EQIP

USDA Accepts EQIP Applications on a Continuous Basis

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

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind landowners about the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). By providing financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers, EQIP addresses natural resource concerns and delivers environmental benefits. Those benefits include improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat. EQIP provides cost share assistance …

food waste

USDA Invests in Two Florida Composting and Food Waste Reduction Projects

Dan Conservation, Environment, Florida, USDA-NRCS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing more than $7.5 million in 26 cooperative agreements that support innovative, scalable waste management plans to reduce and divert food waste from landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) notes two Florida projects have been selected.  The Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) cooperative agreements are part of USDA’s …

florida

USDA NRCS Florida Holding State Technical Advisory Committee Meeting

Dan Conservation, Environment, Florida, USDA-NRCS

Florida agricultural leaders will have the opportunity to discuss natural resource priorities, as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) will host a State Technical Advisory Committee meeting on January 14th, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Eastern. The meeting is designed to provide a report for Florida natural resource and program priorities and USDA decisions and to seek recommendations.  The …

farmers

Using 3D Technology to Help Farmers with Weed Suppression

Dan Conservation, Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG), Environment, USDA-NRCS

Through a Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) partners are using 3D imagery to map cover crops and weeds with precision, helping farmers make informed decisions on how to control resistant weeds on their operations. While cover crops are helping curb weed growth, more tools are needed to support farmer success. NRCS CIG partners, North Carolina State University, Texas A&M …

initiative

Initiative Offers Year-Round Soil Solutions Nationwide

Dan Environment, Soil, Soil

The Forever Green Initiative at the University of Minnesota aims to address one of agriculture’s biggest challenges: keeping soil covered and healthy throughout the year. While the program began with a focus on the Upper Midwest’s shorter growing seasons, co-director Mitch Hunter says its methods can help farmers in other regions as well. “We want to not just find partners …

investment

Record Investment in Private Lands Conservation in 2024

Dan Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE), Conservation, Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environment, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), USDA-NRCS

In Fiscal year 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supported more than 23,000 climate-focused conservation contracts funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. Those investments covered over 11 million acres, which contributed to the highest total investment in private lands conservation in any year in the history of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  The Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest …

fertilizer

Study Shows Fertilizer’s Economic Impact

Dan Economy, Environment, Fertilizer

The Fertilizer Institute released the 2024 Fertilizer Industry Economic Impact Study, highlighting the importance and economic contributions of the U.S. fertilizer industry on national, state, and local economies. The study also underscores the global nature of fertilizer markets and the importance of open markets and fair competition in providing farmers access to vital nutrients exactly when and where they are needed. …

Christmas tree

Give Your Christmas Tree Life After the Holidays

Dan Conservation, Environment, Soil

When finished with that Christmas tree, quite a few are sent to landfills. But according to a story from Clint Thompson, there are alternatives to recycle and repurpose those trees. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

report

Report Warns Losing Glyphosate Could Reshape Farm Bill Costs and Policies

Dan Agri-Business, Environment, Farm Bill, Funding, Legislative, Regulation

A recent report released by The Directions Group, formerly known as Aimpoint Research, outlines potential ripple effects across several key areas of U.S. agriculture policy if farmers lose access to glyphosate. According to the report, titled “Farm Bill Programs and the Role of Crop Protection Tools,” reduced availability of the herbicide could significantly affect costs, yields, and various titles of …

fertilizer production

USDA Investing in Domestic Fertilizer Production

Dan Environment, Fertilizer, Fertilizer, Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), USDA-RD

The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced investments in domestic fertilizer production in nine states to increase competition, lower fertilizer costs for American farmers, and lower food costs for U.S. consumers. As Tyron Spearman reports, one of those states is Georgia. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “When we invest in domestic supply chains, we drive down input costs and increase …