NACD and USDA Leadership Discuss Partnership, Conservation

On Monday, May 14, NACD President Brent Van Dyke participated in a roundtable with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Governor Susana Martinez, New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte and other state agriculture leaders in Santa Fe, N.M.

Van Dyke described the meeting as positive, saying the conversation centered around the conservation partnership and the ongoing work they accomplish with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The roundtable discussion is part of Secretary Perdue’s fourth “Back to Our Roots” tour, which also included stops in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska.

Summer Meeting Features Wide Range of Concurrent Session Topics

NACD and the Southeast Region will offer a wide range of concurrent session topics during the 2018 Conservation Forum and Tour and Southeast Region Meeting in Williamsburg, Va. On Monday, Aug. 6 meeting attendees will learn how to work with rural landowners, hear about educational outreach strategies, and receive updates on Virginia’s urban agriculture conservation grant recipients’ projects.

Other featured topics include:

• Forestry and the next generation
• The Virginia Conservation Assistance Program
• Soil health
• Envirothon
• The Chesapeake Bay
• The Regional Conservation Partnership Program
• Oyster habitat restoration
• The Resource Stewardship Evaluation Tool
• Tribal partnerships

Read full descriptions of the concurrent sessions, as well as moderators and featured speakers, by clicking here. Visit the summer meeting webpage to learn more about the agenda, accommodations, keynote speakers, tour options and more!

Farm bill update

On Friday, May 18, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to defeat the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2).

“Farmers and ranchers across the country utilize farm bill conservation programs on their operations every day to preserve natural resources for future generations,” NACD President Brent Van Dyke said. “With just over four months before the current farm bill expires, Congress must come together to protect America’s producers.” Read NACD’s statement on the farm bill vote by clicking here.

In the coming weeks, the Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to introduce their version of the farm bill for consideration. Stay tuned to future editions of eResource for updates, and make sure you’re subscribed to our Grassroots Advocacy mailing list to receive alerts. Keep up-to-date on the farm bill by clicking here.

Conservation Planning Boot Camp Spaces Available

Space is still available in the July session of Conservation Planning Boot Camp (CPBC) for district and tribal district employees. All expenses incurred for attending CPBC will be reimbursable by NACD.

Zachary Traylor, soil conservation technician for the Franklin County Conservation District in Kentucky, attended the April session of CPBC.

“At first, I was leery of going to Conservation Boot Camp,” Traylor said. “I am pleased to say that all my doubts dissolved once I got to Lincoln. The three-week training combines a hands-on look at planning in the field with exploring the documents that go along with planning process.

“Beyond that, I was able to meet people from all walks of life across the United States and create bonds that will last forever. Conservation Boot Camp has instilled a sense of confidence in my planning capabilities and I would recommend this experience to anyone who has an interest in advancing their career and knowledge base.”

Interested in learning more? Visit our Conservation Planning Boot Camp web page where you’ll find eligibility requirements, application details, frequently asked questions and more. All employee nominations for the July CPBC session must be received by May 29.