The Caldwell County Conservation District celebrated the many accomplishments of local land owners, farmers, and producers in 2018 at an awards banquet held Monday night in Princeton.
In a presentation given by members of the Caldwell County FFA Chapter, it was stated that the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) approved $432,835 in funding for 17 Caldwell County land owners through the Environmental Quality Inventive Program (EQIP) during Fiscal Year 2018. These conservation programs addressed practices for cropland, pastureland, wildlife, and high tunnel systems for vegetable production throughout the the county.
NRCS also provides technical assistance in administering the District’s State Cost Share Program. Through this program, landowners receive financial assistance in implementing practices related to livestock or other types of agriculture production. In Fiscal Year 2018 the District administered $149,277.15 to Caldwell County landowners. In addition, 31 more applicants received a total of $212,437.17 in approved funds during the first round of sign-ups in early 2018.
Caldwell County Conservation District Board Chairman Fred Hart made a special announcement at the banquet concerning newly approved applications.
The District also applied for an environmental grant through the Division of Conservation to help with a dead animal disposal program. Hart announced that the District was again approved for the grant.
The presentation also recognized the many community and educational programs the District facilitates during the year. The District helps sponsor the annual Take Kids Fishing Day at Riverside Park in Dawson Springs and supports field trips for elementary aged students to visit local farms to learn where their food comes from.
The District also provides two giveaways for the local community, an annual tree seedling giveaway and an annual bluebird box giveaway, during the spring. Hart stated that the District will host both giveaways again this year.
For more information about the tree seedling giveaway, bluebird box giveaway, or what the Conservation District does within the county, you can contact them at 270-365-5533.
