Conservation Update
July 3- July 16, 2014 
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Top News

Senator Donnelly, Ted McKinney of ISDA Among Speakers at NACD Summer Soil Health Forum and Tour


NACD Logo The agenda for the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Soil Health Forum and Conservation Tour features an impressive lineup of speakers and tours representing many aspects of agriculture and conservation. 

Monday's Soil Health Forum attendees will hear from past NACD president Gene Schmidt, US Senator Joe Donnelly, and ISDA Director Ted McKinney. Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Natural Resource Conservation Service will also offer their perspectives.

Panel discussions focusing on soil health will include participants from various stakeholder groups. One will feature agriculture industry leaders, while another will feature farmers who are known throughout the country for their success with soil health practices.

Three of Indiana's leading soil health farmers will open their farm gates for tours on Tuesday. Participants will have the opportunity to visit one of three farms.

For the latest details on the agenda agenda and tours, please visit the NACD website.  

 

Don't Miss Out on Pathway to Water Quality!

 

There are still opportunities to volunteer with Pathway to Water Quality during the 2014 Indiana

PWQ Exhibit
PWQ Exhibit at the State Fair.

State Fair. We can't do it alone! Please take a few minutes to read about the different volunteer positions, then sign up for a shift. All volunteers receive a free admission ticket to the State Fair (2 tickets if you volunteer for a weekend position). 

 

If you have any questions, contact DeeDee Sigler, PWQ Coordinator, at pathwaytowaterquality@gmail.com. 

CCSI News

The Power of Soil Biology on August 22

  

"The Power of Soil Biology" 2014 Farming for Soil Health Program will bring together a diverse group of producers, agribusiness professionals, and landowners to learn about 

CCSI farmer Mike Werling plants alternating rows of Oats-Peas and Radish-Crimson Clover as part of his soil health system.
CCSI farmer Mike Werling plants alternating rows of Oats-Peas and Radish-Crimson Clover as part of his soil health system.

fundamental practices of soil biology at the Delaware County Fairgrounds on August 22.

 

The lineup of speakers on soil 

health includes Indiana NRCS State Soil Health Specialist Barry Fisher, CCSI farmer Mike Werling, and NRCS Conservation Agronomist Ray Archuleta.

 

Topics to be addressed at the event include:

  • Understanding Soil Function
  • Soil Health and Nutrient Cycling
  • Conservation Cropping Systems, Soil Health, and Water Quality - A Farmer's Perspective
  • Local Faces of the Conservation Partnership

Further details about the day's agenda can be found at www.FarmingForSoilHealth14.eventbrite.com

 

"The Power of Soil Biology" 2014 Farming for Soil Health Program is a free event but attendees must reserve their space through the online registration page or by calling Purdue Extension-Delaware County at (765) 747-7732 by August 15. 

 

NRCS and Partners are Equal Opportunity Providers and Employers. 
 
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Other News
 
USDA Announces New Support for Beginning Farmers

Recently, USDA NRCS State Conservationist Jane Hardisty announced the implementation of new Farm Bill measures and other policy changes to improve the financial security of new and beginning farmers, including the newly added military veteran group. 
 
A new website will provide a centralized, one-stop resource where beginning farmers can explore the variety of USDA initiatives designed to help them succeed: www.USDA.gov/newfarmers.
 
"New and beginning farmers are the future of American agriculture," said Hardisty. "The average age of an American farmer is 58 and rising, so we must help new farmers get started if we are going to continue feeding the world and maintain a strong agriculture economy."
 
The full press release with complete details can be found here.

Invasive Species Management Program, September 24-25

Invasive species are a serious threat to forests and wildlife habitat across Indiana and beyond. They can reduce biodiversity, impact growth of native trees and plants, and alter ecosystem function. Successful management of our native habitats depends on the ability of resource professionals to detect, prevent, monitor, and manage new and long established invasions, as well as increase public awareness about these growing threats. 
 
The Indiana chapter of The Wildlife Society and the Indiana Society of American Foresters is excited to present this continuing education program, where local experts will provide a unique opportunity to learn about invasive species management.
 
More information about the program and the registration brochure are available at the Indiana Society of American Foresters website.

Pre-registration is required by September 15.
Contact Us

 

 Upcoming Events

Look! These and many, many more events are listed on our statewide events calendar.

Planning an Event? Get it on our calendar using this form!

July 21-23:

August 27:

September 5-6:

September 9:
- Friend of Conservation Award applications due
- Supervisor of the Year Award applications due
 
CCSI Events
 
July 29
Brubaker Farms, North
Manchester

August 6
Vanderburgh County Fairgrounds

August 22
Delaware County Fairgrounds

GrantStation & Current Funding Opportunities

Grantstation

View the latest GrantStation on the IASWCD website. Several other current grants are also posted there.