Longleaf pine forests provide numerous environmental benefits including wildlife habitat, but pine stands have been steadily declining. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama is offering landowners some financial benefits to help increase those stands with a new continuous enrollment category for longleaf pine under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Report (1:00 wma)
Conservation Help for New and Low Income Farmers
Beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers would receive some extra help for conservation efforts under the new farm bill proposed by the Bush administration, something that will help many in Florida according to State Conservationist Niles Glasgow. Report (:45 wma)
Well Water Testing is a Deep Subject
Rural well water testing can be a deep subject but USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama can help landowners keep it simple and safe, according to hydraulic engineer Ken Aycock. Report (1:00 wma)
Farm Bill Proposal Would Simplify CSP
Simplifying conservation programs is one of the goals of the Bush administration’s 2007 Farm Bill Proposal. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service chief Arlen Lancaster says that is especially true for the Conservation Security program. Report (1:00 wma) Florida State Conservationist Niles Glasgow says the proposed changes in CSP would make the program much more beneficial for Florida producers. Report (1:30 …
County NRCS Office Sustains Tornado Damage
Due to the damage sustained by a tornado February 2, the Deland Field Office of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has moved field office operations to the USDA Service Center located in Ocala at 2303 NE Jacksonville Road, Suite 200. The telephone number is (352) 622-3971 Extension 3. The Deland NRCS field office serves Volusia and Flagler Counties. Report …
Prescribed Burning as a Management Tool
Prescribed burning is just what the doctor ordered to keep forest ecosystems healthy here in Alabama according to USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Report (1:00 wma)
Florida State Conservationist on Farm Bill Proposals
The conservation portion of the administration’s farm bill proposals released this week contain some key provisions for Florida, according to state conservationist Niles Glasgow. Report (1:00 wma)
More Detail on Conservation Proposals
Top USDA officials are out in the countryside this week explaining the administration’s farm bill proposals. I talked with Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Arlen Lancaster about the conservation proposals, which include an increase in conservation funding of 7.8 billion dollars. Report (2:00 wma)
USDA Releases Farm Bill Proposals
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns Wednesday unveiled the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2007 farm bill proposals. The more than 65 proposals correspond to the 2002 farm bill titles with additional special focus areas, including specialty crops, beginning farmers and ranchers, and socially disadvantaged producers. Details are available at www.usda.gov/farmbill. Among the proposals are payment limitations and increased conservation funding. Conservation Report …
Septic Systems Can Be Pollution Sources
Septic systems can also be a common cause of non-point source pollution in rural Alabama and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service urges homeowners to take care of them. Report (1:30 wma)