Tales of Conservation

Earthshare is a non-profit organization focused on supporting the Acadiana area with locally and sustainably grown fresh produce.

Farm tours for the No-Till Organic Market Garden (OMG) NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) project, focusing on soil health and sustainable agriculture practices among small-scale, urban farmers.

Mrs. Ora Jones, a Master Gardener and lifelong learner, has transformed her passion for gardening into a powerful tool for community education and service through “Mrs. Ora’s Kountry Garden” located in Gonzales, Louisiana.

Stacy McGraw, a Concordia Parish farm owner, successfully expanded her U-pick operation during the Covid shutdown, implementing a high tunnel house and micro-irrigation system.

Ricky and Mark Judice, sugarcane producers, have implemented sustainable farming practices, promoting soil quality, water absorption, and reduced fertilizer use, utilizing NRCS assistance.

An enthusiastic hemp farmer, Ramando Ramos established Ram Ram Hemp Farm with the goal of cultivating, refining, manufacturing, and selling CBD products derived from hemp, while also practicing good stewardship of natural resources.

De La Terre Permaculture Farm in Louisiana is transitioning to USDA Certified Organic, with financial and technical support from the USDA's Organic Transition Initiative. The farm aims to establish a thriving ecosystem and market certified organic produce.

NRCS is working on a marsh creation project in the LaBranche Wetlands to combat wetland deterioration. The project aims to restore 1,500 acres of marsh, providing benefits such as improved wildlife habitat, water quality, and storm protection.

The successful rebound of longleaf pine forests and the gopher tortoise that calls them home is largely due to forest landowners and land managers.

Fire lines installed through the EQIP program helped contain a site prep burn on a 40-acre tract, saving it from wildfire and preventing spread.

Small-scale farmers are benefiting from NRCS programs for conservation, increased production, and cost savings. EQIP program offers financial assistance for high tunnels, extending growing seasons and addressing conservation concerns.