, Oct. 5.
The purpose of the awards is to bring about a greater interest in the farmers to foster better urban-rural relations through the understanding of the farmers’ endeavors, to develop a further appreciation for their contributions and achievements, and to inform the agribusiness community of the growing urban awareness of farmers’ importance
and impact on America’s economy.
Winners receive an award from John Deere and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., during National Ag Week next year. To learn more and fill out a nomination form, visit OFA's website.
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Submit Your Nominations for Farm Journal's EWA Trailblazer Award |
Farm Journal is seeking nominations for the Executive Women in Agriculture (EWA) Trailblazer Award, which is given to a female producer who is a shining example for her peers.
The winner will be an advocate for agriculture and represent an innovative farming or ranching operation. Entrants are judged on agricultural advocacy, farm business innovation and industry or community leadership.
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MTN DEW Outdoor Grants Program Now Seeking Applications |
Last week, MTN DEW launched its MTN DEW Outdoor Grants Program, which invites organizations focused on wildlife conservation, environmental causes or outdoor recreation to apply for the chance to win $5,000.
The program will award 20 outdoor-related nonprofits who apply by Oct. 25, 2020. Winners will be announced by Dec. 1, 2020. To learn more, visit MTN DEW's website. |
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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