January through March 2008 Stories

The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) and other sponsors presented awards to outstanding conservationists and conservation educators during Conservation Day at the Capitol on March 19. Awards were also presented to members of the press and conservation districts for outstanding efforts in spreading information about conservation. The various awards were cosponsored by Chesapeake Energy, the Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma and the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation.

Over 400 attended the opening session of the 70th Annual State Meeting of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, at the Reed Center in Midwest City, on February 25-27, 2008.

Oklahoma Panhandle farmer George Freeman had a surface furrow irrigation system that had application efficiencies of only 60-65 percent. He thought he could be a better manager of his water, so he contacted the Guymon NRCS field office to change to drip irrigation. This change will improve his efficiency to near 95 percent, which is typical for drip systems.

The Austin family of Geary, Oklahoma was among eight, nationally featured customers, who were chosen to represent diversity of geography, culture, conservation practices and products, represent a cross-section of our landowner-partners nationwide as part of a new national conservation campaign launched by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The NRCS in Oklahoma recognized groups and individuals that had made outstanding conservation contributions in 2007 at the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts annual meeting February 25-27, 2008.

The International Heifer Association held its first meeting in Boynton, Oklahoma on Friday the 18th of January. Over 20 producers from Muskogee, Okmulgee, and Wagoner Counties attended the meeting.

Rising fuel costs, increased labor costs and natural resource concerns are on the minds of many farmers across Oklahoma. Many are searching for a different way to do business – one that that can save time, money and natural resources, if possible.

Over 75 people attended a USDA Outreach, Career and Information Fair at Cave Springs Elementary School.

The Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma and the USDA-NRCS signed a cooperative conservation agreement establishing the first-ever Tribal Conservation District in Oklahoma.

Congratulations to Greg Allen, district conservationist at the Cheyenne, Oklahoma NRCS office in Roger Mills County. Allen was the winner of the “Name the NRCS Oklahoma Electronic Newsletter.”

Last year, the 100-plus members of Tulsa County Earth Team volunteer group worked over 3,500 hours to benefit Tulsa and surrounding communities through conservation events and activities. Their outstanding efforts earned them the National Association of Conservation District (NACD)/NRCS National Partnership Award. They will receive the honor at NACD’s annual meeting in Reno, Nevada on February 12, 2008.