Ducks Unlimited, National Sorghum Producers partner to promote water-smart agriculture

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 13, 2024 – Ducks Unlimited (DU) and National Sorghum Producers (NSP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to "Promote the Conservation of Water Resources through Water-Smart Agricultural Practices and Voluntary Conservation Practice Adoption in Water-Stressed Landscapes."

This MOU aims to develop and expand a framework of cooperation between DU and NSP uniquely focused on water savings and market innovation. The partnership will support agricultural producers and surrounding rural communities by promoting water-efficient practices, expand critical waterfowl habitat that also recharges belowground aquifers, and drive innovation into new value-added opportunities around ‘water-smart’ commodities.

"If there’s one thing that ducks and agriculture both need, it’s water," said DU CEO Adam Putnam. "DU and NSP have a shared interest in conserving America’s precious water resources, and our collaboration will enable us to achieve success that wouldn’t be possible alone. Together, we’ll promote voluntary, water-smart agriculture practices, and we look forward to finding new, innovative methods of leveraging our natural resources for the benefit of waterfowl, other wildlife, producers, and communities."

This partnership will help both organizations better serve their respective missions by identifying ways to work together for the benefit of agricultural producers and waterfowl habitat alike. 

"National Sorghum Producers has long championed innovative, sustainable practices that enhance agricultural productivity while preserving our vital natural resources," NSP CEO Tim Lust said. "Sorghum, known as The Resource Conserving Crop®, serves as a water-sipping alternative to more thirsty crops, making it indispensable in water-stressed regions. This partnership with Ducks Unlimited further solidifies our dedication to foster water-efficient solutions that enhance both crop productivity and the protection of precious water resources."

"In many regions like the Great Plains, water resources are becoming more finite and presenting challenges to wildlife, agriculture, and the industries they support," said Billy Gascoigne, DU Director of Agriculture and Strategic Partnerships. "The need to leverage resources, expertise, and market innovation is greater now than ever.  This partnership looks to do just that."

"We recognize the importance of proactive water management to maintain sustainable farming landscapes," NSP Managing Director of climate-smart sorghum Matt Durler said. "This collaboration is a commitment to balance water-wise farming with environmental stewardship and ensure communities that rely on agriculture and waterfowl habitats will flourish for generations to come."

For more information, visit www.ducks.org, and be sure to Follow DU’s X feed – @DucksUnlimited and @DUConserve – to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 18 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.

NSP represents U.S. sorghum producers and serves as the voice of the sorghum industry coast to coast through legislative representation, regulatory representation and education. To learn more about NSP, visit www.sorghumgrowers.com.