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1. NACD Leaders Challenge Conservationists to Push beyond Personal Boundaries
2. NACD Conference Expands Conservation Boundaries
3. Keep up with the Conference on the Brownfield Ag Website
4. Upcoming Conference Events
1. NACD Leaders Challenge Conservationists to Push beyond Personal Boundaries
In her address to the audience at Monday morning's general session, NACD CEO Krysta Harden called on both personal and professional experiences to embody the theme of the conference of taking conservation beyond our usual boundaries. Harden talked about the importance of doing the hard work of what is necessary and not just the usual work of that which is comfortable. Whether that means a southerner like Harden getting to know the Midwest farmers she represented for the American Soybean Association, or an urban conservationist learning the needs of rural America, or vice verse, Harden challenged those in the room to tackle the unfamiliar: to consider running for State or National office, to address the gnawing difficulties present in conservation districts and not just assume someone else would handle it. She encouraged the crowd to stretch themselves to do what is right, even when it is uncomfortable.
Following her remarks, Harden introduced NACD Acting President Steve Robinson. Harden told the crowd that after 2007 President Olin Sims' untimely death, Robinson did not hesitate or flinch to take on the unexpected responsibilities that were thrust upon him as Acting President. Robinson acknowledged that it had been a difficult time but spoke of the new partnerships and business decisions that NACD has successfully forged—from weaning NACD of unprofitable lines of business to working with FFA on education materials. Robinson spoke also of the many long hours devoted this year to fighting for a strong conservation title in the Farm Bill that, hopefully will work to the benefit of conservation districts and agricultural producers nationwide. He also called upon districts to push themselves to become more involved and engaged with their districts, state associations and national organization. To read Robinson's speech, "Pushing the Boundaries," go to, http://www.nacdnet.org/events/annualmeeting/resources/speeches/robinson.phtml.
2. NACD Conference Expands Conservation Boundaries
Today the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) convened their 62nd annual conference in Reno, Nevada. Over 1000 conservationists have come from all 50 states and many territories to attend.
James Settlemeyer, Nevada Assemblyman and long time conservation district leader, helped open the conference at Monday morning's general session. He spoke of the commitment three generations of his family have had to conservation and conservation districts. Next, NACD CEO Krysta Harden and NACD Acting President spoke, encouraging conference attendees to push beyond not only conservation boundaries, but also their own personal boundaries.
Mark Rey, USDA Undersecretary for Natural Resources and the Environment, and Stephen Allred Assistant Secretary for the US Department of the Interior, joined NACD leadership in addressing issues that expanded upon the conference theme, "Conservation Beyond Boundaries." Rey gave an update of the Administration's key concerns for the Farm Bill, reminding the audience that the President has gone on record refusing to sign a Farm Bill that raises taxes or fails to reform the commodity title. Allred, whose Department manages one in five acres nationwide, reminded conferees of the importance of public and private interests going beyond their personal boundaries to effectively protect natural resources and manage the landscape.
Speaker remarks and presentations and other conference resources will be made available on NACD's website at http://www.nacdnet.org.
3. Keep up with the Conference on the Brownfield Ag Website
Farm Broadcaster Dave Russell of Brownfield Ag Network in Indianapolis, Indiana, is one of three broadcasters attending the NACD annual conference this week. Russell interviewed NACD Acting President Steve Robinson at the Leadership Luncheon Monday afternoon. You can listen to Russell and Robinson's live interview as well as follow the rest of the conference event coverage on the NACD Special Events page on the Brownfield Network's website.
Other farm broadcasters covering the conference live include Kristi Pettis of the Northern Ag Network in Billings, Montana, and Randy Koenen of the Red River Farm Network in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Be sure to tune into your local station in the broadcasters' respective coverage areas to hear live updates from Reno.
4. Upcoming Conference Events
Be sure to check back tomorrow for an NACD Live Auction update, an exciting release from NRCS and more! The conference will continue through Wednesday. Upcoming speakers include Arlen Lancaster, Chief of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Teresa Lasseter, Head of USDA's Farm Service Agency. Numerous breakout sessions, board discussions, field tours and exhibits round out the meeting schedule.
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