Bobwhite Pilot

USDA Announced Bobwhite Pilot Project, General CRP Signup

Dan Conservation, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Environment, This Land of Ours, USDA-NRCS

A new conservation initiative from NRCS. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching a new conservation initiative, the Working Lands for Wildlife’s Northern Bobwhite Pilot Project. NRCS has also announced the signup dates for USDA’s General Enrollment signup in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which opens March 4. Both conservation opportunities give …

conservation

Farm Conservation One Key to Fighting Climate Change

Dan Climate Change, Conservation, Environment, USDA-NRCS

Last year was a record setting year for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). When it comes to conservation work, some 2.8 billion dollars was spent on various projects across the country. That was NRCS Chief, Terry Cosby, who says these farm conservation projects can help fight climate change. For fiscal year 2024, NRCS has $3 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funds …

soil surveys

USDA-NRCS in Georgia Seeks Proposals from Conservation Minded Partners

Dan Conservation, Environment, Georgia, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) is requesting proposals to assist with implementing some key priorities. The objective of this Notice of Funding is to obtain Technical Services and Projects to enhance conservation technical assistance and Farm Bill program delivery across Georgia. Conservation minded organizations, who wish to apply, should demonstrate how they can ensure equity in the delivery …

nrcs

NRCS Seeking Public Comment on Conservation Practices

Dan Cattle, Conservation, Environment, Livestock, Pasture, USDA-NRCS, Water, Wetland

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to eight national conservation practice standards. Proposed revisions to the national conservation practice standards include: Comments should be submitted via regulations.gov or via mail by March 4, 2024. NRCS regularly reviews all national conservation practices to seek opportunities to increase flexibility and incorporate new technologies to help the nation’s farmers, ranchers, and private …

small farms

USDA Helping Small Farms

Dan Agri-Business, Conservation, Economy, Environment, Funding, Greenhouse Gas, This Land of Ours

How the USDA is helping small farms. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Testifying before the House Agriculture Committee Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack listed several ways the USDA is helping small and mid-sized farms. “Climate Amart Agriculture Commodity initiative helping smaller-sized producers get a value-added proposition. Having farmers qualify for ecosystem service markets and when they do …

conservation

USDA to Train Future Conservation and Climate Leaders

Dan Climate Change, Conservation, Environment, USDA-NRCS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a new effort to train the next generation of conservation and climate leaders. As part of the American Climate Corps (ACC) initiative, the Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) will provide technical training and career pathway opportunities for young people, helping them deliver economic benefits through climate-smart agriculture solutions for farmers and ranchers across the …

Climate-Smart Easements

Record Investment in Private Lands Conservation

Dan Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE), Conservation, Environment, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), USDA-NRCS

It was announced Tuesday that the Biden Administration made record investments in private lands conservation in fiscal year 2023. This was all through resources made available by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), with the largest investment in climate action.  In fiscal year 2023, USDA supported more than 45,000 conservation contracts, more than any year in the 89-year history of USDA’s Natural Resources …

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Commissioner Simpson Announces Preservation of Three Florida Family Farms Through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

Dan Conservation, Florida, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)

(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of three family farms in the Florida Wildlife Corridor through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The K-Rocker Ranch, a 707-acre ranch in Polk County, the Los Niños Farm, a 998-acre timber and cattle operation in Putnam County, and the Kuder …

csp

CSP Sign-up is Underway in Georgia

Dan Conservation, Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environment, Georgia, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) has announced sign-up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is underway. Agricultural producers and forest landowners looking to build on previous conservation efforts and building climate resiliency should consider one of two funding opportunities available to them this year and apply by March 8. “The Conservation Stewardship Program continues to help our customers invest in more …