Hughes County Conservation District

03/24/2026

It's !

Oklahoma is known as an agriculture state and we are Top 10 in a variety of categories, including:
🚜 Beef cattle supply
🚜 Hog population
🚜 Meat goat population
🚜 Total number of farms
🚜 Native pecan production
🚜 Wheat production
🚜 Hay production
🚜 Rye production
🚜 Upland cotton production
🚜 Sorghum grain production

We want to thank our hardworking farmers, ranchers and producers who work year-round to feed, fuel and clothe the world. Every part of the agriculture production process makes a difference and without hardworking Oklahomans in and alongside our industry, we would not be the agriculture leader we are today.

03/24/2026

Happy National Agriculture Day! 🌾

Today we celebrate and give thanks to our local farmers, ranchers, and producers who work tirelessly to feed our communities. Your dedication, resilience, and hard work do not go unnoticed.

From the fields to our tables, we are grateful for everything you do. 🌱🚜

03/20/2026

Have you ever wondered how the first conservation district came to be? We owe it all to Hugh Hammond Bennett!🌱

In 1937, the first soil conservation district in the United States was established in Brown Creek, North Carolina — Bennett’s hometown. As a child, he discovered the value of soil protection by helping his father build terraces on their family farm.

Following the Dust Bowl, Bennett championed a new approach: local conservation districts managed by those who understand the land best. Brown Creek farmers voted to form the first district, setting an example for others nationwide.

Now, over 3,000 conservation districts across the country help communities protect soil, water, forests, and wildlife. Bennett saw these districts as powerful tools for conserving natural resources—a belief that remains true nearly 90 years later. 🌎

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3NuwYKL

Photo via: Oklahoma Conservation Historical Society

03/18/2026

03/18/2026

When overgrazing and undergrazing occur together, no one benefits.

On this land in Roger Mills County, one producer utilized prescribed fire and high-density, frequent-rotation grazing to improve their forage quality and utilization.

The result? The soil health, cattle, and wildlife alike all benefit!

03/04/2026

Application period starts March 9, 2026

02/11/2026

Calling all emerging leaders across the nation to apply for USDA's 2026 Summer Intern Cohort! We're looking for individuals who demonstrate strong qualifications, character, and a commitment to public service.

🔗 Learn more, and apply by March 2, 2026: usda.gov/internships

01/22/2026

***BREAKING NEWS*** Due to the coming cold weather ice and snow there will be NO farms closed.

Each and every farmer will be out in the blistering cold, ice and wind tending their livestock.

We will be cranking tractors, putting out feed and hay, breaking ice off of ponds and water tanks and praying for warm healthy livestock.

If you know a farmer, or if you ate yesterday and plan to eat today, Thank and pray for all our farmers.

12/31/2025

The application period for the next round of SHIP opens this Thursday!

The Soil Health Implementation Program (SHIP) is a new initiative designed to advance soil health and regenerative agricultural practices across the State of Oklahoma.

At its core, SHIP aims to empower crop, livestock, and urban agricultural producers who are committed to elevating their soil health management strategies.

If you’re a producer eager to enhance your soil conservation practices and share your journey with others, SHIP is tailored for you!

https://conservation.ok.gov/soil-health-implementation-program/

12/03/2025

Wetlands provide essential services to Oklahomans, including improving water quality, reducing flooding, recharging aquifers, and providing recreational opportunities. However, wetland restoration can be costly and require technical expertise, making it inaccessible to most Oklahomans.

OCC’s Restoring Natural Ecology in Wetlands (ReNEW) Cost-Share Program offers technical and financial assistance to landowners interested in restoring, creating, or enhancing a wetland on their property.

The program is available state-wide, and applicants may receive funding for up to 80% of total restoration costs up to $35,000 per project.

The 2026 Application Period opens January 1, 2026.

Applications can be submitted through the landowner’s local conservation district or sent directly to [email protected].

Learn more here: https://wetlands.ok.gov/home/renew-program/