2019 ANNUAL MEETING
WRAPS UP IN TEXAS

NACD thanks all meeting attendees, sponsors, exhibitors and speakers for a successful 2019 Annual Meeting in San Antonio.

Looking for resources from the meeting? Visit the 2019 Annual Meeting Resources webpage for press releases (including a template press release for attendees), videos, breakout session and conservation symposia presentations, daily digests, photo albums – including photos from the photo booth – and more. Additional resources will be posted on the resources page as they become available.

If you attended the meeting, please fill out this brief meeting evaluation, which should take less than 10 minutes to complete. Your feedback helps us to improve our services to districts and to make sure next year’s annual meeting in Las Vegas, Nev., Feb. 8-12, 2020, will be a success.

NACD INDUCTS BILLY JOE MILES INTO HALL OF DISTINCTION

In January, NACD welcomed Billy Joe Miles of Owensboro, Ky., into the Hall of Distinction.

Miles, who farmed and owned a successful, large agribusiness company, served as chairman of the Daviess County Conservation District and president of the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts (KACD). He served on numerous agricultural and conservation organizations’ boards and worked throughout his life to champion Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom.

During his time as president of KACD, Miles helped lead the Well Water Testing Program to raise awareness of local producers about the importance of protecting their well water systems. Among his many leadership roles, he additionally served as director of the National Fertilizer Association Executive Committee; president of the Kentucky Fertilizer and Agricultural Chemical Association; secretary of the Kentucky Soybean Association, director of the U.S. Canola Association and chairman of the National Fertilizer Association. Miles was also inducted into the NACD Southeast Region Hall of Fame.

Learn more about Billy Joe Miles in his Hall of Distinction profile and visit NACD’s Hall of Distinction to learn more about Miles’ fellow inductees.

NACD SOIL HEALTH CHAMPIONS NETWORK GAINING GROUND

As the NACD Soil Health Champions Network enters a new year, membership has increased to well over 230 members across the U.S., representing many diverse operations but each advocating for soil health systems in their own way in their communities.

This group of trailblazers was well-represented at the 2019 NACD Annual Meeting held in San Antonio, Texas. The Champions participated in many capacities throughout the meeting, from speaking at breakout sessions and being represented by Oklahoma NACD Soil Health Champion Jimmy Emmons on a soil health panel during the Tuesday general session (pictured below, far right) to participating in networking sessions and focus groups. Their presence throughout the program not only added great value and strength to the NACD program, but it also provided these individuals with unique opportunities for further learning and networking.

Although there is promise of further network growth in states such as Texas, Kansas and Maryland over the coming year, the NACD Soil Health Champions Network needs to expand its presence in states such as Maine, New Jersey, Utah, the District of Columbia and all the U.S. territories to truly showcase the variety of soil health systems that build America’s landscapes.

For more information on how to become a member of the NACD Soil Health Champions Network, please visit the NACD website and contact NACD North Central Region Representative Beth Mason.

NATIONAL PESTICIDE SAFETY EDUCATION MONTH HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF SAFE PESTICIDE USE

The second annual National Pesticide Safety Education Month began Feb. 1 to reinforce core principles of safe handling and use and to raise awareness of and support for the land-grant university Pesticide Safety Education Programs (PSEPs).

“Natural resource management programs in agricultural and urban settings depend on safe pesticide use, whenever pesticides are used,” said Thia Walker, Colorado PSEP. “Integrated Pest Management (IPM) considers all pest control options, and using pesticides wisely and safely is just as important as using pesticides only when needed,” added Mickey Taylor, Georgia PSEP.

“PSEPs develop training programs and educational resources for the ~1,000,000 certified applicators in the US, as well as outreach to the general public,” explained Glenn Nice, Wisconsin PSEP. “Every aspect of pesticide management – from transport and storage through application and disposal – must receive careful attention to protect the environment when using these tools,” said Pat Hastings, New Jersey PSEP.

Visit the National Pesticide Safety Education Month webpage to review basic pesticide safety principles, assess your own safety practices and more. Share the link to promote safe pesticide use throughout the nearly 3,000 conservation districts in the U.S.

National Pesticide Safety Education is an initiative of the National Stakeholder Team for PSEP Funding, a team committed to strengthening and supporting the state land-grant university Pesticide Safety Education Programs in various ways. As one of the 100 organizations on the team, NACD provides valuable assistance in promoting the importance of PSEPs and the safe use of pesticides.