Southeast AgNET

  • A multi-media enterprise dedicated to “deep southeast” agriculture…
    News

Importance of Pollinators

NRCS Chief Dave White Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief, Dave White says public education about the importance of pollinators to American Agriculture and our nation’s food supply is key in preventing populations of bees, butterflies and other natural pollinators from dwindling.

AL:
FL:

CSP Signup Coming Soon


Dave White, Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, said USDA has nearly completed work on the economic analysis and rules for CSP and he is hopeful signup will being soon.

Protecting Pollinators

NRCS Chief Dave White
Last week was celebrated as the 3rd annual National Pollinator Week. And USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Dave White explains why pollinators deserve the recognition.

AL NRCS Offering Grazing School Clinics


USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama invites cattle producers to attend an Alabama Grazing School clinics being offered.

To learn more about the upcoming schools click on www.al.nrcs.usda.gov

Air Quality Issues

Acting State Conservationist for Florida NRCS Michele Laur has had experience working with air quality issues during her tenure in DC and says that those issues will continue to be a priority.

Environmental Services Markets

The 2008 farm has brought several new conservation programs to life and Michele Laur, acting state conservationist with the Florida Natural Resources Conservation Service says one of those is called the Environmental Services Markets.

AL NRCS State Conservationist Bring Different Perspective

Dr. Bill Puckett
With about three months under his belt as the State Conservationist for Alabama Natural Resources Conservation Service, Dr William Puckett, says that his previous work in Washington DC allows him to bring a different perspective back to his home state.

Precision Farming Signup Deadline

Today, June 19, 2009, is the cutoff date for additional signup for the new Precision Farming Incentive. Information and eligibility requirements are available on the AL NRCS website or those interested can contact their local NRCS office.

Emphasis on Program Accessibility

Leonard Jordan
The 2008 Farm Bill put emphasis on the accessibility of conservation programs and Leonard Jordan NRCS Acting Regional Assistant Chief for the East explains how they are reaching out to under served producers.

Initiative Targeting Underserved Forest Landowners

AUBURN, Ala. – State Conservationist Dr. William Puckett with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced June 30, 2009, as the cutoff date for a Partnership Initiative with the Alabama Forestry Commission Targeting Underserved Forest Landowners under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applying for EQIP is continuous; however, selecting applications for funding is completed periodically through batching periods with specific cutoff dates.


Read the rest of this entry »

Last Day for Organic Initiative

June 12, 2009 is the last day for Florida farmers to apply for USDA’s new Organic Initiative.

New Opportunities for Ag with 2008 Farm Bill

The 2008 Farm Bill took quite a bit of time to draft and has also been delayed in its implementation. But Michele Laur, acting State Conservationist for Florida NRCS assures farmers that the end result will be a positive one.

New Acting State Conservationist

Florida NRCS has a new acting State Conservationist, Michele Laur, who will be serving in the role for the next three months.

Additional Signup for Precision Farming Incentive

State Conservationist Dr. William Puckett with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced June 19, 2009, as the cutoff date for an additional signup for the new Precision Farming Incentive under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applying for EQIP is continuous; however, selecting applications for funding is completed periodically through batching periods with specific cutoff dates.

Read the rest of this entry »

EWP Funding Requested in NRCS Budget

NRCS Chief Dave White
USDA’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program was among the list of projects presented to a house sub committee for consideration for funding of fiscal year 2010.

FL NRCS Organic Deadline Approaching

Florida Natural Resources Conservation Service extended sign up for the new Organic Initiative is coming up on June 12, 2009. The 2009 Organic Initiative is a nationwide special initiative to provide financial assistance to National Organic Program (NOP) certified organic producers as well as producers in the process of transitioning to organic production.

AL Watershed Projects Receive Funding

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that USDA will provide nearly $42.3 million in additional funding to 14 states to improve water quality, increase water supply, decrease soil erosion, and improve fish and wildlife habitat while creating jobs in rural communities as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Read the rest of this entry »

AL Organic Deadline Reminder

The extended deadline for Alabama farmers who are transitioning to organic agriculture, or who are currently certified organic, is June 5th.

Poarch Creek Tribe Pleased with NRCS Services

Buford RolinAlabama Natural Resources Conservation Service has been reaching out to the tribal community by working with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians through various conservation programs and Tribal Chairman Buford Rolin says its been a rewarding experience.

AL NRCS Hoping to Soon Implement Programs

Dr. Bill Puckett
With the fact the 2008 farm bill was late in coming, the work of actually getting programs implemented was delayed, but Dr. Bill Puckett, State Conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama, said they hope to get their programs going soon.

Liaisons Used to Cultivate Tribal Relationships

Leonard JordanThe Natural Resources Conservation Service has been making an effort to reach out to Tribes in order to educate them regarding opportunities through various NRCS programs. Leonard Jordan Acting Regional Assistant Chief for the East says that the process has been successful.

Tribal Initiative

Leonard JordanUSDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service recently held a meeting regarding their ongoing Tribal Initiative which Leonard Jordan, Acting Regional Assistant Chief for the East, says has been very successful.

Organic Initiative Signup Extended

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has extended the application period for the new Organic Initiative.

The 2009 Organic Initiative is a nationwide special initiative to provide financial assistance to National Organic Program (NOP) certified organic producers as well as producers in the process of transitioning to organic production.

Alabama:
Florida:

American Indian Program Delivery Initiative

Bill PuckettThe Alabama NRCS held an American Indian Program Delivery Initiative meeting earlier this week and State Conservationist Dr. William Puckett, says it was a great opportunity to inform the group about services available through the 2008 Farm Bill.

Small Farms Conference

The Florida Natural Resources Conservation Service is encouraging landowners to attend the statewide Small Farms and Alternative Enterprise Conference. More information can be found on their website.

WRP Workshops This Week

Alabama’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will be hosting three workshops this week regarding the Wetlands Reserve Program. For specific dates, times and locations visit their website.

AL NRCS Holding WRP Workshops Next Week

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama wants to remind landowners about three Wetlands Reserve Program workshops coming up next week.

Learn more or register for a WRP workshop at the Alabama NRCS website

FL NRCS Educates Students Through Ag-Venture

Courtesy of Bob Stobaugh, NRCSCourtesy of Bob Stobaugh, NRCSLast fall, approximately 1,300 Highlands County third graders had the opportunity to participate in Ag-Venture. A 3-day program for students to gain experience, understanding, and appreciation of our local agricultural practices.

FL NRCS: $1.325 Million Available for Florida Organic Producers

Applications Accepted Until May 29, 2009 - GAINESVILLE, May 8, 2009—The United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida announces over $1.3 Million in funding available for qualified applicants for a new Organics Initiative. The initiative meets the Obama Administration’s promise to encourage more organic agriculture production. Funding for the initiative is being made available as part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). “Assisting organic producers is one of the priorities of the 2008 Farm Bill,” said Carlos Suarez, State Conservationist for NRCS in Florida. The 2009 Organics Initiative is a nationwide special initiative to provide financial assistance to National Organic Program (NOP) certified organic producers as well as producers in the process of transitioning to organic production. Read the rest of this entry »

Emergency Watershed Protection Program Assist Counties in Need

Gadsden County Courthouse - courtesy of Bob Stobaugh, NRCSLake Talavana EWP project - courtesy of Bob Stobaugh, NRCSTropical Storm Faye wreaked havoc on much of Florida last year including Gadsden County. However, the county was able to promptly address flooding and erosion issues of Lake Talavana through a partnership with Florida Natural Resources Conservation Service’s EWP program.

Web development & design by