Jon Jackson named national Soil Health Champion

Milledgeville, GA, April 5, 2024 – The Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is proud to announce that Jon Jackson of Comfort Farms has been named a Soil Health Champion by the National Association of Conservation Districts.

The Piedmont SWCD worked with NACD to nominate Jackson based on his extraordinary work to promote soil health management practices on his own farm and advance the adoption of these practices within his community. The Piedmont SWCD supports the work of Jackson by helping to publicize his field days and farm tours, and by providing resources for other soil health related promotional activities.

Soil Health Champions are raising awareness about the benefits of soil health practices from the local level to a national one. Champions share their personal experiences using best management practices through the national network on a peer-to-peer basis and through NACD-hosted national meetings and events.

After completing six deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, Jon Jackson exited the military and was faced with many difficulties as he felt he had lost his sense of purpose. He regained a purpose when he founded Comfort Farms. Comfort Farms is a 38-acre, 100% regenerative, working farm that helps veterans in crisis. The farm has a focus of growing a variety of vegetables and livestock and sells goods onsite. In addition, Jon Jackson and Comfort Farms provide educational opportunities that give veterans in need a place to use their skills and energy to fulfill a purpose. Comfort Farms has provided services to several hundred veterans and their families resulting in thousands of visitors.

Through USDA NRCS funding, Comfort Farms utilizes several practices around the farm which gives the workers and community a better understanding of conservation. The farm uses a combination of underground drip irrigation and wobble-head irrigation to improve water efficiency. A well was installed on the farm that provides 100% of its irrigation and water needs. Cover crops are used between crop rows to improve soil health and provide habitat for local pollinators. The use of a hoop house gives a more controlled growing environment and extends the vegetable growing season. Terraces are utilized in the orchard and include wood chips between berms to help with moisture absorption and control water flow. The farm utilizes heavy use fencing to control livestock movement, to help the land recover, and for farm attendance to safely move livestock from one area to another.

“It is an honor to be chosen as a Soil Health Champion,” said Jackson. “Building soil health is essential if America is to meet the challenges of providing food, fuel, and fiber for a growing population here and abroad.”

“Jon Jackson richly deserves this honor. He will be a stellar advocate in helping to increase adoption of soil health practices,” said Ricky Yarbrough, Piedmont SWCD Supervisor.

To arrange a speaking engagement, interview, field tour, or other activity with Jon Jackson or the NACD Soil Health Champions Network, contact NACD’s Beth Mason at beth-mason@nacdnet.org or Piedmont SWCD Chairman at 707-318-8579.

Mason Sorrow of Newton County Named GACD Scholarship Recipient

February 28, 2024:  The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) is pleased to announce their 2024 Scholarship recipient is Mason Sorrow of Oxford, GA. Mason is currently a senior at Eastside High School and Newton College & Career Academy and is enrolled in college courses at Georgia State Perimeter College. He plans to finish his degree at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) and attend graduate school. His career goals include working with state and federal agencies like the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), on the topics of hydrology and fire ecology.

To encourage study and careers in soil and water conservation related fields, GACD administers one $1,000 scholarship each year.  The scholarship is given to students majoring in, or intending to major in, a soil and water conservation related area.  Acceptable areas of study include, but are not limited to, agricultural education, agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, and agricultural communications. 

The mission of GACD is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the state. For more information on GACD or to explore opportunities on how you can support our efforts, please visit us online at www.gacd.us or on Facebook @GACDConserve.

Jon Jackson of Baldwin County Receives National Award for Conservation Efforts

February 13, 2024 - San Diego, California:  Jon Jackson, founder of Comfort Farms located in Milledgeville, Georgia has been named the 2023 Friend of Conservation by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) for his outstanding contributions to natural resource conservation. He was honored at the NACD Annual Meeting held in San Diego, California on February 13.

Pictured L-R: Mark Masters- Past President, GACD/ Secretary- Treasurer, NACD, Kim LaFleur- President, NACD, Jon Jackson- NACD Friend of Conservation, Comfort Farms, Dan Bennett- NACD Representative, GACD

After completing six deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, Jon Jackson exited the military and was faced with many difficulties as he felt he had lost his sense of purpose. He regained purpose when he founded Comfort Farms. Comfort Farms is a 38-acre, 100% regenerative, working farm that helps veterans in crisis.  The farm has a focus of growing a variety of vegetables and livestock, and sells goods onsite. In addition, Jon Jackson and Comfort Farms provide educational opportunities that give veterans in need a place to use their skills and energy to fulfill a purpose. Comfort Farms has provided services to several hundred veterans and their families resulting in thousands of visitors. 

Through funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), Comfort Farms utilizes several practices around the farm which gives the workers and community a better understanding of conservation. The farm uses a combination of underground drip irrigation and wobble-head irrigation to improve water efficiency. A well was installed on the farm that provides 100% of its irrigation and water needs.  Cover crops are used between crop rows to improve soil health and provide habitat for local pollinators. The use of a hoop house gives a more controlled growing environment and extends the vegetable growing season. Terraces are utilized in the orchard and include wood chips between berms to help with moisture absorption and control water flow. The farm utilizes heavy use fencing to control livestock movement, to help the land recover, and for farm attendants to safely move livestock from one area to another. 

From the vegetable and livestock production on the farm, Jackson sells several varieties of produce and meats to restaurants, markets, and community members. Jackson also provides educational opportunities and tours on the farm to help participants learn more about soil health, composting, water conservation, and raising livestock.

Jackson understands that every veteran who is homeless and in need of emotional support may feel that they lack the courage and determination to achieve greatness. He does his best to ensure that every veteran who comes through the program will find the strength in themselves to do something great again through a structured, friendly, creative work environment that respects diverse ideas and hard work ethic. As a farm and program that was born from despair to help others to now also educating the community and selling fresh produce and meat, Jon Jackson is a true friend of conservation.

Jackson was also named the 2023 Conservationist of the Year by the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts. He will be honored at their Annual Meeting in August. “GACD Board would like to extend congratulations to Jon Jackson for this recognition and we applaud his dedication to conservation and serving veterans in his community,” said GACD President, Jake Ford.

Pictured L-R: Tixie Fowler- Outreach and Education, Gwinnett County Conservation District, Ellis Lamme- Vice President, GACD, Mark Masters- Past President, GACD/ Secretary- Treasurer, NACD, Kim LaFleur- President, NACD, Jon Jackson- NACD Friend of Conservation, Comfort Farms, Dan Bennett- NACD Representative, GACD, Brian Ponder- Vice President, GACD, Katie Sponberger- Executive Director, GACD

Also joining us but not pictured: Terrance Rudolph- State Conservationist, NRCS, Jennifer Standridge- Conservation Regional Manager, GSWCC, Dennis Brown- President, Georgia Association of RC&D Councils

The mission of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the state. For more information on GACD or to explore opportunities on how you can support our efforts, please visit us online at www.gacd.us or on Facebook @GACDConserve.

Georgia Feral Hog Task Force Announces Pilot Trap Rental Program and Workshop in Middle-South Georgia Soil & Water Conservation District

Atlanta, Ga  – Today, the Georgia Feral Hog Task Force, a multi-agency collaboration between the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD), and the University of Georgia, announced a new trap rental pilot program will be rolled out at a workshop in Tifton on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. The workshop is open to anyone in the Middle South Georgia Soil & Water Conservation District impacted by feral hogs and interested in renting a PigBrig trap. Attendance at the workshop is required to participate in the trap rental program. The workshop is limited to 35 participants. Additional details below: 

What: A workshop to roll out a new trap rental pilot program. It will cover topics including feral hog behavior and biology, Georgia feral hog hunting/trapping rules and regulations, zoonotic disease concerns, PPE and safe carcass handling, and installation and use of the PigBrig trap. 

Who: Representatives from GDA, USDA, DNR, GACD, and UGA will lead the workshop. Anyone in the Middle South Georgia Soil & Water Conservation District (Ben Hill, Brooks, Colquitt, Crisp, Irwin, Thomas, Tift, Turner, and Worth Counties) impacted by feral hogs and interested in renting a trap is welcomed to attend; however, participation is limited to 35 attendees and attendance at the workshop is required to participate in the trap rental program. At this time, the program is ONLY available to Georgians in counties listed above, and 

When: 1:00-5:00PM on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 

Where: Tift County Extension Office – 1468 Carpenter Road South Tifton, Ga 31793

Trap Rentals: Trap rentals will be $80/month with a $200 deposit and a maximum rental term of 3 months. Trap rentals will become available in the days following the workshop. 

Registration Link: https://www.gacd.us/events

Additional Info: If you have questions or need additional information please contact the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts at info@gacd.us, (833) 411-4223, or online at www.gacd.us .

JIMMY BRAMBLETT AND JACOB TURNER ELECTED GACD GROUP 3 VICE PRESIDENTS

December 14, 2023: At their Group Meeting on December 14, 2023, members of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) elected Jimmy Bramblett of Stewart County as GACD Group 3 Vice-President, and Jacob Turner of Peach County as GACD Group 3 Alternate Vice-President. They will each serve two year terms and represent the Southwest region of the state on the GACD Board.

Jimmy Bramblett

Jimmy Bramblett has represented Stewart County for the Lower Chattahoochee River Conservation District since June of 2023. Mr. Bramblett earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Georgia in Agricultural Economics. He spent 33-years working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) which included 22-years in Georgia, 4-years as the Wisconsin State Conservationist, and 7 years in the National Office as the Deputy Chief for Science and Technology and Deputy Chief for Programs. Since retiring Mr. Bramblett continues to stay active in conservation pursuits as an NRCS-Earth Team Volunteer, Consultant for Information Technology Firms, and a Consultant for Local Water Authorities. Mr. Bramblett and his wife (Anna) have a 530-acre Timber Operation in northern Stewart County.

Jacob Turner

Jacob Turner has represented Peach County as the elected District Supervisor for the Ocmulgee River Conservation District since February 2022. He also serves as the Vice-Chair for the District. He is currently studying business management at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW). He is a member of the President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program, Student Government and Zephyr Recruitment Team at GSW.

The mission of GACD is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the state. For more information on GACD or to explore opportunities on how you can support our efforts, please visit us online at www.gacd.us or on Facebook @GACDConserve.

DAN BENNETT APPOINTED AS NACD REPRESENTATIVE OF GACD

December 8, 2023: The Board of Directors of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) appointed Dan Bennett as National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Representative at their Executive Committee meeting held virtually on December 8, 2023. He will fill the remainder of former NACD Representative Danny Hogan's term until the election at the 2024 GACD Annual Meeting.

As NACD Representative on GACD’s Board, Dan will serve as a liaison between the national organization and our state  to further promote and inform our local conservation leaders of issues impacting Georgia. 

Dan Bennett has been a District Supervisor for the Walton County Conservation District since 1996. He has served as the District Chair since 2010. Dan has been a dedicated District Supervisor and a true leader in Walton County where he is  devoted to promoting stewardship, agriculture, and conservation in the community. He has previously served as GACD President and Past President. He is a member of GACD’s Hall of Fame and NACD’s Southeast Hall of Fame.

The mission of GACD is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the state. For more information on GACD or to explore opportunities on how you can support our efforts, please visit us online at www.gacd.us or on Facebook @GACDConserve.

Dan Bennett

DANNY HOGAN & WOODY SNELL APPOINTED AS BOARD MEMBER EMERITUS OF GACD

December 8, 2023: The Board of Directors of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) appointed Danny Hogan and Woody Snell as Board Member Emeritus at their Executive Committee  meeting held virtually on December 8, 2023.

GACD Emeritus board members are highly respected individuals who have previously served for a significant period of time in leadership roles and contributed to the success of the organization. They will remain connected in an honorary capacity to serve as mentors and advisors to the GACD Board of Directors.

"GACD values the wisdom acquired from Hogan and Snell’s many years of dedication to the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources, and I look forward to their continued  involvement and valuable counsel going forward. It is exceptional when a Board can continue to benefit from the ongoing involvement of two emeritus with the experience and expertise like that of Danny Hogan and Woody Snell”, says Jake Ford, GACD President.

Danny Hogan has been a District Supervisor for the Central Georgia Conservation District representing Laurens County for 20 years. He has previously served as District Chair and GACD President. More recently, he has served on the GACD board as National Association of Conservation District’s (NACD) representative. He was inducted into GACD’s Hall of Fame in 2017 and NACD’s Southeast Conservation Hall of Fame in 2019.

Danny Hogan

Woody Snell has been a District Supervisor for the Cobb County Conservation District for 24 years. He has previously served as District Chair, GACD President and most recently GACD Past President. He was inducted into GACD’s Hall of Fame in 2019 and NACD’s Southeast Conservation Hall of Fame in 2022.

Woody Snell

The mission of GACD is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the state. For more information on GACD or to explore opportunities on how you can support our efforts, please visit us online at www.gacd.us or on Facebook @GACDConserve.

Jon Jackson of Baldwin County Receives State Award for Conservation Efforts

November 21, 2023:  Jon Jackson, founder of Comfort Farms located in Milledgeville, Georgia has been named the 2023 Conservationist of the Year by the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) for his outstanding contributions to natural resources conservation.

Pictured: Jon Jackson. Photo courtesy of USDA.

After completing six deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, Jon Jackson exited the military and was faced with many difficulties as he felt he had lost his sense of purpose. He regained purpose when he founded Comfort Farms. Comfort Farms is a 38-acre, 100% regenerative, working farm that helps veterans in crisis.  The farm has a focus of growing a variety of vegetables and livestock, and sells goods onsite. In addition, Jon Jackson and Comfort Farms provide educational opportunities that give veterans in need a place to use their skills and energy to fulfill a purpose. Comfort Farms has provided services to several hundred veterans and their families resulting in thousands of visitors. 

Through funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), Comfort Farms utilizes several practices around the farm which gives the workers and community a better understanding of conservation. The farm uses a combination of underground drip irrigation and wobble-head irrigation to improve water efficiency. A well was installed on the farm that provides 100% of its irrigation and water needs.  Cover crops are used between crop rows to improve soil health and provide habitat for local pollinators. The use of a hoop house gives a more controlled growing environment and extends the vegetable growing season. Terraces are utilized in the orchard and include wood chips between berms to help with moisture absorption and control water flow. The farm utilizes heavy use fencing to control livestock movement, to help the land recover, and for farm attendants to safely move livestock from one area to another. 

From the vegetable and livestock production on the farm, Jackson sells several varieties of produce and meats to restaurants, markets, and community members. Jackson also provides educational opportunities and tours on the farm to help participants learn more about soil health, composting, water conservation, and raising livestock.

Jackson understands that every veteran who is homeless and in need of emotional support may feel that they lack the courage and determination to achieve greatness. He does his best to ensure that every veteran who comes through the program will find the strength in themselves to do something great again through a structured, friendly, creative work environment that respects diverse ideas and hard work ethic. As a farm and program that was born from despair to help others to now also educating the community and selling fresh produce and meat, Jon Jackson is a true friend of conservation.

“In agriculture, our greatest resource is the land, and as farmers, it is our duty to be good stewards of that land for future generations,” noted Jake Ford, President of GACD. “It’s outstanding to see the spotlight on someone who embodies the commitment to conservation this award was designed to acknowledge all while taking time to mentor and support veterans in his community. We congratulate Jon on this honor and wish him luck as he competes to represent Georgia for the national Friend of Conservation award to be announced soon.”

GACD’s Conservationist of the Year award is chosen in conjunction with Georgia’s USDA-NRCS and recognizes producers who are conducting exemplary conservation work on their land and have demonstrated a strong commitment to soil and water conservation through stewardship, outreach and community interactions. Jon was nominated for this award by the Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District. 

Check out the video for more about Jon Jackson and Comfort Farms.

The mission of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the state. For more information on GACD or to explore opportunities on how you can support our efforts, please visit us online at www.gacd.us or on Facebook @GACDConserve.

GACD and GAC partner for Legislative Efforts

The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with the Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) to increase its advocacy efforts Under the Gold Dome in Atlanta. This collaboration signifies a significant step forward in the pursuit of conservation practices and environmental stewardship in the state of Georgia. By partnering with GAC, GACD aims to enhance its lobbying efforts within the Georgia legislature, promote the importance of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and further strengthen Georgia’s investment in conservation.
 
GACD President Jake Ford noted that “the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts continues to remain dedicated to serving and advocating for our state’s Conservation Districts, responsible land use and natural resource management. The team at GAC is a leading advocate for Georgia’s diverse agriculture industry and natural resource sector at the State Capitol. Through this lobbying partnership, our organizations can combine our knowledge, resources, and influence to advocate for policies and funding that advance conservation objectives, protect natural habitats, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Georgia’s land.”
 
GAC President, Will Bentley, added that “we are excited about the relationship between our two organizations that have long been fighting for issues together in Georgia. We look forward to helping GACD embark on new initiatives, advocate for impactful policies, and further Georgia’s commitment to conservation. Together, we will be working tirelessly to create a sustainable future for Georgia, where agriculture and conservation go hand in hand.”

GACD Group 1 Elects Vice Presidents

Acworth, GA -- At the GACD Group 1 Regional Meeting held at Tanyard Creek Overlook on November 1, members of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) re-elected Wes Fogle of Whitfield County for a second term as GACD Group 1 Vice-President, and elected Deetra Poindexter of Clayton County as GACD Group 1 Alternate Vice-President. Group 1 Vice-Presidents serve on the Board of Directors for GACD in representation of the fourteen Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Group 1 spanning 39 counties across Northwest Georgia. They will each serve two-year terms.

Wes was born and raised on a dairy farm in Cope, South Carolina. He worked on the farm throughout his childhood and teenage years until he attended Clemson University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture Economics and Rural Sociology. After college, Wes moved to Dalton, Georgia and began his 31-year career in the textile industry. He currently serves as Director of Sales for Integrated Fiber Solutions.

Wes was exposed to the importance of soil and water conservation at a young age through his family’s partnership with their local USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office. His family utilized several conservation practices on their farm including terraces, filter strips, Conservation Reserve Program land management, and riparian buffer streambank stabilization, to name a few. His family still owns the South Carolina farm. Today, Wes enjoys timber farming, hunting and the outdoors, and splits his time between his land in Georgia and South Carolina. Wes has served as a District Supervisor for the Limestone Valley Soil and Water Conservation District for almost eleven years. He also serves as a board member for the Limestone Valley Watershed Dam Committee and the Limestone Valley Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council.

Wes Fogle

Deetra Poindexter of Jonesboro was born and raised in Atlanta and received her education from Dunwoody High School, Atlanta Area Technology, Atlanta Junior College and Georgia State College where she majored in Early Childhood. Deetra also received her Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism from The Global International Alliance on May 21, 2022. Deetra was nominated for this honor for her outstanding service, outreach efforts, and making a difference in her community and in the lives of youth for over 30 years. She has also served in the U.S. Army Reserve since 1989.

Deetra has served as a District Supervisor for Clayton County Soil & Water Conservation District for almost 3 years now. She plays a vital role in education and outreach programs related to soil and water conservation. Growing up, she spent summers visiting her grandparents 1,000+ acre farm in Quitman, Ga. Deetra enjoys her role with Clayton County Soil & Water Conservation District because it brings back sweet memories of her grandparents and helps her to feel connected to them by conserving land and water resources for future generations.

Deetra's love of education inspired her to create “Change 4 Hope”, a program that fulfills a local need to provide important mentoring and career development opportunities to homeschool students. Change 4 Hope gives students opportunities to collaborate, develop job skills, and learn about history, culture, and community. Through Change 4 Hope, students have gained jobs and internships, and have been able to experience trips across the United States and internationally. Deetra and her husband are serial entrepreneurs and have instilled their work ethic and passion for community involvement in their children.

Deetra Poindexter