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TACD Announces New Executive Director

Matthew J. McClanahan Assumes Helm of the Voice of Tennessee Conservation Districts

Franklin, Tennessee: At the 76th Annual Convention of the Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts ("TACD"), President Jim Bledsoe introduced Cumberland County, Tennessee native Matthew Janson McClanahan as the organization's newest Executive Director.

"I am very honored and humbled to be named as the Executive Director of this grassroots organization that is working for conservation today to ensure a better Tennessee tomorrow," McClanahan said after the announcement. "I look forward to working with our executive board, volunteers, soil conservation district employees, county boards, private land owners, and all of our partners in both the public and private sector to conserve and enhance the natural resources of Tennessee through education, advocacy, and the implementation of our programs and initiatives"

A lifelong resident of Crossville, McClanahan is the son of Janson and Nancy McClanahan and the brother of Colton McClanahan. He and his family own and operate a registered Polled Hereford beef cattle farm in Cumberland County. McClanahan graduated magna cum laude from Tennessee Tech University with a degree in Agriculture. McClanahan graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law and is a practicing attorney serving the legal needs of individuals and companies with interests in Tennessee throughout the state of Tennessee. McClanahan serves on the board of directors for the Tennessee Tech Ag Foundation and on the executive committee for the TennGreen Land Conservancy.

Soil Conservation Districts were formed across the country in the aftermath of the Dust Bowl to ensure continued protection of natural resources through local leadership. In 1939, the Tennessee General Assembly authorized the formation of Soil Conservation Districts. By 1945, Tennessee landowners had successfully petitioned the state to charter nearly thirty such districts. In August of 1945, the Tennessee Association of Soil Conservation Districts (the forerunner to the TACD) held its first official meeting. Today, there are ninety-five Soil Conservation Districts throughout the state of Tennessee encompassing every county in the state. Created by Soil Conservation Districts for Soil Conservation Districts, TACD is governed by the four hundred seventy-five men and women who serve on Soil Conservation District boards.

McClanahan summarized the importance of the TACD by saying, "The agricultural industry has the greatest economic impact in the state of Tennessee, followed next by the tourism industry. Both of these industries are inextricably tied to Tennessee's vibrant natural resources. The work that the TACD does is not only critical to sustaining our environment, but also Tennessee's economy."

Jeremiah Durbin Joins TACD Soil Health Initiative

Jeremiah Durbin, TACD Soil Health Specialist

Jeremiah Durbin is Tennessee Association Conservation District’s (TACD) new Soil Health Specialist. Jeremiah replaces Mike Hubbs.

Jeremiah is a college Graduate with an Associate Degree in Applied Chemical Science, with an Emphasis in Diesel Mechanics. Growing up, he has been involved in multiple aspects of farming. He was active in his local 4H and FFA. He is a member of the (BC) Brookside Consultants. Has also has been an independent soil consultant for 3 years. He has been trained in Haney and PLFA testing by TACD. Jeremiah brings an unique skill set of soil health, experience in soil consulting, agronomical direction, logistics and non-biased recommendations. Jerimiah is a native of Southern Ohio. He has worked in many counties in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Ohio.

Robert Craighead

Number 51, from Near Zero Resources to Soil Health Hero

Mike Hubbs, TACD Soil Health Specialist

On July 1, 2014, I was hired by Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts to disseminate and train farmers and conservation partners on the subject of soil health. My second objective was to identify and publicize the accomplishments of Tennessee farmers who are improving soil health. I was not sure where this endeavor would take me, and had no particular number in mind when I began. I did know that I wanted to identify farmers through relationships with Conservation Districts and NRCS field staff. I knew that I wanted to interview them, record and share what they have accomplished, and work with them while in the field to hopefully help them to expand their knowledge and their practices that are truly changing the Tennessee landscapes. In addition, I wanted glean from them and their experiences while sharing my experiences in soil health.

This is article 51 of this series. That is much more than just numbers. The articles cover 51 people who are sharing what they are doing to improve soil health and function. The 51st Profiles of Soil Health Hero is Robert Craighead of Clay County. Robert began our meeting by sharing with me that over the years, he has changed his management strategies due to the influence of Jeff Young, NRCS District Conservationist for Jackson and Clay Counties, and Andrzej Kaslikowski, NRCS Conservation Technician for Jackson and Clay Counties. Andrzej has also been recognized as a Profile of Soil Health Hero number 36. Not only does he practice soil health on his farm, he teaches it as well. Another influence to Robert is the Clay County Soil Conservation District's Technician, with whom he happens to share the same last name as Robert, Robert's son, Matthew Craighead. Matthew has been very instrumental on the farm influencing Robert.