The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday that they are accepting just over two million acres in offers from agricultural producers and landowners through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup. But, as Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack explains, more land is leaving the CRP than is going in. Offers for new land into General CRP were considerably lower than last year’s numbers, with …
USDA Accepts 2 Million Acres in Offers Through Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
(WASHINGTON, May 3, 2022) — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting more than 2 million acres in offers from agricultural producers and landowners through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup, the first of the program’s multiple signups occurring in 2022. With about 3.4 million acres expiring this year, Vilsack encourages producers and landowners …
It’s Earth Day: Anniversary of the Birth of the Modern Environmental Movement
Today, April 22nd is Earth Day. More about that coming up on This Land of Ours. Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement. Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970. Earlier this month Pique Action and earthday.org announced a strategic partnership as part of the ‘Invest In …
CSP Signup Deadline in Georgia is Friday
Agricultural producers and forest landowners looking to build on conservation efforts in Georgia are being reminded of a nearing deadline. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). And while they accept CSP applications year-round, Georgia producers and landowners need to apply by Friday, April 1 to be considered for funding in the current cycle.? Agricultural …
Producers Encouraged to Learn More about EQIP
Each year, farmers face a unique set of challenges, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has programs to help in many cases. An example of that is the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). It provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural and forestry producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits. This includes improved water and air quality, conserved …
DeSantis, Cabinet Back Land Deals
(NSF/Tallahassee/March 29, 2022) — In projects ranging from the Florida Keys to the Panhandle, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet on Tuesday approved a series of land deals to help shield more than 17,000 acres from potential development. The deals include: Spending $10.6 million to purchase a conservation easement from Lykes Bros, Inc. on 6,864 acres in the Fisheating …
Seeking Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award Nominations
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has opened the nomination period for the 2022 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award. Nominations must be submitted to FDACS by April 15, 2022. Get the nomination form here. “Through work in soil and conservation, pesticide and nutrient management, wildlife habitat conservation, and so much more … significant environmental contributions are the backbone of Florida’s thriving agriculture …
Conservation Trends Highlight New USDA Report
A new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report shows use of no-till, crop rotations, more efficient irrigation methods and advanced technologies have climbed in recent years. The report, “Conservation Practices on Cultivated Cropland: A Comparison of CEAP I and CEAP II Survey Data and Modeling”, is from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). It demonstrates progress made through voluntary conservation over a …
DeSantis, Cabinet Eye Conservation Deals?
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE/March 23, 2022) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet next week are expected to consider nearly $40 million in land deals that would help keep more than 17,000 acres from future development. Targeted sites range from 2.85 acres of hardwood hammocks in the Florida Keys to 932 acres of ranchland in Hardee County to a 3,610-acre parcel in …
USDA in Georgia Seeks Proposals from Conservation Minded Partners
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia is requesting proposals to assist with implementing key priorities in the state. Conservation minded organizations, who wish to apply, should demonstrate how they can ensure equity in the delivery and implementation of all NRCS programs and Services. This includes increasing assistance for climate-smart agriculture and forestry to support producers in building resiliency across …