Upshur - Gregg SWCD # 417 At Work

John Wade and Joyce Williams

Older man and woman sharing a warm moment in an office.

John Wade served as the District Technician/Clerk from 1997 through 2019, before passing the responsibility to Joyce Williams in 2019. Joyce and John have worked as a team on many projects as Joyce worked alongside of John as a Program Technician for USDA Farm Service Agency from 1995 through 2009, before returning to serve the District in 2019.

Feds Feeds Families

John Wade and Joyce Williams

A large collection of canned goods organized on a counter in a room.

During the USDA Feds Feed Families Initiative 2026

The Upshur - Gregg SWCD donates about 1000# of non-perishable to be distributed throughout both Upshur and Gregg Counties.

TSSWCB Area IV Contest 2026

TSSWCB Area IV Conservation Award Banquet2026

An older man presents an award plaque to a young woman in a blue jacket with FFA emblem.

A student from Gilmer High School in Gilmer, Texas has been named runner up in the Texas Conservation Essay Contest, part of the statewide Texas Conservation Awards Program. Kate Komac earned runner -up in the Senior category.

TSSWCB Area IV Conservation Award Banquet2026

Man in cowboy hat shakes hands while another holds an award plaque.

The TSSWCB hosted its Area Awards Banquet for area IV members. The Upshur and Gregg communities was represented by

Milton Marshall of Longview Innovation Academy

Area IV Conservation Teacher 2026.

TSSWCB Area IV Conservation Award 2026

Three people posing with an award plaque in front of green and white balloons.

The TSSWCB hosted its Area Awards Banquet for Area IV. The Upshur and Gregg communities was represented by Byron and Michelle Hardin "Hardin Pine Farms"

Area IV Conservation Forester 2026 Runner-up

Local Conservation Award 2025

The TSSWCB hosted its Area Awards Banquet for Area IV. The Upshur and Gregg communities was represented by Ryan Pickenpaugh of "Pickenpaugh Family Farms" Area IV Conservation Farmer 2026