Alabama NRCS Takes Part in AACD Annual Meeting

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Cattle, Environment, Field Crops, Forestry, General, Livestock, Specialty Crops, USDA-NRCS, Water

Many folks were in attendance at the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts annual meeting in Orange Beach this week, including Alabama State Conservationist Ben Malone. He said USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is proud to partner with the many folks who were there in conservation efforts across the state. Download Audio

Alabama Association of Conservation Districts Holds Annual Meeting

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Cattle, Environment, Field Crops, Forestry, General, Livestock, USDA-NRCS, Water, Weather

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

Randall Weiseman Cattle, Citrus, Field Crops, Florida, Forestry, General, Industry News Release, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, Water

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 …

Florida Application Deadline for Wetland Reserve Easements is November 15

Randall Weiseman Cattle, Citrus, Client Features, Environment, Field Crops, Florida, Forestry, General, Livestock, Specialty Crops, USDA-NRCS, Water

Agricultural landowners and Indian tribes in Florida are being reminded by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida that you have until November 15 to apply now for a Wetland Reserve Easement for fiscal year 2017 funding. Download Audio

Administration Given More Time to Defend WOTUS

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Florida, General, Georgia, Water

The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers now have an extra month to file their defense of the Waters of the U.S. Rule, or WOTUS. Pro Farmer’s First Thing Today says the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals extended the deadline to file their response in defense of the rule from

USDA Designates 4 More Counties in Alabama as Primary Natural Disaster Areas

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Cattle, Field Crops, Forestry, General, Industry News Release, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Water

From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Coosa, Cullman, Fayette and Sumter 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. …

New Technology Helping Growers Save Water

Randall Weiseman Citrus, Florida, Fruits, Georgia, Specialty Crops, Technology, Vegetables, Water

We told you a few weeks ago that new technology was being tested by several farmers to see if it saves water usage. The technology allows farmers to access soil-moisture readings right from their phones, with updates every three hours. Kelley Morgan, professor of soil and water science with the University of Florida/IFAS, explains how this works. Download Audio