August 2024

Agriculture in the news

• Agricultural District Programs Provide Flexible Options for Farmland Conservation | Choices Magazine Online - The Agriculture & Applied Economics Association published an article that considers the advantages of agricultural districts as a tool for protecting farmland.
  
  
• Sun Power: As Oregon soaks up solar power, farmland shrinks | Capital Press - With over 25,000 acres of farmland converted to solar facilities between 2011 and 2021, clean energy goals are having an impact on farmland in Oregon. 
  
  
• Washington NRCS Leader Named State Conservationist of the Year | Capital Press - Washington's State Conservationist, Roylene Comes at Night has been recognized by the National Association of State Conservation Agencies as the Conservationist of the Year. 
  
  
• Solar Grazing: A new approach to balancing ag, energy | Capital Press - In an effort to better manage grasses in solar facilities and retain some level of agricultural use, some land managers and ranchers are finding ways to work together. 
  
  
• 'It's very tough to make a living': Lowest wheat prices in years complicates Washington's return-to-normal harvest | The Spokesman-Review - With prices dipping to the lowest in three years, margins are shrinking for wheat farmers. 
  
  
• Maureen Harkcom: Lewis County agriculture statistics show importance of local farmers | The Daily Chronicle - This article is a reminder of how unique and valuable farmers and ranchers are to communities in every corner of the state. 

Events

• 2024 Farms Forever Dinner - Community Farmland Trust will be holding their Farm-to-Table dinner on Saturday, August 17th from 4-8 PM at Little Creek Casino and Resort. 
  
  
• Love the Land : A fundraiser for Local Farms - Washington Farmland Trust will be hosting their 5th annual fundraiser at Seattle Farm on September 14, from 4-7 PM. 

NRCS Updates

• NRCS ACEP-ALE applications are due October 4 or December 20 for FY25 funding consideration. Please visit the NRCS-WA Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) website for application materials.
  
  
• Eric Nelson was hired for the WSCC/NRCS Conservation Easement Liaison position. Mr. Nelson starts August 16 and will be based out of Skagit CD. Eric will focus on RCPP-ALE, assist with general ALE, and guide new RCPP easement proposals and questions that conservation partners may have. Welcome to the team, Eric!

Job Announcements

• Washington Association of Land Trusts Job Board - Positions from AmeriCorps to Director roles across the state. 
  
  
• State Conservation Commission Job Board - 20 different opportunities to do meaningful work across Washington.

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The Washington State Conservation Commission administers the Office of Farmland Preservation to address the rapid loss of working farm and forest lands in our state. Learn more: www.scc.wa.gov/ofp.