USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama wants to remind producers that funds are available to help install edge-of-field stations that monitor water quality as it leaves their fields. This program, through the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI), is for six watersheds in Alabama that run into Guntersville Lake. Play Audio
Ruling Could Have Some Bearing on Pending WOTUS Case
Many farm groups are calling the Supreme Court’s ruling that landowners can challenge the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers “judicial determinations” on wetlands in court a win for farmers and ranchers. With all justices agreeing, the high court said landowners are not
Supreme Court Rules Farmers Can Challenge Wetlands Determinations
Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that landowners can challenge the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers “judicial determinations” on wetlands in court. According to the Hagstrom Report, the ruling could have broad ramifications because it raises questions about the future of the Clean Water Act, which prohibits “the discharge of any pollutant” without a
Florida, Alabama Senators Ask Leaders for Help in ‘Water Wars’
FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: After earlier attempts failed, U.S. senators from Florida and Alabama are working on a new effort to get Congress to intervene in their states’ long-running “water wars” with Georgia. Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Bill Nelson, D-Fla., on Monday joined Alabama Republicans Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions in writing a letter to
Georgia Governor: Maybe Rubio Should Face a Gag Order
FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal on Wednesday made a rare public comment about his state’s ongoing battle with Florida and Alabama over the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river system, which the three states share. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reporters asked Deal at a bill-signing event about last week’s proposal by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., to require …
Efforts Continue against the EPA’s WOTUS Rule
Many in agriculture continue efforts to fight the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the U.S. rule, or WOTUS. And that includes the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, as their Environmental Counsel, Scott Yager, discusses how they are still working to de-fund WOTUS through legislative efforts. Download Audio
Alabama Funding Regional Conservation Partnership Programs
Funding is available in Alabama for partner proposals through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program. State conservationist Ben Malone wants applicants to know pre-proposals are due May 10. Download Audio
Florida Nursery Owners Urged to Look into Financial Assistance
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida wants to remind nursery owners in six counties that a special sign-up is currently underway to receive financial and technical assistance for installing water conservation practices. Download Audio
Florida Commissioner’s Spotlight: Water Legislation
On this week’s Commissioner’s Spotlight, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam talks to Franko Galoso about the comprehensive water policy, that was recently signed into law, to protect Florida’s water resources. Download Audio You can follow Florida Commissioner Adam Putnam on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Discover more by visiting FreshFromFlorida
Ag in Review for the Week Ending April 22, 2016
In this week’s recap of agricultural news from around the Southeast, we talk about the Waters of the U.S. rule, the growing financial pressures faced by U.S. farmers and ranchers, sustainability in the beef industry, peanuts, cotton