News
Agriculture producers who are interested in planting a warm season cover crop and reside in OACD Area V are invited to apply to establish a demonstration farm through the Healthy Soils Project. Application deadline is Jan. 30, 2019.
Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2018 Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award®.
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.
In Oklahoma the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Noble Research Institute, the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation, and ITC Holdings Corp.
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.
