News
The Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement is soliciting applications for the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers. This committee will deliberate upon advice and recommendations to submit to the Secretary for consideration on matters broadly affecting minority farmers and equitable access to USDA programs and services. The deadline to apply will be extended to November 15, 2018. All previous applications submitted will be considered.
Historic flooding occurred throughout South Central Oklahoma on Friday, September 21, 2018. The Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) extends their sincere sorrow to those affected by the floods.
“These floods were devastating,” said OCC Executive Director Trey Lam. “The full extent of the damage to the land and the loss of property and livestock will not be fully known for some time. However, due to OCC’s partnership with USDA-NRCS and the funding we received from the State of Oklahoma, we know the losses are not as catastrophic as they could have been thanks to our upstream flood control dams.”
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of actions the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take to assist farmers in response to trade damage. As announced last month, USDA will authorize up to $12 billion in programs, consistent with World Trade Organization obligations.
The following programs will assist agricultural producers to meet the costs of disrupted markets:
Each year, with the help of our partners and sponsors, OACD recognizes the "Best of the Best" in the conservation community. We choose one District, one Director and one Cooperator each year from across the state. Each of these are chosen based on their hard work, commitment to conservation and dedication to furthering the message of conservation.
OACD President Jimmy Emmons is featured on the NRCS ConservationRoadtrip!
Jimmy is a third-generation farmer and rancher from Leedey, OK, President of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, and winner of the Leopold Conservation Award. He is passionate about sharing the importance of soil health, speaking to farmers and conservation groups across Oklahoma on the subject.
On his own land, he implemented many conservation and soil health practices: no-till, crop rotations, cover crops and planned grazing management. He was one of the first in his area to use pollinator strips and companion crops to control pests and provide habitat for pollinators. Not only is this good for the soil and pollinators, but it also reduces his overhead costs on insecticide.
Read more about Jimmy, a farmer, rancher and leading voice in conservation efforts in Oklahoma.
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate members assigned to the 2018 Farm Bill conference committee outlining the organization’s legislative priorities for the 2018 Farm Bill.
The National Association of Conservation Districts is accepting applications for breakout sessions at the 2019 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. NACD offers a number of informational breakout sessions during the Annual Meeting, focusing on the work of districts and their partners across the country. Sessions typically run 60-90 minutes, and in most cases, showcase several speakers at 20-30 minutes each. Applications must be submitted to Eric Hansen at eric-hansen@nacdnet.org by Friday, September 14.
In a review of 98 publications, SARE and the University of Missouri staff identified how cover cropping influences soil and nutrient losses from agricultural fields, water infiltration and soil organic matter. SARE's new Cover Crops and Water Quality resource series includes free materials to help educators, farmers and others learn and share how cover cropping can improve water quality.
The Deer Creek Conservation District (DCCD) will be accepting applications for a full-time District Manager until COB – July 16. Applicants must have a strong working knowledge of general office procedures, computer software applications and bookkeeping. DCCD is looking for an outgoing, self-starter with excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to interact with the public and board of directors.
Last June, the Oklahoma Food Banks and the Conservation Partnership joined together to fight hunger while conserving natural resources. Through Farm to Food Bank, a pilot project that implements practices that increase the health of soil, Oklahoma farmers volunteered to plant and donate up to eight acres of cover crops to the Oklahoma Food Banks. Over the last year, nearly 7,000 pounds of fresh produce were harvested, providing 5,812 meals to chronically hungry children, seniors on fixed income and families working to put food on the table.
