Barren County Conservation District

10/22/2026

Farmers don’t just cultivate crops or livestock; they also cultivate an entire microbiome beneath their feet. In one teaspoon of soil, there can be millions of microorganisms that work to break down organic matter and increase soil health and fertility. Farmers who work with those microorganisms will have a healthier soil and more productive farm overall. One way to work with them is to start planting cover crops. Not only do they keep the soil covered, but they also provide food to the microorganisms as they are broken down. The microorganisms then provide an increase in soil organic matter.

See your local NRCS office for more information about cover crop mixes and how you can get started!

Photo: Cover Crops in Small Grain stubble, Brookings County, SD. NRCS South Dakota Colette Kessler, Pierre, SD, 2013

10/14/2026

Cover crops are a conservation tool for any farmer dealing with increased w**d pressure, erosion, or soil degradation. When a field is left fallow over the winter, it is left without protection from the elements. A single species cover crop will help with soil erosion and biodiversity, but there are many instances where a 3-4 species mix will provide increased benefits. Multi-species cover crops add biodiversity, increased biomass, reduce erosion, build soil organic matter, and improve water infiltration.

NRCS has a “periodic table” of cover crops to help select species that might be lacking in a rotation. For example, if a rotation is only corn and soybeans, including a cool season broadleaf into the mix will increase the biodiversity in the field. If you’re not sure where to start, contact your local NRCS field office for guidance!

10/14/2026

10/07/2026

🌊 THE KENTUCKY CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP IS HIRING💧

The Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts (KACD) is excited to announce a new opportunity to join our team as a Watershed Specialist!

This is a full-time, four-year position that will work closely with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), local conservation districts, watershed conservancy districts, and other partners to support watershed planning and implementation of Public Law 83-566 (PL-566) watershed projects across Kentucky.

The ideal candidate will have an interest in watershed management, natural resource conservation, hydrology, erosion and flood control, and working collaboratively with conservation partners. The position will include but not limited to watershed planning, project coordination, field evaluations and site visits, stakeholder engagement, and support for watershed dam operation and maintenance.

📅 **Applications Open: October 6, 2026
⏰ **Application Deadline: October 30, 2026

🌱 Come be part of Kentucky’s Conservation Partnership and help make a lasting impact on Kentucky’s watersheds and natural resources!

Follow link in comments for more information and job description.

Please share and help us reach a great candidate!

09/24/2026

CAIP and YAIP Applications MUST be turned in by 4:30PM Friday September 25

09/21/2026

09/16/2026

Looking for an opportunity to learn more about woodland and wildlife management? 🌳
Join Brown’s Tree Farm in Leitchfield, Kentucky, on September 24 for a hands-on opportunity to explore woodland and wildlife management practices, connect with fellow landowners, and enjoy a shared meal in Grayson County.

Space is limited, so be sure to register today!

📅 September 24
📍 Brown’s Tree Farm | Leitchfield, KY

09/10/2026

Even though it feels very much still like summer, the leaves are starting to fall. Be water wise and leave the leaves to trap moisture and reduce evaporation.

09/09/2026

CAIP and YAIP applications are available at the Barren County Soil Conservation Office until September 25 at 4:30PM.

08/31/2026

Reminder: The 2026 CAIP Information Meeting is Thursday, September 3 at 6:00 PM at the Barren County Extension Office!