2019 National HHB Award Winners
Conservation Producer Recipient
David Daigle - Radley, Louisiana
David Daigle is a true conservationist, constantly thinking about ecosytem functions and integrated resource management.
He not only performs conservation practices on his farm by implementing his Resource Management System plan, but all tracts of Daigle Farms are operated with an Integrated Resource Management approach. His conservation practices, some of which date back to 1996, include prescribed burns, fire breaks, prescribed grazing, forest stand improvements and nutrient management.
David is extremely involved in his state and local community, serving as a board member for the Calcasieu Soil and Water Conservation District and president of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts. He serves as a board member on the Louisiana Native Plant Initiative and The Coastal Plain Conservancy and was a previous board member for the Imperial Calcasieu Resource Conservation and Development.
In 2016, David co-authored a publication entitled "Prescribed Grazing - A Management Tool for Wetlands," to promote awareness of the resources in the Gulf Coast region and how to protect them
He serves as a role model for many other producers, hosting education field days and workshops on his farm and working hard to spread the conservation message.
Conservation Planner Recipient
Emma Chow - Santa Maria, California
Emma graduated from California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in environmental management and protection and a minor in city and regional planning, sustainable environments.
She participated in the California-NRCS Leadership Development Program, strengthening her leadership skills to help her succeed.
As an employee of NRCS for over 10 years, Emma has worked tirelessly to promote conservation. Following the catastrophic Tubbs Fire, Emma immediately mobilized staff to help clients whose property burned. Her drive to help property owners control soil erosion after fires helped the forest community recognize the need to look at their entire property and effects on the watershed, rather than just the area around their homes.
Some of her other efforts have included managing EQIP contracts, providing outreach after flood events, expanding the forestry program and coordinating to create outreach videos for LGBT, National Organic Campaign and High Tunnel success stories.
Emma has a range of conservation planning experience with vineyards, orchards, forests and diverse crops, allowing her to provide assistance in a wide variety of situations.
Her dedication to the conservation message and desire to help her community grow stronger is astounding and an inspiration to us all.
