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a field of Canola growing in Manhattan, Kansas (NRCS photo by Jeff Vanuga -- click to enlarge)NRCS This Week mast head

The Natural Resources Conservation Service — Helping People Help the Land.

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Iowa

Farmer Dwight “Pete” Hobson (right) and NRCS District Conservationist Greg Mathis check the growth of fall wheat in early March. Hobson plants winter wheat on field headlands to improve soil health and gain additional farm income on farm ground traditionally set aside as field equipment turnaroundsIowa Farmer Finds Profit in Wheat
For the last four years Oakland farmer Dwight “Pete” Hobson has experimented with a new cash crop—wheat. He grows it on field borders or headlands; farmland not usually known for producing income. He used the wheat to increase income, slow erosion, and improve soil tilth.
 

 

 

 

New Mexico

three generations of HarrisesThree Generation Farm Showcases Efficiency
While new and innovative ideas may catch our imagination, we cannot overlook the tried and true conservation practices that are keeping our farmers on the land and aiding in the "greening" of America.  The concrete irrigation ditches of Socorro County, New Mexico, and on the Dennis Harris Farm are prime examples.
 

 

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Partner in Excellence Award Award Winning Texas Watershed Program Partnership
A Partner in Excellence Award was presented to the Texas Association of Watershed Sponsors at the 11th National Watershed Conference for great progress in revitalizing the Texas Watershed Program partnership.

 

 

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Kate DePietro -- Connecticut Earth Team VolunteerKate DePietro -- Connecticut Earth Team Volunteer
Kate DePietro has been harnessing her passion for the environment by volunteering for NRCS where she has provided assistance on a survey for a covered heavy use area that included animal waste storage.

 

 

 

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Plant Identification Keys Online for U.S. LegumesAutomated Plant Identification Keys Online for U.S. Legumes
The National Plant Data Center (NPDC), in cooperation with the Missouri Botanical Garden, has developed a set of automated plant identification keys for the U.S. legumes (Fabaceae).  Legumes can be found in habitats across the nation and are a large part of the flora.  Legumes are also a valuable component of grazing and pasture lands by providing nitrogen to the soil. 

 

 

 

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willow cuttings planting operation using a trenching blade being to open trenchWillow Planting in New York
This 1952 image depicts a willow cuttings planting operation using a trenching blade being used to open trench at the Big Flatts Nursery in Chemung County, New York (Library of Congress photo -- click to enlarge).

NRCS This Week features a weekly historical photo and caption.  NHQ, districts, States, RC&D councils, and all other NRCS entities are invited to submit a historical photo of activities or individuals who have worked or are working for the agency along with a caption. 
 

 

 

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