Established in 1960, the Glenn County Resource Conservation District (RCD) has long served as a trusted partner to farmers, ranchers, and the broader community in stewarding natural resources while strengthening the local economy. Among its many conservation programs—ranging from youth education to soil health, water efficiency, and wildfire prevention—one initiative has risen and is being looked at as a statewide model: PROGRAMS 101 for Farmers and Ranchers. Launched in 2019, this annual event brings together local, state, and federal agencies in a fast-paced, highly accessible format that demystifies government programs and connects land managers directly with funding and technical assistance opportunities. Often likened to “speed dating” for conservation resources, the event has drawn consistent participation and growing respect across California.

The need for PROGRAMS 101 emerged from a simple but persistent challenge: government programs can be confusing, especially in a landscape where Glenn County RCD is entirely grant- or fee-for-service funded. To serve its community effectively, the RCD leaned into creativity, communication, and—most importantly—relationships. Acting as a liaison between landowners/land managers and government agencies, the RCD translated complexity into clarity. As agricultural development specialist Dr. Mark Bell has observed, the program succeeds because it is built on shared concerns, personal trust, and an appreciation that partner roles are complementary. By fostering openness and collaboration, PROGRAMS 101 has become a foundation for effective conservation planning at the local level.

Implementation was driven by common sense and a shared commitment to service. Developed collaboratively by the RCD team and partners like UC Cooperative Extension, USDA agencies, and county departments, , the program faced no resistance—only enthusiasm. Over time, the agenda expanded beyond funding to include technical assistance, recognizing that practical support, such as improving irrigation efficiency, is just as valuable to producers. This brought to the table new partners such as neighboring RCDs and others. The measurable impact has been cultural as much as operational: stronger partnerships, increased participation by farmers and ranchers, and a replicable framework that other counties now look to as a “gold standard.” Support from the Golden State Risk Management Authority (GSRMA) has further strengthened the program by enhancing staff capacity, risk awareness, and long-term operational resilience.

Looking ahead, Glenn County RCD is excited not only to continue PROGRAMS 101 locally, but to see it take root statewide. This vision aligns closely with the California Conservation Planning Partnership (C2P2)—a collaborative effort formalized in 2022 by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, California Department of Food and Agriculture, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts. C2P2 aims to streamline conservation services so farmers, ranchers, and foresters can more easily access technical assistance. As part of this effort, a PROGRAMS 101 Toolbox is being developed to help other communities launch similar events, reduce government confusion, and build consistent pathways to conservation success. The lesson learned is simple and powerful: just do it—build relationships, keep it simple, and focus on serving the community.

Source: Kandi Manhart-Belding, Executive Officer
Glenn County Resource Conservation District

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