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"Cover crops and soil health have been capturing the attention and involvement of farmers and organizations all across the U.S.," stated the groups. "These practices represent a systems-based approach to enhancing crop production and profitability, protection of soil and water resources, and land stewardship."

 

In the vision statement, the coalition recognized the importance of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service national soil health campaign, and many other soil-health partnerships across the nation. It also highlighted a number of ways in which the use of cover crops and other soil-health conservation practices is paying off across the nation, including: increased crop yields, better resilience to weather extremes, less soil erosion, improved nutrient management, greater carbon sequestration, and enhanced cropping system diversity. 

 

To view the full statement and the list of signing organizations, click here. The full news release is available on the NACD website. 

December 19 will be the deadline for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in Indiana. Jane Hardisty, State Conservationist for USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminded applicants, "You can sign up for EQIP...at any time throughout the year, but to compete for the upcoming funding period, I encourage farmers with resource concerns to submit an application by the deadline."    

EQIP can help producers improve soil health and address soil erosion, air and water quality, wildlife habitat, and other resource concerns on cropland, forestland, pastureland, and livestock areas. In addition to conservation practices like cover crops, no-till, manure storage structures, and fencing, EQIP provides funding for the development of plans, such as Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans, Grazing Plans, Drainage Water Management Plans, and others.

"I want to remind farmers that a conservation plan must be developed for the area that is included in an EQIP contract," Hardisty said. "When farmers develop a conservation plan for their farm, it speeds up the application process and oftentimes practices are applied more strategically."

More information, including guidelines for those who have not worked with USDA NRCS previously, is available here.

Join the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) in historic New Orleans and experience the rich musical heritage, unique architecture, delicious food and outstanding hospitality of the area. NACD's 2015 Annual Meeting will take place February 1-4 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The North Central Region of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) would like to announce the upcoming elections for the NACD North Central Region Executive Board Member - candidates are now being accepted. This is for the NACD Executive Board Member position representing the North Central Region (not the North Central Region Board).

This leadership opening on the NACD Executive Board is available to any conservation district official in your state as long as they are not a full time, paid employee. This position is elected by the NACD North Central Region Board which consists of a representative from IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, OH and WI. From now through December 31, Beth Mason, the NACD North Central Region Field Services Representative (beth-mason@nacdnet.org) will be collecting any letters of intent or resumes from candidates to distribute to the NACD North Central Region Board prior to the elections which will be held at the NACD Annual Meeting in New Orleans. 

Thanks to those who have shared your cover crop demo plot information to be included in our statewide, interactive map! You can take a sneak peak of the map now, but there's still room for more. Please click to