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Nebraskans participate National Resource Conservation and DevelNebraska Representatives from the Nebraska Resource Conservation and Development Association recently returned from the National RC&D Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., held Feb. 26 to 28 at the Holiday Inn on the Hill. RC&D council members and supporters from throughout the United States attended the conference. Attendees had the opportunity to sit in on sessions with topics ranging from endowments, non-profit organizations, and the 2007 farm bill. Nebraska representatives attending this conference were Dan Hruza of Burwell, Nebraska RC&D Association chairman; Scott Kudrna of Auburn, vice chairman; Cliff Welsh of Brule, secretary; and Mike Williams of North Bend. Opening the conference was National RC&D president, Sharon Ruggi from New York. She spoke of the challenges facing local RC&D councils in the coming year including funding issues for the 2008 fiscal year budget and work that is currently being done in the formulation of the new 2007 farm bill. Local councils were encouraged to voice their support of the program to elected representatives on Capitol Hill, as they will be formulating the final budget. She also congratulated councils on their many success stories and encouraged members to highlight those successes in their letter writing and visits with congressional representatives. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns spoke to the group and praised the work of the RC&D Councils. In his remarks, the Secretary gave attendees his vision of direction for RC&D's in the future. Reed Gardner, of Wyoming, was inducted into the Resource Conservation and Development Hall of Fame for his outstanding service with the RC&D program over the last 40 years. Many recognized his name as he is the father of Rulon Gardner, Olympic gold medalist in wrestling. Tuesday and Wednesday the Nebraska delegation had the opportunity to visit with the five Nebraska Congressional Representatives. Three of those five representatives currently serve on their respective Agriculture Committees. All were supportive of the RC&D program and what has been accomplished by the local councils. Councils were encouraged to continue to send letters of support and make phone calls to endorse the program as budget decisions are being made. The Nebraska delegates were also fortunate to have the opportunity to meet personally with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns. The Nebraska delegation addressed concerns and stressed how important the RC&D program is to rural communities throughout the state. The Secretary was open to the concerns expressed and assured the delegation the issues would be investigated. The Nebraska delegation felt the Leadership Forum was rewarding and informative as they had the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns and network with other volunteer RC&D associations from around the country. B 5 3/26/07 6 Star Midwest Ag Date: 3/21/07
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