Conservation Clips is a weekly collection of articles distributed by NACD that provides our members and partners with the latest news in what's driving conservation. These articles are not indicative of NACD policy and are the opinions of their authors, unless otherwise noted. If you have a relevant submission or need assistance with accessing articles, please contact NACD Communications Manager Sara Kangas.

Civil Eats: Farm Conservation Practices Are Profitable. But Will Lenders and Insurers Step Up?
By Virginia Gewin
10/15/18

While conservation-oriented farmers spent some money that conventional farmers didn’t—most notably on cover crop seed and herbicides—they saw savings in the form of fertilizer costs, labor, equipment and fuel costs. According to the report, the farmers using conservation practices also saw an increase in yields in good years and less yield loss in bad weather years.

Agri-Pulse: New WOTUS rule projected for September 2019
By Steve Davies
10/17/18

The Environmental Protection Agency says it is on track to issue a final rule replacing the Obama administration’s 2015 “waters of the United States” rule by September 2019.

Feedstuffs: USDA issues $4.8b in farm safety net, CRP payments
By Jacqui Fatka
10/12/18

The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to pay out farm safety net support of $4.8 billion in the weeks ahead. Approximately $3 billion in payments will be made under the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2017 crop year, and approximately $1.8 billion will go to annual rental payments under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for 2018.

Indiana Prairie Farmer: Covers aren’t just for corn, soybeans
By Tom J Bechman
10/18/18

Cover crop use is skyrocketing in Indiana corn and soybean rotations, but there’s also increasing use of cover crops in Indiana’s specialty crops. Because cover crops provide weed control, erosion control, organic matter, nutrient scavenging and other benefits, they have a place in specialty crop production.

CNBC: Agricultural damage from Hurricane Michael forecast to top $1.3 billion, led by cotton and pecans
By Jeff Daniels
10/15/18

Agricultural damage from Hurricane Michael's rampage last week across Georgia, Alabama and Florida is forecast to top $1.3 billion, with pecan and cotton farms the hardest hit as well as the region's poultry operations.

Agri-Pulse: USDA, EPA and FDA vow to reduce food waste
By Bill Tomson
10/18/18

The heads of the USDA, FDA and EPA announced they will be working in tandem to cut down on crops left unharvested and reduce the food that goes uneaten and into landfills every year.

Dakota Farmer: Flowers bloom, cattle thrive in rotational grazing system
By Janelle Atyeo
10/16/18

Vilhauer is surprised by the number of different grasses and wildflowers that have shown up since he converted from a season-long grazing system to a twice-over rotational grazing system. He rotates his cow-calf pairs between four pastures and lets the land rest and regenerate between grazing. The presence of wildflowers is a sign of much improved soil and rangeland health.

KTIV: USDA announces $9.4 Million to support socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers
10/15/18

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will issue $9.4 million in grants to provide enhanced training, outreach, and technical assistance to underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers.

Fortune: Why General Mills Is Turning to 'Throwback' Farming to Fight Climate Change
By Emma Hinchliffe
10/17/18

The 152-year-old food company is turning to “a throwback of classic, old farming practices” combined with new methods to contribute to a more sustainable future for the food industry. That means expanding its organic acreage and implementing regenerative farming practices with perennial grains, cover crops and pollinator habitats.

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