Georgia

Inflation Reduction Act in Action: Funding Makes Georgia Farmer’s Dream Come True

Dan Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Georgia, USDA-NRCS

Back in 2017, Zach Hightower bought Shoal Creek Farms, a 250-acre cattle and poultry operation in Madison County, Georgia, after leasing it for several years. And over the past few years, through the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) he applied for assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to help address several problems on the farm. Some of these applications were …

florida

Florida NRCS Offers Agricultural Landowners Extended Opportunity to Sign Up for Conservation Easements

Dan Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE), Florida, USDA-NRCS

Florida agricultural landowners interested in protecting the integrity of their property have an opportunity to safeguard their land with a conservation easement. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) is accepting applications for the ACEP Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) during an additional signup period that runs through May 31, 2024. While NRCS does accept agricultural conservation easement applications year-round, these applications are for …

water

First of its Kind Water Saving Pilot Project in Alabama

Dan Alabama, Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), Cattle, Livestock, USDA-NRCS

Watersheds are the natural source of water for every living thing and require ongoing conservation measures to ensure everyone thrives. So, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama (NRCS-AL) continues working with local soil and water conservation districts, local government agencies and land grant research institutions to explore innovative methods that help offset the effects of climate change and build resiliency …

conservation

USDA Makes $1.5 Billion Available for Conservation and Climate-Smart Ag

Dan Climate Change, Conservation, Environment, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), USDA-NRCS

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an historic $1.5 billion was being made available in fiscal year 2024 to invest in partner-driven conservation and climate solutions. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting project proposals until July 2, 2024 through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This will help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies …

Grazing Lands

USDA-NRCS Working to Expand Conservation on Grazing Lands

Dan Cattle, Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI), Livestock, Pasture, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants livestock producers to know it is working to expand conservation on grazing lands. This involves investing up to $22 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers. “Privately owned grazing lands cover nearly 30 percent of the national landscape, which means we have a tremendous opportunity to address climate …

nacd

NACD Sends Letter Requesting Funding for Conservation Programs

Dan Conservation, Environment, National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), USDA-NRCS

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and a coalition of agriculture and conservation organizations recently sent a letter to the leaders of the U.S. House and Senate appropriations committees requesting at least $1.2 billion for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation operations and full authorized funding for farm bill conservation programs in Fiscal Year 2025. More than 85 conservation and agriculture groups signed …

livestock

Livestock Producers 37 Alabama Counties Are Eligible for Drought Recovery Assistance

Dan Alabama, Cattle, Livestock, Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), USDA-FSA, USDA-NRCS

(NRCS-AL/MONTGOMERY, AL/April 1, 2024) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Clifton Warren today announced that FSA is now accepting applications for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) in 37 Alabama counties for grazing losses due to drought. The deadline to apply for 2024 LFP assistance is Jan. 30, 2025. Counties approved for LFP include …

grazing lands

USDA Seeks Partnerships to Expand Conservation on Grazing Lands

Dan Conservation, Environment, Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI), Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI), Pasture, USDA-NRCS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $22 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals through its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) until May 26, 2024. Through GLCI, NRCS will use partnerships to increase technical …

applications

Applications for USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants are Due April 9

Dan Conservation, Environment, USDA-NRCS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for grants to support urban agriculture and innovative production. Applications for USDA’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production grants are due April 9, 2024, via grants.gov. “This grant program has proven very popular and impactful in recent years, and we look forward to partnering with more communities nationwide to strengthen local food systems …

signup

Signup Deadline Nearing for Alabama’s ACEP-ALE Easement Program

Dan Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE), Alabama, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama (NRCS-AL) reminds eligible entities that the Fiscal Year 2024 Farm Bill Easement and Financial Assistance Programs signup deadline is March 31, 2024 for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE). Eligible entities may submit proposals to NRCS to acquire a conservation easement on eligible agricultural land. NRCS does not accept applications for ACEP-ALE …