The annual meeting of the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts took place this week in Orange Beach and the drought across the state was a main topic of discussion. Executive Director of the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee, Dr. William Puckett, says they and their partners are working together to stress the importance of soil health. Download Audio
Report Warns of Water Woes Unless Changes are Made in Florida
FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA By LLOYD DUNKELBERGER THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, November 15, 2016………. An additional 15 million Florida residents by 2070 could increase the demand for water by more than 50 percent, with a third of the state being paved over and a noticeable decline in agricultural land, according to a new report. However, with modest water-conservation efforts …
Historic Babcock Ranch Preserve in Operation and Open to Public
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– Babcock Ranch Preserve in Charlotte County begins a new chapter in its rich history as it becomes the largest state-owned working cattle ranch to be managed by a private cattle company while expanding public recreational opportunities, including: hiking, biking, horseback riding and ranch tours. When Babcock Ranch was purchased …
USDA Designates 4 Counties in Florida as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Nov.14, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties in Florida as primary natural disaster areas due to damage and losses caused by Hurricane Matthew that occurred from Oct. 6, 2016, through Oct. 8, 2016. Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Florida …
USDA Designates 4 More Counties in Alabama as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Autauga, Greene, Hale and Montgomery counties in Alabama as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by a recent drought. Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Alabama also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous. …
NRCS Announces CSP Sign-up Is Underway
USDA has announced that agricultural producers can sign up for funding now until Feb. 3 through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). NRCS associate chief for conservation, Leonard Jordan, says funds are now available for landowners. Download Audio
Florida NRCS State Technical Advisory Committee Meeting is Tuesday
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) In Florida invites those interested to attend their State Technical Advisory Committee Meeting Tuesday, November 15 starting at 10 a.m. at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Doyle Conner Agriculture Building Auditorium in Gainesville. Download Audio
Florida Signup for Wetland Reserve Easements Ends Tuesday
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind landowners that the signup deadline for Wetland Reserve Easements for fiscal year 2017 funding is Tuesday, November 15. Download Audio
Drought Impacting Georgia Cattle Producers
Georgia farmers are experiencing one of the worst droughts in recent memory, and some are warning there could be a potential repeat next year. In a story by Clint Thompson with the University of Georgia, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the drought has already made life difficult for cattle producers, especially in the Northern part of the state. UGA …
USDA Announces Applications Available for Conservation Stewardship Program
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama has announced they will accept and process applications for enrollment in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) beginning November 14, 2016. Download Audio