Farmers Preparing for Drought Conditions

Dan Alabama, Cattle, Drought, Industry News Release, Livestock, Water

While recent rains were welcome, more than 34 percent of Alabama still faces abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions. This has many livestock producers worried about providing their animals with enough to eat and drink. Landon Marks, an Alabama Extension animal science regional agent, said some northeastern Alabama areas are starting to see effects of the abnormally dry weather. “Water …

heartland

Meetings on Algae, Citrus and Water Management Ring Alarms for Florida Agriculture

Dan Editorial, Environment, Florida, Lake Okeechobee, Water

Three meetings this week in three different areas of the state brought more discussion that should wake up producers and others in agriculture who have remained mostly silent for decades. As the state’s population continues to swell by a 1,000 new residents each day, Florida’s population will likely exceed 22-million next year. As the nation’s third most populous state, there’s …

wetlands

Wetlands Proposal Deadline is Friday

Dan Environment, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind landowners and conservation partners the deadline to submit proposals to protect and restore critical wetlands is June 14. USDA is making available up to $40 million in technical and financial assistance for these projects. Restored wetlands improve water quality downstream and improve wildlife habitat, while also providing flood prevention and recreational benefits …

desantis

Saving Florida’s Treasured Wetlands

Dan Environment, Florida, USDA-NRCS

Many living in the state of Florida understand why wetlands are treasures of the state. But according to the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, nearly half of 20.3 million wetland acres have been lost since settlers began draining and diking wetlands in the 19th century. And of course the growing population threatens what remains. So USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation service …

agriculture

USDA Opens Signup for National Conservation Innovation Grants

Dan Environment, USDA-NRCS

USDA has announced they are investing up to $12.5 million to help support the adoption of innovative conservation approaches on agricultural lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals through July 29, 2019, for national Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). These are competitive grants that drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation. CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving that boosts production …

biobased

Final EPA Rule Exempts Farms From Emissions Reporting

Dan Environment, Industry News Release, Livestock, Pork

The National Pork Producers Council applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for finalizing its rule exempting livestock farmers from reporting to state and local authorities the routine emissions from their farms. “This rule is the final piece in the implementation of the FARM Act, which passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support last year and eliminated the need for livestock …

conservation

USDA Opens Signup for National Conservation Innovation Grants

Dan Economy, Environment, Industry News Release, USDA-NRCS

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are competitive grants that drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation. CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving that boosts production on farms, ranches, and private forests – ultimately, they improve water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. Program At A Glance National and State CIG – Public and private grantees develop the tools, technologies, and …